Go! Take a hike.

I mean literally !!

“It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” -Sir Edmund Hillary

Last weekend on a business trip, I had an opportunity to explore the hills of Gujarat. This beautiful state of India has so much to offer – gorgeous terrain, unexplored jungles, wildlife, uniquely delicious food, and sweetest people. I hiked Girnar hills (16KM & 10000 steps) and Palitana hills (5KM & 3500 steps) which are full of lions, leopards, and deer.

Hiking for me has been a way to reconnect with myself, more of a quick check-in on the purpose and re-energizing for the next mountain to climb. Apart from conquering your body and mind, the calming impact of being in the wilderness just helps clear the mind. These moments when your brain is flooded with feel-good hormones, creativity just takes off.

“On life and peaks, it is the same. With strength, we win the grail, but courage is the thing we need to face the downward trail.” - Jacob Clifford Moomaw

Sharing musings on the corporate world in the context of a long hike.

•  Something humbling about mountains. They keep you grounded.
• Prepare, Prepare and Prepare. Create a mental image of the challenges ahead. It’s the key to a great start and you finish your journey with a higher chance of success.
• Climb to the top is a game of pacing yourself, have self-restraint. Climbing up might be just one of the success factors of the journey. Think holistically.
•  Focus on the next step and the next one – being distracted will bring you down very fast. Do stop and appreciate the view once in a while.
• Smile and greet folks you meet on the way. If you happen to meet any influencers, learn from them.
• Don’t pass judgments on your fellow climbers, everyone is unique and has a different story. If you get an opportunity to help, don’t miss it. Pay it forward.
• On the top, you may find yourself lonely with great views. It’s by design. Look back and cherish all the experiences you gained while climbing up. The journey feels worthwhile.
• Navigate downhill slopes gracefully. Have courage, stay centered and take small steps. Look ahead, you may find a new opportunity on the way.
• You can climb any mountain. Have discipline, determination, and focus. Just one step at a time. Keep climbing! 

“The Mountains are calling and I must go” - John Muir

If you can think of a few more, please do share.