Conquering Hard Things: A Lesson from the Summit of Mt. Bierstadt
Each of us has mountains to climb in our lives. They might be literal mountains, like my most recent journey up Mt. Bierstadt, or metaphorical ones - challenging projects, lofty goals, or personal transformations. At times, these climbs can feel overwhelming, a relentless uphill battle against an imposing peak that never seems to get closer. But I've learned some essential lessons while taking others up a 14er that apply just as powerfully to the challenges we face in our personal and professional lives.
We had a bit of a late start to the hike and it was almost midday when we began our ascent of Mt. Bierstadt, one of Colorado's stunning 14,000-foot peaks. Even though it was a weekend there were plenty of parking spots in the trailhead lot. If you’ve ever hiked a 14er near Denver you know how impossible this can be. Most people start early in the morning 4 or 5 am start time in order to avoid the inevitable afternoon weather. But by 11:30 the early morning hikers had already begun to clear out.
The start of the trail heads down right away (meaning an uphill kick in the butt on finishing leg). We passed a bunch of folks finishing their hike. We heard comments like, “Wow, they’re starting late.”, or “They’re not going to get up before the storm.”
Any time I’m out hiking I’m impressed by what our bodies are capable of, and today was no different. As we started, the summit looked impossibly far away.. But we began… like any journey, finding the right trailhead and moving forward with the first step.
*** Important point to remember…there are two critical things you’ve got to do to get started well. 1.) Make sure you are on the correct trail, 2.) Take the first steps.
For the first mile to a mile and a half, the trail was easy-going. As we moved higher, the terrain got rougher, the air thinner, and the physical effort more demanding. There came a point when your legs start "talkin’ to ya" in a language of fatigue and strain. The top of the mountain seemed as distant as ever. It’s critical during this moment to shift your focus from the far-off goal to the immediate journey.
Instead of obsessing over how far I still had to go, I began to focus on the steps right in front of me, and the next landmark within reach. This was not about ignoring the ultimate goal, but about breaking it down into smaller, manageable parts. Each step forward, each rock successfully traversed, each short breath taken in the thin air was a victory in itself. This reframing of perspective transformed the daunting climb into a series of smaller, achievable objectives.
And then, before I knew it, we were standing at the summit, breathing in the panoramic views and the exhilarating satisfaction of having reached the top.
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We were literally on the summit for less than 5 minutes when we saw lightning about 10 miles away (a.k.a. It’s time to get off the mountain). In all, we spent about 4 hours hiking in order to spend 5 minutes “on top”. There’s got to be truth to the saying, “It’s about the journey, not the destination.” This doesn’t negate the destination by any means, in my mind. But, the journey is what it’s all about.
The truth is, life's challenges often appear more daunting than they really are, especially when we look at them from a distance. Whether you're scaling a 14er or navigating your way through complex life goals, remember that the key to conquering hard things lies in taking it one step at a time. Focus on the path immediately ahead of you. Celebrate small victories. And keep moving forward, one landmark at a time.
The journey might be tough, and the air might get thin, but the view from the summit makes it all worth it. And who knows, along the way, you might just discover a strength you never knew you had.
So, whatever your “Mt. Bierstadt” may be, remember to focus on your next few steps. Inch by inch, step by step, you'll get there. Because as the saying goes, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."
So, step forward, climb your mountains, and remember, every journey, no matter how tough, is filled with its own unique beauty and opportunities for growth. Happy climbing!
By the way, if you find yourself in Colorado and are up for an adventure… hit me up.
And if you need a little help clarifying your trailhead, or your first steps, or your landmarks, know that I’m here for you. Some of my favorite work I get to do is to help others gain clairty about those important elements.