Thu, June 24, 2010 - 9:23:31

With SMALL, You Can Climb Mountains

Earlier this week, we caught a story on the Today Show that stopped us in our tracks. At age 65, following hip replacement surgery, one man made a decision that might sound crazy to the average person: he decided to climb Mt. Everest. While it might sound like a recipe for disaster, his decision turned out to be the adventure of a lifetime—and he conquered his massive goal by taking it on one small step at a time.

It all started a few years ago, when Don Healy set out on an effort to get fit and lose weight. In the process, he remembered a dream he had as a ten year old boy: to someday climb a mountain.  And so, even though he hadn’t exercised in years, Healy set out on a serious training regimen, growing stronger and more fit day by day, until he was able to climb one small peak. As time went by, he climbed more mountains, a bigger one each time, with the goal of someday climbing the world’s tallest somewhere in the back of his mind.  And even after the setback of a hip replacement surgery, he continued on with his training, slowly but steadily moving closer to his goal, until, finally he made it to the top of Mt. Everest.

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It all underscores one powerful idea: when you think small, you can climb mountains: both real and imagined.  In your personal and professional life, there are times you will be faced with a task that seems so daunting, you simply want to give up—and that’s the problem with thinking big. It’s overwhelming.  But, when you prepare yourself—be it mentally, physically, or intellectually—then, break down the task into manageable mini-tasks and check them off one by one, you not only gain more control over the situation, you set yourself up for success.

Of course, like Don Healy, it’s likely that you will encounter obstacles and setbacks along the way, but when you maintain your micro-focus on achieving the small milestones, you will find that the big things happen more easily. The trick is to keep looking straight ahead, not too far upwards. That way, instead of becoming overwhelmed by the immensity of the task at hand—be it a big pitch at work, a weight loss goal, or even a real mountain climb—you will be inspired each time you rack up another small victory.

So, whatever heights you aim to reach, don’t be afraid to go for them, but remember to start small. You’ll find the ascent is much easier when you take it inch by inch.

Posted by Linda and Robin