Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Forget About Reaching The Top

About a decade, I listened to part of a TED talk someone shared with me.

The speaker was an author (can't recall her name), who'd found success (can't recall with what) and was speaking on that topic (sort of).

But her point was absolutely memorable. And it's something to ponder, especially if you've set any goals in your life.

By the way, it's good to set goals. Keep doing it.

However, she said that we spend so much focusing on the top of the mountain when most of our time is actually spent climbing that mountain - and then climbing back down.

Most of us don't mind the climb up if we feel the goal is attainable. We strive and push for the prize.

Yet the view at the top, however breathtaking and spectacular it must be, lasts for a short time. We then must descend the mountain.

And she said we forget to prepare for that descent.

In fact, for anyone who has outshone someone else (or even outshone yourself) must keep in mind someone else (sooner than you can possibly realize) will be faster, smarter, more succinct, etc.

We will spend most of our time in life on the journey up or the journey down.

We should strive, yes.

Nevertheless, we should also know where most of life happens.

The view there is pretty good, too.

Illustration by Christopher Gleason for "Staked!"






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