The sun was shining. Backpacks were packed. Water bottles filled. The map we didn’t know how to read looked good. Compass for Instagram photos before Instagram was the thing.
 
You get the picture. We saw the mountain peak. We packed what we thought we needed and set off for a climb we weren’t ready for.
 
Sound familiar? If you are reading this email at some point in your life you set a goal you wanted to achieve and got after it.
 
As we climbed up the mountain trailblazing our own path, my dad and I might have questioned our own discernment a time or two! The only spot flat enough to pitch our tent had a few remnants of bears left behind and a clear bear path to the water. Safety first was not our motto!
 
During your climb to achieve, there might have a been a few circumstances you’ve navigated. Looking back, you think to yourself that there might have been a been a wiser path.
 
We’ve all had those moments:

• What if I would have prepped for that meeting a bit more thoroughly?

• What if I would have held my tongue when my idea was challenged?

• What if I would have executed instead of getting caught up in what I couldn’t control?

• What if I would have considered the options and slowed down to hear opinions?

We’ve all have those moments when looking back would have helped us climb better. I think about the impact this can have at home as well.

• What if I would have been as patient with my kids as I was with my team member?

• What if I would have been as helpful with my spouse as I was with my boss?

• What if I would have been as ambitious with the important home projects as I was with my goals at work?

• What if I would have slowed down to hear from my family before locking in plans that impact them?

We could have done better. We can’t change the past and we sure shouldn’t be letting it hang over us.  What we can do, is try our best to make sure we don’t repeat it.
 
The next few articles will focus on the idea of “climb better”. On our pursuit of success let’s not forget that our fulfillment and legacy is built on how we serve more than what we achieve.
 
Shoot us a note and let us know what lessons you’ve learned over the years and what would have been helpful to you in your leadership journey.
 
Let's chat! (click)