October 20, 2009

10 Mountaineering Rules to Guide You to Your Peak   "It's always further than it looks. It's always taller than it looks. And it's always harder than it looks."   Those are 3 rules of mountaineering and they are a good start.  However, there are more.  And they became apparent while trekking up Diamond Head (call it a mountain) inHawaiithe other week.   The concierge said it was a nice walk from the hotel toDiamond Head, at least to the entrance.  It was a hot and sunny morning when John and I started out, and it was uphill much of the way and it was FAR. He lied.  It's always further than it looks, taller than it looks, and harder than it looks.  True.   What about the mountains you climb every day?  Doesn't it seem that they are always further, taller, and harder than they look?  And yet, you climb, because you want what is at the top!   How can you make the peak more attainable?    Stephanie's 10 mountaineering rules to guide you:   Be clear on the mountain you want to climb.  That's your vision.  Furthermore, combine that vision with your values to ensure you are climbing the right mountain for you. Have a plan; at least start out with one.  The plan might change as you move up the mountain and encounter obstacles or detours, yet if you keep the peak in view, you can come up with new plans as needed. Have the right tools.  Do you have what it takes to make the climb?  Your toolbox must include character traits such as perseverance, determination, and desire. Set goals.  One step at a time.  As soon as you reach one milestone, celebrate it, and then reach for the next one. Rest as needed.  Sometimes you need to rest, regroup, or refocus, to stay on the path.  That is not a sign of weakness. Avoid distractions.  Always be asking: "Is what I am doing right now moving me closer to my goals or moving me away?" Banish your negative thoughts of "no can do".  You must have the confidence and belief that you have what it takes to reach the peak of your mountain. Furthermore, climb with people who support you in your quest for the peak. Visualize yourself reaching the peak.  Keep that vision front and center as you climb. Enjoy the climb!  The journey is where it's happening.         "It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves."             Sir Edmund Hillary   "Winners take the time to relish their work, knowing that scaling the mountain is what makes the view from the top so exhilarating."             Denis Waitley   "The way up to the top of a mountain is always longer than you think.  Don't fool yourself, the moment will arrive when what seemed so near is still very far."             Paul Coelho   "A man does not climb a mountain without bringing some of it away with him and leaving something of himself upon it."             Martin Conway     Diamond Headwas further than it looked from our hotel, yet it was worth the trek.  The view from the top was breathtaking.  You could see all ofWaikikiand then some.  The surfers were out in full force, both in Waikiki andMaui, and I'm sure they have their own surf-riding rules for riding the "peak" wave.  Sometimes, though, you do get so caught up in reaching the peak that you forget the journey is really the heart of the trek, so enjoy!   Last week I spoke to the Business Network Women of Nestle Purina inSt. Louis(welcome to the new Balance Beam readers) and this week I travel to Lake Chelan inWashingtonStateto speak to the Washington State Dental Hygienist Association.  If you are interested in having me inspire your group, please contact me.    Have a fantastic week and see you at the peak!   Stephanie   P.S.  Several readers appreciated the piece I did on thank you notes last week, prompting me to write a follow-up on how to write a thank you note.  If you struggle saying thank you, drop me an e-mail and I'll send you the tips.       We grow by "word-of-email" so please feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone whom you think might benefit from and enjoy it. Thanks so much! Contact Us: stephanie@7steps2abalancedlife.com