Vertical Challenge
23. Nov, 2008 
13 Comments
Having a Drip, Drip, Drop mentality isn’t always easy. Especially when crawling up, what seems to be, an impossible hill to climb.
Most never start, some begin but give up, and few make it. It’s difficult, no doubt about it, but the reward is magnificent.
Seth Godin’s written about The Dip before, and I think it’s a great way to look at life’s adventures. However, I want to focus on the slant that faces so many of us soon after we start something new. This steep hill, or (apparent) “brick wall”, usually surfaces when we experience difficulties such as: we hit a learning curve, things start falling apart, we encounter road blocks, etc, etc. We all know what it looks like, but how do we become that 1% that takes a deep breath, and runs up the hill as fast as we can? Determination, perseverance, resiliency? Yeah, sure…these are all necessary but I would argue that passion is the driving force behind these qualities.
Why is the hill so steep!
Of course, the hill is steep for a reason. It exists, simply to discourage the masses. And give, a select few, the opportunity to be great. Mediocre won’t cut it. Being average won’t do. In fact, good isn’t good enough. The only way to make it to the top of the hill is to struggle. Yes, struggle.
I’m not talking about running a 10k, I’m talking about finishing well in the New York Marathon. Of course, we all live in our own little worlds. I have what I consider to be an impossible climb. You have what you consider to be an impossible climb. Each hill is unique for that individual…but what we do with that hill is what matters. It’s a choice really. Will you settle for being average? I struggle with this each and every day…but it’s a struggle I don’t think we can pass up.
This is so very true. Anything I have succeeded at has always only come to fruition from getting over that hump, that part of the task where it becomes really challenging and you are sure you are just not going to make it. But you do, you push through and you go above and beyond. And that is what makes greatness.
Well done, my friend.
i am so proud to be amongst the 12 that said ‘post now’.
excellent post.
do one thing everyday that scares you –eleanor roosevelt
you are so very right the hill is steep for a reason but if you stay at the bottom you will be there forever. and that, my friend, is way more frightening.
Unfortunately so many do fail to make it up their hill. For what ever reason the going is too tough, it didn’t go according to plan, or too many don’t want to see you succeed. In deed everyone will support you when you first start out but as soon as they see you struggle they urge you to turn around. To make it to the top of your hill takes allot energy but if you know in your heart that you can do it…then do it don’t listen to others and let them pull you back down again. I beleave it was Zig Ziggler that said don’t die with your music in you…start making your own music
Matthew Shields | Energy Expert
Damn straight, those hills are definitely steep, but what awaits at the top is usually well worth the climb!! Lots of thought provocation for today, thanks for not waiting til tomorrow to post it! :)
LOVE that picture, too! That is too sweet!
Dude, Great post! Again it reaffirms everything we know about pushing through the pain. A Muscle will not grow unless it gets torn apart, tearing it apart causes sweat, exhaustion, and pain. No different from being excellent in anything in our world. Nicely Done!
~Chais Meyer
@Petra – So true, and well said! Thanks!
@Amyz5 – I love that quote by Eleanor Roosevelt! I totally agree with you. To stay at the bottom…. *shutter* – the market loves cold, they love hot, but everyone hates those that are lukewarm.
@Matthew Shields – Excellent thoughts! Yes, unfortunately so many don’t make it to the top of the hill – tragic indeed. One thing to keep in mind though, is at times it’s more beneficial to stop climbing one hill and jump to the next. The tricky part is determining when, and if, that is what truly needs to happen or whether it’s just a lack of courage. Again, great quote!
@Miragi – I think one of the biggest mistakes so many risk, is loosing site of the reward or whatever lies at the top. It’s so easy to stop, look around and settle for where we’re at. You’re welcome! Thanks!
@Chais – Excellent analogy and so true! Thanks!
Great post. Determination is what gets you where you want to be. That path also brings satisfaction. It’s a noble climb.
The trick is to wake up each morning and attack the hill with renewed vigor. There is never an easy path in life, and if it is easy, then look for the catch. There’s always a catch. :) But seriously, anything worth doing is worth doing right, right? So run up the hill, conquer each one as it comes. It’s all worth it because the journey is the whole reason for being.
@Jim – Thanks! You’re right on.
@Ian – Dude, you’re absolutely right. I have this motto “Hit the ground running” and I try to apply it every morning when I get up – not easy…but really has changed my life.
Five days ago, Chais Meyer and I started this new challenge where we hit the ground literally when we first wake up and do as many push-ups as we can. We committed to a 30 day challenge…so we’ll see how I feel later this week. :/
I think the trick is to recognize your natural eb & flow of energy. Some times you can really tackle that hill & sometimes you have to say I’m sort of having an off day. Here’s my rant on the subject ironically…
http://tinyurl.com/6omc65
David, I know this sounds cliche but The Dip really changed my life. Now a year later as I work in two startups, I go back to those principles everyday as new challenges present themselves and the learning curve seems so sharp. One cool comment I had from a sage this past week is that us startups are the ones that will stick it out during this “recession” and we will still be standing when all the masses give in. I sure am shooting for that. Good post!
@johnflurry
great post and I’m going to take on the push-up challenge starting tomorrow! I also try to do as many “impossible” things I can do every day.
@DPaul – Just read your post and left a comment. I totally agree with you. Sometimes you feel like conquering the world, and sometimes you just have to coast for a while. Thanks for sharing!
@John – Great! Yeah, I totally agree. The beautiful thing about us start-ups is we’re totally flexible. We can flip our whole world upside down on a dime and move with the tide. “Recession” or no “recession”, I think we have a huge advantage!
@Gail – Thanks! Sweet, I think it’s a great exercise – totally worth it! :)