Long term vision; Take short steps
In my effort to get out more and experience nature as well as improve my health, I have taken to walking. Walking I am finding is a very tricky thing when it comes right down to it. At times, when the land is flat walking can be brisk, invigorating, fast paced and leave you feeling like you have a full tank of reserve energy to go. But at other times when the land is not so flat walking can be hard, a challenge, an energy zapper from all directions. It can make you remember why you don’t usually walk in the first place. Then you have those walks that start out flat, go up and down and around. Some parts are easy some parts are hard but in the end you still feel a reward.
It was on one of those long walks that I came to a realization. I was running out of steam (I had walked a bit farther than in the past so I was pushing myself) I was faced with a hill. I’m not good at hills usually, but this day I was really not good at hills. I looked ahead at the top of the hill – envisioning my goal. Knowing that if I just kept going I could reach my goal. I then turned my eyes down and followed the path directly to my feet. I had paused at the bottom of this climb, my mind had plotted my course and length and I was not sure all of a sudden that I could make this hill. The path seemed so long and hard – impossible.
I was reminded of how we are all told to plan a long term vision for ourselves. Have your long term 2, 5, 10 year goals plotted out. That was what this long climb reminded me of. The top of the hill was my long term vision for myself, for my team at work, for our department. Being in a new job and becoming the new leader of this group I am now at the bottom of my hill and I wondered if all my plans were reachable. It’s a long climb, it’s going to take lots of time, patience and energy – can I do this?
Taking a deep breath I took one step. I knew my goal, I did not have to look up and see it, I knew it was there. I took another step – looking down it was easier, just one step at a time. Another step and then another, the hill started to get steeper; my breath came a bit harder but still another step. “Breathe through your nose” my husband said when he noticed I was getting out of breath a bit too quickly and I made the adjustment. A few steps more, watching my feet moving forward watching myself moving forward. Then the hill got even steeper and a hand came into vision offering support and strength when maybe I would have given up and stopped. Together we made it to top of the hill. Together I got to stand at the top of my goal – out of breath – legs a bit wobbly – but I was there. I did it. I made it to the top. That is a great feeling!
So, why do I share this story? When I am sure most of you can climb much steeper hills than I and run marathons that only I could ever dream to run. Because once again while out in Nature I am reminded of leadership.
My hill – is everyone’s long term goal or dream. It seems so far off and maybe even unreachable right now.
My individual steps – are a reminder that all you need to have is the goal and a dream something to work towards. Then take the steps towards reaching them. Yes they maybe baby steps at the time – but you are still moving forward still getting closer to reaching your goal.
My husband – is a symbol of any support system you can find along the way. Hands will reach out to help you. Take them, do not be overly stubborn to believe you can do it all on your own. Maybe you can, but it’s always really nice to have someone beside you cheering you on and helping you move forward.
What would a Leader do?
~ Plan out your long term vision for yourself, your department, and with your team. Obtain buy in and see what small steps you can take right now to achieve it!
~ Look around you for your mentors and hands that are reaching out to offer help. Try and take one of those offers and grow from it.
~ What adjustments can you make in your current walk to reach the top of your hill?
~ Let Nature teach you something. Go out and experience the openness and pleasure of being out in the natural world.
~ Look at my store for Nature of Leadership resources.
