How Do You Get To The Top?
This past Saturday I was catching up with a fellow Colorado entrepreneur, a friend I don’t see as often as I’d like. Doing a year’s worth of catching up, when he hit me with,
“How’s work going?”
My response went something like…
“It’s going…and I’m working.”
I suspect it was the uninspired, desolate tone of my response that triggered him to double-down and dig deeper with a few probing questions about my vision, purpose and passion. All the fun, fantasy stuff entrepreneurs usually enjoy talking about.
After a few attempts it was clear to me that anything short of leaping into and then straight into my own version of the “I had a dream…” speech was going to appease him. So, I opted to just say it:
“I think Entrepreneurs are too focused on—even addicted to—the dream. Carried away in vision and possibility, they eagerly ignore the painful reality that nothing gets done until something gets done.”
I continued…
“Consider the bold pioneers who first climbed Everest. Fueled by strong personal inspiration, their destination crystal clear, the summit, yet between the first step and the summit 99% of their, time, energy and focus was happily spent putting one foot in front of the other.”
While the vision of conquering Everest can be undeniably inspiring, the challenge is found—and conquered—in the moment.
Having pushed myself beyond limits on occasion, I’d expect that you wouldn’t find the climbers investing time nor energy in pre-celebrating at basecamp or reveling about how famous they may become along the route up.
With the realization of the vision well ahead, celebration is reserved for a more appropriate time—like after the achievement, while one’s full focus and attention is placed in the present moment. For there is no one step that is any more or less important than the last step or the next.
And yet, just as a cape and tights are standard issue for a super-hero, it seems that an awe inspiring vision has become standard issue for the entrepreneur.
“Hey, Jim, How’s the T-shirt biz?”
“Great! Warming youthful souls one t-shirt at a time, around the world my friend!”
“Cool. And I thought you were printing kids T-shirts for Disney all these years.” Silly me.
Inspiration and Vision Are Important
I recognize both the trap that an inspiring vision and the importance of it. Meaning matters as does intention. I’m a huge fan of alignment and purpose but I also recognize the downside of “vision addiction” for it’s a condition I’ve been known to suffer with.
When it comes to training my body, I get that the “magic” happens in the single rep, the stroke of the pedal but in work I love possibility. And hence, when it comes to doing the seemingly mundane stuff I naturally opt for possibility and vision. I’d rather seek new ways to leverage gravity than be subject to it on a day to day basis.
Hence the reason why I’ve stopped looking up and started watching my every step with intense focus for a while now. I am fortunate to be in a place where I am aligned with passion and purpose—that’s a given. But I must remain focused on the fact that the real work of serving others is in the simple, daily steps taken.
It’s the Same in Fitness…
This fascination with vision, results and the dream isn’t at all unique to business and entrepreneurs; it’s every bit as alive in losing weight or getting in shape.
We, the people, we love to talk about change, “oooh and aaaah” at amazing “before and after” pictures of people who have done the work, and empathize with the contestants on The Bigg-est Loser.
When we see the “after” photos or an ideal body we want “that” and all the feelings attached to it. We want to be “there” at all costs. Now, if not sooner. But our understanding, appreciation, connection and patience for the vital steps in between “before” and “after” is from weak to broken.
To make matters worse, no marketers, no one who’s trying to get you to buy a solution to your problem wants you to know that there even is even a gap between “here” and “there.” In fact most marketers rely on you not connecting the reality that between “here” and “there” is a grueling series of daily activities to be repeated with purpose, intention and focus day after day after day.
Makes it easy to understand why the quest to get “there” is so often short lived and half-hearted. You cut back and clean up eating for a few days, take a couple walks around the block or heaven forbid hit the gym and the only feelings you get are, “Damn, this is hard!” Which is nothing at all like the feelings your aiming for—the package of joy you’ve bought into.
The day to day hard work of putting one foot in front of the other to change your body and your life just doesn’t correlate for most. There’s nothing in their history to lead them to connect hard daily physical effort and focus with Transformational results. Hence they experience effort only as hard work, failing to celebrate it as steps on the journey to the summit.
There’s no appreciation let alone joy in the “work”—where as the mountain climber knows that each step is purposeful and the experienced trainer or athlete revels in a quality of a successful workout knowing that it’s a step towards the summit.
It’s What Happens Between A and B
When it comes to losing weight, getting fit, or Transformation—going from point A to point B, it’s these two points in the process, the start and finish, that garner all the attention. What gets overlooked is that the Transformation is happens between points A and B—all the real transformative stuff; the training of not just your body but your mind, your will, your spirit is in the steps that carry you to Point B.
To focus exclusively on Point B, the end result, can trap you in fantasy, setting you up for failure. Aerial view of Everest
Imagine yourself standing at the bottom of Mt. Everest, on a clear day and looking as high as your eyes can see, to the summit. Chances are that if you had not done a very detailed break down of the steps in the process, if you didn’t know in your mind every milestone along the way, you’d turn and run, not walk, away.
I’m sure there’s an amazing view from the summit but that’ll have to wait. It’ll be there. Right now the most important step to climbing to your summit is the first one, then the next one.
It reminds of what seems like it should be a punch line to a joke, “How do you get to the top of Mt. Everest? One step at a time.”
Don’t set yourself up for failure by judging progress against visions and dreams—and don’t society or others set you up either.
Contrary to popular fitness magazine myth, not everyone who does a sit-up is trying to get rippling six pack abs nor every person who goes for a jog, training for a marathon. But these are some of the hidden assumptions we hold ourselves and others to. When the reality is sometimes we’re just trying to feel better, look better and be better.
Just the same, the journey to losing a 100 pounds begins with the simple step of eating better, of exercising. It needn’t be any more glamorous than that. To be focused every moment on the losing 100 pounds versus being in the moment is likely more destructive than motivating.
I suggest that it’s great to have a vision, to know where the summit is, write it down and then begin heading in that general direction. From within the vision set small goals and track progress, not distance, from your goal. Just move forward, one foot then the other, embracing each step in the moment, mindful and in the joy that is always there when you are present to the journey.
For it’s in the moment to moment doing that challenge is met, dreams are achieved and life is experienced and well lived.
Strong Vision, Goals and Rituals
For a masterful guide for how to set effective visions, goals and rituals (the daily actions that propel you to your goals) see Chapter 5 of Strength for Life.
As you can see in the diagram from page 65, Visions set direction, Goals call forth result and Rituals are the daily repeats—the steps—that chop down those goals.
You do want to set inspiring visions—they get you moving and keep you going. When you break them down into milestones you end up with aggressive yet realistic goals that you can push you without breaking you. And then finally, it’s the seemingly little things you do each day in support of your goals that bring about the quantum change.
Vision, Goals, Rituals (page 45 Strength for LIFE)
This famous QUOTE captures the essence of the challenging yourself and doing “the thing” that you set out to do.
“The first question which you will ask and which I must try to answer is this, ‘What is the use of climbing Mount Everest ?’ and my answer must at once be, ‘It is no use’. There is not the slightest prospect of any gain whatsoever. Oh, we may learn a little about the behavior of the human body at high altitudes, and possibly medical men may turn our observation to some account for the purposes of aviation. But otherwise nothing will come of it. We shall not bring back a single bit of gold or silver, not a gem, nor any coal or iron. We shall not find a single foot of earth that can be planted with crops to raise food. It’s no use. So, if you cannot understand that there is something in man which responds to the challenge of this mountain and goes out to meet it, that the struggle is the struggle of life itself upward and forever upward, then you won’t see why we go. What we get from this adventure is just sheer joy. And joy is, after all, the end of life. We do not live to eat and make money. We eat and make money to be able to enjoy life. That is what life means and what life is for.”
George Leigh Mallory, 1922
English Mountaineer
Best Known for His Expeditions to Everest
I love the message in those words.
To Your Life @ Full Strength,
Shawn
Follow Me: /Twitter/shawn_phillips
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| Meet The Author, Shawn | |
 | Known as "The Fitness Philosopher," for his deep, clear approach to the cutting through the fitness conundrum, Shawn is a 20+ year veteran in the field of Lifestyle Fitness and Peak Performance. Author of several best-selling book, with one of the most photographed physiques in history, Shawn, with his brother, Bill Phillips (Body for LIFE) catapulted EAS sports nutrition into the world leader and Muscle Media magazine and the documentary movie, Body of Work. He created the first computerized training system in PowerBuilding and the popular Variable Split System for Muscle Mass. Now, in his 40's, a husband and father of two young children, Shawn is passionate about helping busy, high-achieving "men in the middle" enjoy vibrant, energized, amazing, Full Strength lives! He has recently created the World’s 1st and only true premium nutrition shake for men, Full Strength — clinically proven to build muscle, burn fat and boost energy. His most recent book, Strength for LIFE is the "how to" guide to a Lifestyle of Fitness Freedom. |
24. May 2010 at 9:19 am
Hey Shawn,
Awesome! Being a mountain climber myself I can relate to all you said. One thing I have found that causes others to waiver and abandon their dream is the “false summit.”
You think you’re just about there and you back off a bit thinking “Great I’m almost there…I need save some energy.” Then when get there you realize it wasn’t the summit after all and you’ve lost your momentum. It’s a lot tougher to get going now and this is where many abandon their dreams.
These types of individuals start strong and finish weak.
I like to say, “Start strong and finish stronger!”
Again, great post!
24. May 2010 at 10:58 am
One of the best articles I’ve lately … Keeping the mind focused on the present moment and connection to life and the world around is key. You always strike the cord to challenge the drifting nature of a creative and wondering mind.
Thanks for sharing your insights and wisdom Shawn.
Patrick
24. May 2010 at 11:22 am
Awesome article!
I have been discussing this issue with a friend of mine for many years. He’s obsessed with progress and attaining goals. So am I. Yet I believe that the key is to always have something to move towards … while at the same time savoring and being grateful for the place we are currently in; otherwise, we are missing the point entirely. There is a meeting point between seeking Nietzsche’s “Übermensch” and seeking enlightenment by sitting under the Bodhi tree. This space is where I want to live my life.
24. May 2010 at 9:31 pm
Great Article. As a long-time fan and a person who did the BFL Challenge in the year 2000 at the age of seventy and finishing in the top six percent, now enjoying my eighty-first year in perfect health and about to repeat the Challenge just for the fun of it, I can share that the ancient mystics and several of the Eastern philosophies tell those who will listen “Get a clear image of the desired outcome and the direction to take on the journey. Then DETACH yourself from the OUTCOME and become part of the PROCESS, begin the journey. (As you put it, ONE step at a time). I am also an instrument rated pilot and we could take all day to plan a flight, but until we get into the airplane and start the engines and taxi to the active runway and begin our flight, we are no closer to our destination. We detach from the destination and concentrate on where are we RIGHT NOW ( positional awareness) and where are we heading, where are we going?. Flight as well as sailing a boat, requires constant course corrections and most pilots and ship’s captains love the VOYAGE more than the destination. In life the FINAL destination is the cemetery. I am in NO hurry to get THERE. I want to enjoy the JOURNEY, one step at a time. THANK YOU.!
25. May 2010 at 1:15 am
Thank you Dr. Jay… the real Dr. Jay…
Great to hear from you. Seems like it’s been too long! Very pleased to see you…
I am sooo with you on the non-attachment. A practice for me and you sound a bit like George Leonard from his masterful book, Mastery. Great stuff here.
Here’s to the journey, your’s, mine and our collective path.
In Strength,
Shawn
25. May 2010 at 12:25 am
Shawn, your posting was very helpful. It sheds a lot of light on our conversation, much of which I found perplexing. It seems you misunderstood my question. I was inquiring into your vision as I thought that you had just completed Lasik surgery. Turns out that was someone else.
Sorry for the confusion.
25. May 2010 at 1:13 am
Yeah, you funny David…
Ha… but was it you? I follow the name of characters in my stories are changed to protect myself.
Thanks for reading… I gleaned some great clarity from the conversation and as a writer does, colorized the content for impact and clarity.
25. May 2010 at 2:44 pm
Great article, Shawn! The PROCESS is more valuable than the PROGRESS.
26. May 2010 at 2:22 am
Wow, Al… well said! Thank you.
25. May 2010 at 5:07 pm
Hi Shawn,
I totally agree with your perspective both in the gym and in the realm of business. Often time our brains go into Reptilian mode and no matter what we do workout business relationship etc we are stressed. By focusing on the momement at hand, be that the client, the rep, the person or task….. Our brain stays out of this area and we can enjoy the process.
Probably the best thing I have seen written on fitness so far.
Thanks buddy for the words of wisdom, and keep them coming
Jeremy
In the Sunny Riviera Maya Mexico
26. May 2010 at 2:23 am
Thank you much for your addition Jeremy… and run in the Maya… dang, love that place.
What ya doing down there? Sweet…
26. May 2010 at 5:53 am
Hey Shawn,
I work in the resort industry focusing on sales and marketing. I applied your theory on focusing on the momemt both in sales to success and in the gym turning my workout into a “yoga like” hr of weights.
As for running, a little hot to run down here But your HIIT workout is killer in the semi olympic pool at the gym.
Anytime you want to come for a visit let me know….
In fact, you could vacation down here and do a speaking motivational event… and bring some books they would sell like hotcakes!
Cheers,
Riviera Jer.
26. May 2010 at 2:39 am
Hi Shawn,
Awesome article. I loved the simplicity of it – very good wake up call to not be stuck in the clouds dreaming your life away and to actually get down and do the things that need to get done. I think that is all too easy to get stuck in vision/dreaming mode because it is so easy and risk free. As long as our dreams/ visions are just that, they are perfect and can’t fail. The hard work is translating the vision into steps and following them towards its conclusion. Great article. I loved it.
26. May 2010 at 2:42 am
Brett,
Thank you for taking the time to take it in and comment. Well done yourself…
Thanks,
Shawn
31. May 2010 at 4:37 am
Shawn I am always inspired by your blogs and this was no exception. After just completing an 18 week challenge myself, I am in a state of reflection as I figure out where to go from here. I have found myself a bit in a no man’s land of thinking until I changed my focus. The obvious part was that I am not done with my weight loss, and so continuing until I drop the full 80 pounds is my master goal for this year. But beyond that I found a lot of hours on the treadmill going aimlessly wondering WHY am I doing this? Its not for make-a-wish this time…I’m certainly not a runnner…..so what’s my motivation? As I did the race ( I remember high fiving you along the way, ha ha) I focused on the journey and the people doing it with me. I ended up catching up to someone who was really struggling and we finished the race together. We now are friends as a result of that experience, and I realize that along the path, those we touch are just as much a reason as the activity itself (if not more in my case). So thanks for giving me so much food for thought as I continue my journey to complete health and fat loss for 2010. Shawn your work as affected my life for the better so know that you make a difference! -Andrew
31. May 2010 at 4:39 am
I just read my message and forgot to mention that the race I was training for on the treadmill was the Dallas Rock N Roll 1/2 marathon. ha ha Sounded really dumb without that info now as I read it.
1. June 2010 at 11:27 am
Ha… no worries. All good. Tracking with you.
Shawn
1. June 2010 at 11:26 am
Thanks Andrew… appreciate your awareness and kind words. It’s nice to know some one is reading the words I share and “getting” them.
Thank you,
Shawn
7. June 2010 at 11:58 am
WOW! Your blog from May 24th spoke loud and clear to me. It described what I have been going through for years. I have such amazing vision. I talk about doing things, I describe how to go about doing them, I research until I am over flowing with knowledge but I fall short when it comes time to do the work.
I love reading your blogs and I think it is time for me to start reading Strength for Life. You’re awesome Shawn! Thank You!!!