The Journey

Finding Success

There is nothing more freeing than standing on top of a mountain peak, looking out over miles and miles of the mountain range. The clouds, the air, the sun moving around you, but the world is still; without a sound. It is a sensation I can never seem to capture with a camera or on the video to share. It is a space that is truly free. I could spend forever on the peaks if not for my desire for luxuries; a toilet, shower, and a soft, bug-free place to sleep.

Finding Focus… In the rush of the world far below the peaks of the mountains, it can be easy to lose focus. Trying to listen to co-workers and family through the static of my thoughts. Rushing from one event to another to be supportive and involved. It is in the quiet time of the day, I can think back to the climb where my thoughts are categorized away into a clean and orderly function. Once my thoughts are organized, ideas seem to flow fluidly, sparking new ideas.

Finding Strategy…What is my angle? Who do I need to reach? What is the most direct route? What would grab their attention and compel them to “share’ the campaign? Powerful enough to entice them enough to donate or purchase a product or service. It is the same buy-in I rally for in my family before we tackle another mountain in the Adirondack Mountain 46. Plotting out the path, evaluating the terrain, allocating the time, preparing the supplies.

Finding Words…Words to compel people to listen, think, and act. The creative edge to convey the product or service above the rest, not just another cookie cutter. A campaign so interesting people follow it on social media, comment on news feeds.

Finding Purpose…We hike as a family to teach problem-solving, perseverance, planning, and teamwork mentality. These are the same skills leaders in any field need to possess.

Filling our camel pack’s we prepare for hiking Three Brother and Big Slide (elevation 4,239′; elevation gain‎ ‎2,800 feet; total loop‎ ‎9.6 miles) the first week of July in 2018, with heat indexes in the low 100’s. Starting the climbing after 5 am, we hiked the exposed spine of the mountain with a breeze cutting across the trail as the sun rose. It was breathtaking. There are three peaks in the Three Brothers. Much farther on Big Slide required using wood ladders secured to the side of the mountain, some which had rotted away in sections. Reaching the summit at 11:20 am, the view was stunning, and we met amazing people at the summit. People shared stories about their climb, other climbs, and journeys in life. Two knowledgeable climbers named distant mountains.

Descending the mountain under the trees protected us from the blazing sun. The trail traverses a river many times, and we lost track of the distance

we traveled. Exhausted, out of drinking water, and thirsty, the trail forked with a sign pointing to 3.2 more miles. Our choice was to travel back to the river for water or down another trail. Around the bend of the trail was a ranger station. The ranger kindly filled our bladders with fresh well

water and gave us a couple of bottled waters. Returning to our trail we continued out. The terrain was flat now and with easier footing. We gave the bottled water to others who had not been as lucky to find the ranger station. We returned to our car 12 hours after we began our hike.

Finding The Measure of Success… Our plan kept us out of the sun during the hottest part of the day timing helped up reach the summit and descent before noon. Perseverance kept us moving even during drastic elevation changes. Teamwork helped everyone to get through the obstacles together. Flexibility and perspective helped us to solve problems to successfully finish the hike.

On those days, where static clouds our thoughts and tasks seem unmanageable, we can remember succeeding through tougher circumstances, which gives us a new focus.