The "Mountain Climber" Entry

I made a mistake this month.

Last year, I planned something special for December, and it went really well.

It took a lot of effort and focus which was easy because I had time to dedicate to the cause. It was a successful project, and I decided I would make it a yearly thing.

This was a good decision on paper, but it was in the execution that I made a number of mistakes. The first being that I did not take into account how much my life changed since last year.

Last year, I had fewer responsibilities and more time for the project. But in 2024, my schedule is a lot busier.

I expected that I could execute my plan exactly the same way I did in December 2023 and boy was I wrong! I ended up being greatly overwhelmed by all my tasks and it has been a bit of a struggle to meet up with everything.

Safe to say I have learnt a huge lesson: life changes and we need to change with it.

I was reading up about how mountaineers climb mountains today. I learnt a lot that taught me how to avoid my mistake.

There are different types of mountains and they each require unique techniques, skills and equipment to climb.

For instance, there are mountains called walk-up terrains which are simple paths. For areas like that, little to no equipment or experience is needed to climb and the technique is not so hard.

There is the rocky terrain. That needs a specific skills and equipment. Someone with experience in only the walk-up terrains would not be properly equipped for the rocky terrain.

And finally, the mountains in cold areas. Mountain climbing in the snow is a whole different ballgame from the rest. Especially if it's a high mountain like Everest. Hiking up a walk-up terrain might take a day depending on the height. Mountains like Everest, however, can take more than a month.

It would be insane of someone to be going up a mountain in a walk-up terrain and be fully geared in snow suits with pickaxes. It would also be crazy to try to climb Everest with no gear at all.

Basically, the different terrains demand different skills and equipment. The same way our seasons in lives demand different skills and equipment.

How did this teach me?

Last year, I might not have needed the skill of time management for my tasks because I had little tasks and more than enough time.

But this year, that skill became very necessary.

My mistake was thinking that the skills I had last year were sufficient for this year. But life doesn't work that way. When our circumstances change, we need to change too.

You might be reading this now and you are still running on the skills you got 4 years ago. If you are getting frustrated or overwhelmed, maybe that is why. You might be attempting to climb Everest with the techniques of the walk-up terrain. I do not need to tell you what the outcome of that will be.

We are getting into the last week of the year; it's a good time to reflect and prepare for the year ahead. Don't make the mistake of treating 2025 the same way you treated 2024. Life changes and you have to adjust your approach to match the changes.

There are some key principles that you can keep applying definitely. But remember to factor in changes. Principles don't change but the application might. Just learn to be flexible and wise.

And if you've already made the mistake like I did, find rest in the fact that you've learnt your lesson now and you have a chance for a do-over.

Godspeed!

BOOK I AM READING THIS WEEK: Still reading Miles to Cross by Mike Howerton.

I wish you the very best this week.

See you next Sunday!

Your trusty growth partner,

Dee❤️