Last of our 3-part blog series
Imagine how I felt … we were within 24 hours of finishing the most challenging cross-country walk I have ever taken. Our 13th and last day was just ahead. We reflected on all the rewards and outcomes we had experienced as a result of exploring the internal landscape of England’s prized hidden places — And here lies the clue to where your journey of success actually begins. Whether for your personal or professional goals, desire must be planted in the fertile soil of the heart and mind. As the stories continue, the old adage, “As within, so without” is refreshed again.
Think back on a team meeting where you’ve just been told about a project that must be delivered in 30 days. There is no wiggle room and the budget is super tight. You sense a growing weight on your shoulders. You think chaotic, defensive thoughts. But wait, whose idea is this anyway? And, why are we doing this? It begins to feel like the kind of stress that could keep you up at night.
It didn’t take us long to realize how huge the rewards had been all-along-the-way. Walking in nature’s wide-open spaces enhances and restores our well-being and enriches our appreciation for the natural world and her abundant gifts, lessons and surprises. Everything belonged and was perfectly placed. Light, though relentless rains directed the focus of each step. A totally delightful, countryside, afternoon tea and scones prepared on the remote Ravenseat farm by Amanda Owens, the now famous Yorkshire Shepherdess and mother of nine.
I had chosen this dream over other possibilities. An experience planted in my mind, constantly anchored by the desire to achieve, and persistently acted upon as we placed one carefully laid foot in front of the other for 192 miles of adventure.
Then, dispelling all doubts, your team kicks in – someone has a spark of inspiration about what the project could mean for our collective world. You enthusiastically huddle over ideas and plans. They begin to take root. The stage is set as you take a deeper dive from the same well of determination. You count each day because each day counts. You follow the map. Look, just over the hill, yes, that’s your goal coming toward you. Everyone wants to succeed. It’s a game. And you’re all playing now …
When we walked into Robin Hood’s Bay, our last village, we headed to the water’s edge filled with mountain-top-pride. We had each carried a small symbolic stone, picked up from our east coast starting point, at the Irish Sea. And, as tradition would have it, we threw those stones into the waiting North Sea. Gratitude. Celebration. Triumphant. My son, William Gordon, and my friend Jodi Mezzanotte and I had together embodied the best team spirit.
Deep within our hearts and minds … where it truly counted, we had birthed and set the intention to succeed. Internal desire, fueled by an empowered mindset, reignited every-single-day. We had stepped out, with our best selves, to face the world’s hurdles, pain, lessons, beauty and yes, the sticky toffee pudding waiting at the end of each day.
Success is a journey experienced from the inside out. And it’s the exact same formula for your personal and professional life and goals too.
Count each day, because each day does count …
