Peaks & Valleys, Riding the Rollercoaster of Life

Well firstly, happy New Year to you and I trust the start of 2024 have been a peaceful one for you.

Like most of my blogs, this one started from a conversation with a client who is a leader of people and was seeking to understand how to maintain balance and perspective during varying phases of success and difficulty.

The question prompted me to point them firstly to a book that's like a chat with an old friend who knows a thing or two about life's rollercoaster - "Peaks and Valleys" by Spencer Johnson. You know, the guy who wrote "Who Moved My Cheese?"...him!

What's This Book All About?

Imagine life as a series of peaks (those awesome moments) and valleys (the not-so-great times). Johnson uses this simple idea to show us how to handle these ups and downs. It's like he's handing us a map and a flashlight for the journey.

“You Create A Peak When You Truly Follow Your Sensible Vision. Your Fear Fades And You Become More Peaceful And Successful.”

Learning from the Low Points

Valleys, while tough, are where the magic happens. They're where we learn, grow, and figure out what matters. Johnson says these moments are not just to get through, but to learn from. It's like finding treasure in the dark.

Celebrating the High Points

The peaks? They're great, but Johnson reminds us they're not just for kicking back. They're for reflecting, appreciating, and understanding how we got there. It's about enjoying the view but also looking back at the climb.

The Practical Stuff

I love how Johnson makes it super practical. He's not just saying "life is full of highs and lows" – he's giving us tools to navigate them. Think of it as a survival kit for life's journey.

Here are the fundamental principles from the book:

1. Peaks and Valleys are Inevitable: Life is a series of peaks (high points) and valleys (low points). Both are natural and unavoidable aspects of our journey.
2. Perspective Matters: Valleys are not failures; they are opportunities for growth. It's essential to change your perspective on challenges and setbacks, seeing them as chances to learn and improve.
3. Appreciating Peaks: During peak moments, take the time to appreciate what you have achieved and savour the joy of success. This can help build resilience for future valleys.
4. Navigating Valleys: When in a valley, acknowledge the feelings of longing or dissatisfaction but don't dwell on them. Instead, focus on finding solutions and taking steps to climb back to a peak.
5. Balance is Key: Understanding that life consists of both peaks and valleys allows for a more balanced and realistic perspective. Embrace the ebb and flow of life without letting either extreme overwhelm you.

“when you put your ego aside, you are more likely to leave aValley sooner.”

Why This Book Hit Home for Me

Johnson's style is like a gentle nudge rather than a preachy lecture. He made me feel like we figured it out together. Plus, his tips aren't just fluffy advice; they're grounded in real-life stuff.

"Peaks and Valleys" wasn't just a book for me; it's a mindset. It's about embracing the whole journey, the good, the bad, and everything in between. So, whether you're on a peak or in a valley right now, this book might be the companion you need.

If this book summary hits home, please reach out to understand how you could incorporate its teaching into your life and set yourself up for a cracker in 2024.