What I Learned From Being Stuck On a Mountain

I got stuck on a mountain.

After skiing for the first time ever, I found myself clinging to a pole on Day 2 of ski lessons. Here's what happened...

As someone who has had multiple hip surgeries, never in a million years did I think I'd be able to try a new activity like skiing.

But I tried.?

And it took A LOT of patience, confidence, and determination...not to mention balance (whew!).

And slowly, but surely, I built the confidence to get on a lift to go up the mountain with my class and instructor.?

As I repeated to myself "Pizza. French fry. Pizza. French fry" I cruised through the practice runs on the green.?

My instructor, Julie, was confident I could make it down the mountainside. But as we moved from the practice green to the main run, I saw the ski village and completely lost my cool.

Next thing I hear was Julie yelling: "Don't look at the pole."?

And of course, I looked at the pole.

*SPLAT*

Hitting the pole, I lost my composure, my confidence, and fear got into my head. I couldn't remember how to ski anymore! I ended up removing my skis and walking down the mountain.?

It was so embarrassing, but I wasn't going to let this be the end of my ski experience.?

The next day I got back on the bunny slope and started practicing again. Even though yesterday’s experience shook me up, I didn’t want to give up on myself. I ran into my instructor, Julie, and she gave me a big hug and told me how happy and proud she was to see me skiing again.

What did I learn about myself from skiing?

• Your mindset controls your actions. If you are not feeling confident, you’re going to fall.
• When you do fall, pick yourself back up. There’s always a different way down the mountain.
• Give yourself credit for trying something new. Give yourself grace for failing.?

Although it wasn't the outcome I had hoped for, I know a past version of myself would be really proud of how far I've come.

And I know the future version of myself will be too.

Ready to get unstuck from the mountain? Hi!?? I’m Kelly, a Certified Coach helping people courageously develop their careers and become the fearless leaders they were meant to be. Book a free discovery call at careerslay.com.