It’s rather impossible to go uphill by accident. Leaning into a climb is a conscious decision.

On the other hand, you can go DOWN a hill accidentally. You can trip and fall and roll all the way down that sucker and end up in a heap at the bottom. Or, you can decide to slip down that slope and enjoy the slide. You can also decide to go along on level ground and regain your strength, stretch out your stride and conserve your energy.

The HILL, of course, is LIFE.

When you decide that you are going to climb a hill you generally prepare. You make a decision to go UP. If it is a true hike you plan your route, you have the proper attire and equipment and you know your final destination. You lean into that mountain as you climb and you triumphantly reach your summit because you decided, you made the move, and you conquered.

People who make it over the hills in their lives aren’t just “lucky.” They aren’t just walking along on a gentle grade and suddenly end up on Mount Everest. They make a decision to keep going upward. Hills are hard. Every time you run one or hike one you might find yourself grumbling and questioning your sanity. Ah but there is nothing like the feeling of accomplishing that tough thing that makes you forget how hard it was and makes you try it again.

So what does it take to climb the hills in your life? Your career? Your relationships?

Some skills that hill climbers have and some things in their backpacks are 1. They set goals 2. They study/read 3. They find time for themselves 4. They work hard 5. They participate in some sort of physical activity. These are all things you can implement in your life to help you climb your hills.

Developing these good habits can equip you for the unexpected hills and the planned hard climbs you wish to accomplish.

1. Setting goals: know where it is you want to go and how to get there. When you do that then you know what you will need to get there, nourishment, equipment, people, things, time, etc.

2. Study/read: whether it’s a map for an actual physical hike, or it’s a book, internet site, pamphlets, letters, texts; whatever it is that will feed you knowledge about your hike

3. Time for yourself: you are the one climbing this mountain; you need time to train, prepare, gather, etc.

4. Hard work: dedication and motivation are one thing, but they will wane, passion will keep you going and hard work is the evidence of that. Go hard at whatever goal is out in front.

5. Physical activity: of course if you are climbing a real hill, the physical activity part is already a habit of yours. To climb hypothetical hills, of any kind, you will be better equipped to do so if you have all of the mind-clearing benefits of physical activity. Physical activity is part of a wholistic health plan. Clean food and some sort of exercise, where you release endorphins and plump up your mitochondrial health, will help you mentally, physically, and boost your entire immune system. A clear mind comes from an active body.

Whatever your hill is, lean in, climb hard, and by all means, take breaks and enjoy the scenery around you.