Years ago, in what now seems like a previous life, I used to facilitate team building and leadership development. Programs were delivered to both youth and adult groups. The goal was to observe the group dynamic and lead them to personal and professional growth. Learning opportunites were presented through games and challenges. Give the group a goal, a defined set of rules, and let them loose.

Nearly every group created their own set of percieved barriers…not an actual barrier. Thus, making the end result more difficult to achieve.

What happens when you create a barrier, begin to believe that is a true obstacle, and your thought process is altered? It becomes a crutch. You tell yourself that it is okay to avoid that particular barrier…to not face your fear.

Me? I’ve been hiking for weeks on “crutches”.

Left crutch…night hiking. Scared of the dark? Maybe? Alone, unfamiliar trail, wildlife, and environmental conditions…what would you do? When the days were long, it was easy to avoid night hiking. Now there is not enough daylight to cover the required daily miles.

Right crutch…the High Sierras by myself. Ten, eleven, and twelve thousand foot passes are in my near future, culminating in a thirteen thousand foot pass and fourteen thousand foot mountain. I began to believe I needed a hiking partner…for resupply strategy, support, and security.

Real fears…on created obstacles.

For the past few weeks, I’ve been night hiking. It is really enjoyable. The air is calm, the stars are amazing, and miles seem to come easier. In the next few months, 3-4 times a week, I’ll be night hiking…covering hundreds of miles.

This past section, I had the pleasure to hike in large group. Nine of us moved as unit across 105 miles. We talked strategy, resupply, and terrain. The result…most looked to me for wisdom. Some are on the same plan as me, others doing their own thing.

Trust me…is much easier to navigate difficult terrain without crutches. Don’t hobble yourself. Face your created fears, overcome the obstacles, and advance your goals.

Believe in yourself, your ability, and your passion. Others cannot do it for you.

The long range weather forecast looks good, my gear is sorted, and I’m physically strong.

I’ve got this!