You want the summit - but not the climb?

To reach the top of any mountain, you have to endure the pain of the climb. Often I have clients who have amazing dreams - and part of our sessions will be to look at what work, sacrifice, change and even pain will be needed to turn those dreams into reality. This is the part that sometimes can get in the way.

9 times out of 10, people are willing to put the work into reaching their dreams, but sometimes during the planning of the journey or even in the middle of it -  they realise they aren't - and that's okay too.

Living a privileged life in the western world, we get to choose the type of struggle we are willing to endure to reach our dreams and goals. Mark Manson writes about this in his funny, yet serious book 'The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F***'.

Do you want an amazing body? You don’t end up with one unless you are willing to appreciate the pain and physical stress that come with working out hard for hours each day. Unless you love calculating and calibrating every calorie you put into your mouth. You want the corner office and to make lots of money? Are you ready to suffer 60-hour work weeks, long commutes and deal with crazy office politics?

Do you want a great relationship? Are you willing to go through the tough conversations, awkward silences, hurt feelings and emotional drama to get there?

Why your struggle brings satisfaction

You don’t just arrive on the summit. You have to make the climb.

Real, serious lifelong fulfilment and meaning have to be earned through the choosing and managing of our struggles.

Most of us think we want to be happy, but according to cognitive psychologist Daniel Kahneman, winner of the 2002 Nobel Prize in economics, it’s actual satisfaction that we’re seeking.

Managing our obstacles and overcoming our struggles gives us that satisfaction. Actually achieving your dream body, or the corner office or that great relationship is what gives us satisfaction. The reality is that happiness is a momentary experience that arises spontaneously and is fleeting.

Meanwhile, satisfaction is a long-term feeling, built over time and based on achieving goals and building the kind of life you admire. So when looking at your life, your dreams, your goals - be honest with yourself about what struggles you are legitimately willing to undertake.

Where are you willing to put your time and effort into to reach your summit? Because climbing a mountain is work. It can be slow work or fast work. You can train for it or just run at it blind. It can take days, months or years. It can be in sunny weather or horrible rain. You will need to put one foot in front of each other and use your muscles to propel you up to the top. 

A good coach will be able to help you break down your goals and dreams into a manageable plan of action. One that works for your timescales, personality, finances and ambitions. They will be by your side, to cheer you up after setbacks and re-motivate you to tackle each step, mile and lap of your own personal journey.

Contact a life coach today to start planning your own personal journey to satisfaction.