Orrin Woodward explains that we all start out in the valley, looking up at the mountain with an innate need to climb. Billions of people are made to climb, and yet the summit is practically empty. What happens to most climbers is that they start compromising on what they really want. They start seeing more and more less significant things that can satisfy them for the moment. They're unwilling to endure the painful climb and most of them will give up before they reach the top.
At the events with more than 700 people in total around the country in January, I walked up to Håkan Hellström – Din tid kommer and talked about the difference between being a camper and being a climber. It was a conversation with Thomas Tidlund that inspired me to use this analogy. Thomas is a fantastic leader who, together with his wife Donna Johnsson, will be featured both on the cover and in a long article in the magazine Networking Times in March/April.
To read Orrin Woodward's blog post ”quitters, campers & climbers” in full <click here>
Those who quit keep themselves entertained with things so they don't have to confront the mountain, and they'll do anything to avoid climbing. When these people don't want to see the truth, they do everything they can to defend their behaviour and actually even try to recruit others into not wanting to grow.
Campers start climbing enthusiastically, but at some point during the process the adventure comes to a halt. Through a combination of the results they've already achieved and the pain that comes with climbing, they don't get any further. Their drive is tested against the comfort of the camp. They may have a nice view, but their best days are behind them once they've settled into having done the job ”pretty well” so far.
Campers know the price of the climb too, but they're unwilling to keep paying it. They're convinced they're ”just resting”, but few will ever leave the camp again. Some of the most gifted are happy in the camp, they've reached a good lifestyle, but many are fooling themselves. Everyone has the right to take a break, but not for the rest of their life if they have far bigger goals that matter to them. Take a holiday when you need one, but don't put your goals and dreams at risk.
Climbers refuse to give up no matter how painful the climb gets. They know they're here to scale the mountain and they're willing to do the work to make it happen. Climbers know that for them it isn't about getting the best spot in the camp or collecting the most gadgets in the tent. A climber has dreams and goals and knows that life is about carrying on.
Climbers have learned that one of the keys to a happy life is to keep becoming who they were meant to be. They don't necessarily reach the absolute summit, but they're driven by a constant desire to keep growing.
A true climber conquers the mountain and surpasses themselves in the process. Their journey leaves a path for others to follow towards their own dreams and goals. That makes it possible for climbers to teach others the lessons they've learned through life's mountain climbing.
Each of us has to make our own decision as we look up at the mountain of life. Will you quit, camp or climb?
If you choose to climb, you can use PDCA (Plan – Do – Check – Adjust), which will be an invaluable help on your journey.
Mr Woodward closes with: ”Help others learn life's lessons so they can pass them on to even more people. This is what real success in life is all about.”
