“Though the journey to the top is challenging, you cannot do it alone and you don’t get to stay there long — it is definitely worth the trip!”
When I look at this picture, the euphoria of accomplishment is everywhere. Anyone who has successfully crossed the finish line relating to a challenging goal, a tremendous accomplishment, or a difficult, rewarding journey knows what it is like to have the moment of reflective celebration and joy. It is the combination of a victorious exhale, a smile, and a inner feeling of peace, joy, and fulfillment. And, nothing replaces that inner peace that, while fleeting, goes with the success of accomplishment.
When I look at this picture, I am also reminded of three aspects to accomplishment that influence our ability to keep pushing ourselves to success in other aspects of our life. While many of us have celebrated great accomplishments in our lives, many of us are unaware of the ongoing strength, power, and insight we gain from those accomplishments that can and will inspire us from that day forward.
1. Celebrate Your Successes: Nothing is a substitute for that singular moment of reflection where you get the opportunity to pause and say, “I did it!” What we need to realize and celebrate are the little things we accomplish every single day as we push toward our goals. Every day that you spend time on reaching a goal is worthy of a celebration and acknowledgement that says, I am moving closer to my goal. And, no matter what that effort is or how insignificant it seems, it is a progressive activity in the right direction — forward. Yes, accomplishment may be measured by the “crossing of the finish line”; however, success is only possible when you move forward every single day toward that end. Celebrate those events for they are bringing you to your goals.
2. You Cannot Do it Alone: The journey we travel always involves others. Yes, we may the ones with the vision, who may be doing the work, and who celebrate the victory. But, there is no way we can accomplish anything significant without the guidance, inspiration, support, and encouragement of others. Whatever you are working on, build a team of fans, supporters, and advisers around you. They will be your most important resources on those days when you do feel alone on your journey. Engage, trust, and share with others your vision and your quest. Ask for their insight, support, and their willingness to hold you accountable. Having partners on your journey will only help assure you that you will get there sooner with the right level of support.
3. You Cannot Celebrate Forever: Eventually you will have to climb down the mountain and go back to your “normal” life. Just because you accomplished an incredible feat does not mean you can stop living, growing, pushing, or learning. In fact, life is just the opposite. Once you have learned how to push yourself to incredible levels of success, you are now in a position to share your knowledge, your energy, your formula, and your experiences with others who are working on their goals. Pay close attention to the lessons you learn along the path of your journey. For it is these lessons that will be a tremendous guide to success and accomplishment for you and others. You may never have to go through the journey to accomplishment again; however, the lessons you learn along the way are what you really discovered about success and you. Internalize those lessons, they will be a guide for your life and for others for a long time to come.
Success and accomplishment is not a single, solitary, individual event. It is the culmination of an ongoing, focused effort that involves a series of celebrations, a team of fans, and the awareness of the journey you are on. It is worth the effort, the energy, and the reward. Tackle the mountain — you will be glad you did!!
