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

What can scaling mountains teach us about our professional goals?

1.)??Prep-

#Talent alone can only carry you so far.?The world's most extreme, #accomplished, #powerful mountaineers still train for and plan their routes before an expedition.?Nirmal Purja, known as Nims, has successfully climbed the world’s tallest and steepest peaks.?I am not taking away Nim’s(or yours) sheer heart and will, but he had years of training in the British Special Forces, thousands of ascended feet, and much trial and error for the right gear before climbing his toughest challenges including but not limited to, literal Mt. Everest. Great #preparation will make us more confident when we set off for our goals.?It will make us more #efficient, #decisive, and overall #productive.?We will become familiar with possible challenges and roadblocks we may experience along the way.?

2.)??Ascent

This is where we are tested.?This is obviously not the easy part but maybe the excitement of starting out can help boost us past early cramps, heavy breathing, and maybe even early doubts.?The ascent is the #hardwork.?There is no way around it.?We mapped our route, now it is time to do it.?Look at the top.?Can you see your goal??Maybe take a moment occasionally, catch your breath and take in the views you have already gained.?You can use your training to push through and scramble through the steep sections.?You planned to be here.?This is your time to shine.?Keep pushing! Next stop- the top!

3.)??Peak

You made it to the top! Don’t forget to celebrate this moment.?The views are beautiful that you worked so hard for.?You can, quite literally, look back at your work(route) and see how you were able to climb to the top and complete your goal.?Take your time here. Have your celebratory beverage and eat that hard earned mountain snack!?What can we learn and take in from the early moments of crushing goals??How about #selfappreciation??#Celebrate yourself.?The work, time, and sacrifice needed to get to this point was not easy and there is a reason why not everyone can do it.?Also- call your friends, a significant other, your mom, or a mentor.?We all have #support groups all around us.?They want to know you succeeded. Let them know! Send them a photo of you on top of the world!

4.)??Descent

Don’t overlook this!?This is where you can be a #leader.?Share your experience and #wisdom with the other hikers on their way up.?You know time to peak, weather conditions, any current trail detours.?Communicate what you have learned to your peers.?Let your #success spread! You also may see a fellow hiker carrying a tool or piece of equipment that would make your next summit easier! Takes mental notes.

Now that you are on the downhill you may have the energy to think about what comes next. Maybe you are having thoughts like, “Oh! I had way more in the tank than I thought” or “..that was a lot harder than I originally expected.”?This is normal.?Great job either way!

5.)??Debrief

You made it home.?You kicked your hiking boots off, dropped you day pack, and sunk into your favorite chair.?Before the post climb snooze.?#Reflect.?Assess the blisters on the toes.?What could you have left behind??What was necessary to make it to the top??Did you bring enough water??Did the original plan waver at all??Why??When we complete goals, it is always a great idea to dive in on why we were successful.?Especially soon after completion.?We can recall problems and errors in much greater detail.

So now take that post hike nap- #Dream about the next mountain to conquer!