Take That Side Trail

One of my favorite hiking memories took place when I was 15 years old and my family went on a camping trip to the Grand Canyon. The crescendo of the trip was hiking to the bottom and back up to the rim in the same day.

All the way down the trail, signs warned us not to do what we were doing. “WARNING: Do not attempt to hike to the bottom and back in the same day!” There was certainly wisdom in those warnings, but we were with a guide who had done this many times before and assured us we were ready and able to do it.

It was a 17-mile round trip hike from where we were down to the Colorado River. On the way back up, the guide asked if we wanted to take a detour to Plateau Point, a scenic overlook. It would add several miles, but he assured us it would be worth it.

When we got to the point, I recognized it from the postcards in the gift shop. It was one of those spectacular rock outcroppings that hangs out over the canyon. It was absolutely breathtaking to see in person. The experience of sitting out on that huge rock, surrounded by the magnitude and vastness of the canyon on all sides is powerfully memorable.

Of course, the whole way down the trail doubt crept in: Why are we doing this? Aren’t we accomplishing enough just by going to the river and back up? What are we trying to prove to ourselves?

But that view was worth every single strained step and drop of sweat.

After completing that hike, I wouldn’t trade the memory of that accomplishment nor the excruciating effort it took to get there for anything.

That hike was one of the single most difficult physical experiences of my life. Hiking can lead to incredible experiences, but the best experiences come from the greatest amount of effort. You get out what you put into a hike. That means the only thing stopping you from accomplishing greatness in your business is simply a plan and effort!

Hiking is difficult.

Hiking is worth it.

Hiking takes you places you’ve never imagined.

Onward and upward,
Simon Trask