In Ryan Holiday’s latest book, “Right Thing, Right Now”, he talks about living a ‘just’ life, lived in full alignment between your principles and values and how to live a just life by the actions and decisions you make along the way.
Ryan shares examples of many historical figures who conquered mountains so great, others would tremble by simply standing at their base including former President Harry Truman and Mahatma Gandhi, among others.
In climbing these mountains, one thing becomes clear. Each of these leaders climbed many mountains before — each one becoming steeper and steeper.
Every good leader knows what this journey is like. We climb and climb and climb and when we reach the top we are elated.. And then we say, “What’s next?”. It’s this very question that pushes humanity forward, drives innovation, and creates lasting change.
It’s exactly that question that has allowed us to stand on the moon and allowed us to create things like electric cars, the iPhone, and the most masterful works of art stored in the Louvre.
Climbing the small mountains is great, but when we stay on the path of climbing at the same altitude; we may achieve success, but it will become more and more familiar and less and less of a challenge over time. The highs get lower, the footsteps ease into boring and the scenery gets taken granted for. The climb turns into a been there, done that slog of sorts.
However, when we set our sights on climbing higher mountains, we begin asking ourselves the hard questions again such as:
“Can I make it?”
“Do I really have what it takes?”
“Will I be able to withstand the challenge?”
It’s these questions that make us and define who we become as we step into a large season of growth and new frontiers and it’s answering these questions with dignity that makes our lives, ‘just’.
In my own life, I am now climbing new mountains I never thought possible, and although part of me feels anxious, terrified and unsure, another part of me is speaking calmness, poise and steadfastness into every breath… And that is just enough to put one foot in front of the other as I continue the climb.
Will I misstep? Sure.
Will I fall? Absolutely.
Will I endure storms never felt before? You betcha.
But it’s these things that bring gratitude, foster resilience, and keep me on the path of living a ‘just’ life. A life that is live to my fullest potential.
So, what does the next mountain look like for you?
Are you willing to step into the challenge without knowing the outcome?
Will you choose the harder climb?
All things to consider as you enter the next chapter of your life.
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Previously Published on Medium
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