URL: http://www.esparzaspeakers.com/blog/index.php/view/38/Do_We_Really_Need_to_Go_All_the_Way_to_the_Top
An encouraging word from Rolfe Carawan
A couple of weeks ago, I was in Warm Springs, Virginia, a wonderful little town nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, enjoying a much needed getaway with my wife. Feeling a little restless we decided to take advantage of the beautiful vistas surrounding us. We were encouraged by some friends to visit Ingalis Overlook. They said there was a "short" trail that led to the top of the mountain and, should we take it, we would be rewarded with the most spectacular view in the region.
Since it was so clear, despite the freezing temperatures, we decided that we did not want to settle for just the good view. We wanted the best view! Though a bit of a steep climb the first few minutes were delightful, but soon the cold air and high altitude began to take its toll. Lungs burning and heart racing we came to a clearing that had a good view, and I began to think, "I like good views best."
I knew that Lea was cold and tired, "Do we really need to go all the way to the top?" (We missed the sign that said 2.4 miles to the top and back.) "Should we just turn back now?" It was at this point, that where we were willing to settle for what was good, that we had an unexpected surprise, we saw another couple walking toward us. And, you guessed it, they were descending after experiencing the view at the top.
We greeted each other and through a short conversation we quickly discovered numerous connections. We had graduated from the same college and knew some of the same people. As we ended our conversation, they strongly encouraged us to keep going to the top. "It will be worth it," they said, "you won't regret the effort!" So with renewed resolve we kept climbing the mountain. We finally made it to the top and discovered that, in deed, it was worth the effort. The view was breathtaking. It really was the best!
As I trekked back down the mountain, I began to reflect on how much like life this little adventure was. Three things stood out to me.
There is a really good reason why we need to invite others to hold us accountable to our goals. Why? Because when you are in pain your goals want to change! I wanted to reach the top, but when things became challenging and painful, my thoughts headed downhill. My negative thinking was giving me permission to quit. Therefore, we have to be careful to guard our thoughts, and make them work for us and not against us.
We need encouragement along the way. No matter how strong and independent we think are, when we are tired and in pain, a word of encouragement is needed. It is especially empowering from someone who has been there before us. It may be a quick conversation from an acquaintance or the sustained relationship of a coach, but we need others and their encouragement.
Perseverance always pays off! I am absolutely convinced that as the saying goes, "The good is often the worst enemy of the best." Too often I am willing to settle for what is good because I am not wililng to persevere through the challenge and pain. I quit too soon. But if we will not give up on our goal to experience the best, we will be rewarded with a life full of vistas that few others have ever seen.
Rolfe is an engaging and inspiring business speaker, to learn more about him and the programs he offers check out this page on this website.