The Cave You Fear to Enter Holds the Treasure You Seek

As we step into 2025, the fastest January ever (can you believe it’s almost over?), we all carry the hope of making this year better than the last. But here’s the truth:

success isn’t about setting grand goals—it’s about the habits and routines we build daily.

Think about it. Did you set a goal to hit the gym this year? Maybe you bought the perfect workout outfit or even a shiny digital watch to track your progress. But…are you there now, or have the same excuses from last year crept in?

What’s Holding You Back?

Through my journey of consulting, training, and working with organizations, I’ve realized there’s always one thing that stands in the way of progress:

fear of the unknown. It’s the cave no one wants to enter, yet it’s the place where growth, success, and treasures lie.

As a Bible student, I’m reminded of the man by the pool of Bethesda who waited for 38 years. That’s a long time to stay stuck. How often do we find ourselves in the same situation, paralyzed by fear, waiting for the “perfect” moment to act?

My Story: Lessons from My Grandfather’s Leadership

Growing up, holidays meant heading to my grandfather’s village. My cousins and I, 15+ strong, would gather under his roof. What seemed like a fun family reunion was, in hindsight, a masterclass in discipline, teamwork, and resilience.

My grandfather, Manasseh, had a strict routine for us:

• Night prayers: We were paired for prayers, rotating roles as Bible readers, mini-preachers, and prayer leaders.
• Making breakfast: You were up by 4 a.m. if it was your group’s turn. Rain or shine, wet firewood or not, you had to prepare tea for everyone.
• Farm duties: We walked an hour to the farm, dug our assigned portions, and only left when the work was done. Afterwards, boys gathered Napier grass for the cows while the girls fetched firewood.
• Evening chores: Fence trimming, house cleaning, and preparing for the next day.

The daily grind was tough—sometimes exhausting—but it taught us discipline, resilience, and the value of hard work.

“The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.” – Joseph Campbell        

At the time, I didn’t realize that my grandfather was pushing us into caves—tasks we feared or dreaded—but these very challenges built the habits and mindset that have become treasures in my adult life.

Success Is in the Arena

Theodore Roosevelt once said:

“It’s not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles…but the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again.”        

In today’s world, it’s easy to become critics. We know where others should improve, but how many of us are truly in the arena, ready to sweat, fail, and rise again?

Whether it’s pursuing a certification, starting a business, or embracing project management (like I did), the journey begins when you step into the cave.

Your Call to Action

I challenge you today:

• Enroll in that course.
• Pay for the gym membership.
• Start the business you’ve been dreaming of.

Stop rationalizing mediocrity. It’s time to face the caves in your life and discover the treasures waiting for you on the other side.

My grandfather didn’t let us take the easy road, and I’m grateful for it. Let’s do the same for ourselves and our children.

#HabitsOverGoals #Fearless2025 #LeadershipLessons #Resilience #ProjectManagement #GrowthMindset

What’s the cave you need to enter this year? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your story.