|Vistas by Leslie Fieger

The other day I found myself frustrated with the slow progress on my new project. Other people involved, subcontractors, just 'weren't getting it'. Why couldn't they just see what needed to be done and do it? Why was everything taking so long?

I decided that the best thing for me to do was take a breather, so I went with my dog, Sultain, for a hike up the mountainside. As I am huffing and puffing up a 1000 feet of climb, even the dog is panting, I am mentally reviewing the 'to do' list I have to get through for the launch of seLFTech. It is clear to me that I am not going to make the self-imposed deadline of the end of January because of delays caused by other people.

Then suddenly, it occurs to me that I am falling into the trap of assessing blame instead of accepting responsibility. I am also allowing anger and resentment to prevent me from enjoying this moment.

Here I am, with my dog, going for our favorite walk up the side of a mountain to a spectacular vista and I am not even mentally present.  What a waste! So, I make the effort and clear my mind to focus on just enjoying the moment.

Suddenly, a little ditty starts playing in my mind. Usually this kind of thing is an annoyance; some stupid ad jingle or meaningless song lyric that won't go away. This time, this is what I have going on in that tape loop…

"Climb every mountain, search high and low
Follow every byway, every path you know.
Climb every mountain, ford every stream,
Follow every rainbow, till you find your dream!"

Now, I recognize that tune, but I cannot place it. It is kind of funny that it shows up just now and I appreciate the irony. It makes me smile and I wonder if my subconscious has a sense of humor. I am still attempting to place the song when we get to the top of our climb.

I stop and take in the incredible vista; gazing across the two mile wide valley to admire the 4,500 foot peak across the valley. Suddenly it clicks and I start to laugh. Yes, my subconscious does have a sense of humor.

There is the picture, clear as this day, of Julie Andrews in the Sound of Music, singing atop a hill in the Alps with vast peaks across the valley,

"Climb every mountain, search high and low
Follow every byway, every path you know.
Climb every mountain, ford every stream,
Follow every rainbow, till you find your dream!

"A dream that will need
all the love you can give,
Every day of your life
for as long as you live.

"Climb every mountain, ford every stream,
Follow every rainbow, till you find your dream!"

It has been at least 35 years since I watched that movie. It is surely odd that those Rogers and Hammerstein lyrics should show up just now as I am climbing my mountain and also struggling uphill to get done what needs doing in my business world. Serendipity, to be sure.

Now, there is the perspective, the vista I made this climb to enjoy. It is breathtaking. The view from the top of this peak to an even greater peak I may someday also climb.

I had almost forgotten to enjoy this climb. Silly, silly me. Half the pleasure is in getting there. The struggle is often what makes the accomplishment all the more enjoyable.

This regular climb is what helps keep me physically fit. The continuous climb to the peaks of accomplishment helps keep me mentally and emotionally fit. Each step along the way is a victorious moment. Each moment is a fulfillment of my date with destiny.

As fellow contributor to this newsletter, Zig Ziglar, often says, "See you at the top!"

Purpose plus Passion plus Persistence equals Prosperity.