What A Walk in the Woods Can Teach All of Us
by Don Smith
All products and services featured on this site are independently selected by our authors and editors. If you buy something through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
I recently had the pleasure of watching A Walk in the Woods, and I loved it. What I think I like most is that this guy, Bryson, had an idea one day, and just made it happen. Getting started is the difference between those who are successful and those who only dream.
In case you don't know the plot line, Bryson is a middle-aged guy who gets an idea one day to hike the Appalachian trail. His wife reluctantly agrees to let him, provided he can find a partner. Bryson calls almost everyone in his contact book but is unable to find anyone willing to undertake the journey with him.
Stephen Katz, a guy that Bryson doesn't even call because he is such a mess, gets wind of what he is doing, calls him, and volunteers to go. Both men are far from being in good physical condition, and neither has done much hiking, yet off they go hiking one of the most strenuous trails in the United States.
The reason I love this so much is that these guys who had no prior training and were out of shape managed to hike 800 MILES through extreme terrain! How many of us could say that we've done something like that? This just goes to show you how critical getting started is.
Maybe if these guys had prepared more by doing their research and getting into shape, they might have even finished the trail, but then again they might never have gotten around to hiking the trail at all. In the end, they congratulate each other on hiking the Appalachian trail, and I have to agree that they accomplished their goal even though they didn't technically reach the end. Sometimes you just have to put your ideas into motion and adjust from there.
My challenge to you is to get started down your trail today. Step up, and get moving. So what if you don't win the race, hit the final goal, or make the deadline? There will be two dates on your headstone, the start date, and the end date of your life. That little dash in between is the life you are living today. Learn to enjoy the journey, and take the first step. You'll never know where you might end up if you chase your dreams, but I can guarantee if you never take the first step, you will not catch them.
About the Author
Don Smith
Happily married with five kids, Smith owns a technology company, is the founder of this site, has served on the board of directors for multiple companies, and loves playing soccer, hiking, and mentoring.
Why See People As Mirrors?
Every human being reflects you back to you. Every person mirrors how you think and feel about yourself. All sentient beings are
Be Grateful that Success Is Progressive
I spent roughly 30 minutes working my email today. After servicing a client I corresponded with other potential clients for a few
Step into the Dark for Fear to Find You
I have fearless aspects to my personality. But I know how fear is only one step into the darkness, away. My wife
What I Learned About Business by Going to the Doctor
I went to the doctor yesterday to have them look at my shoulder that has been bothering me for years. I was
Who Taught You That?
Who taught you what you believe? Did your parents largely influence your thinking? Who are your parents? Loving, caring human beings who
Need Plus Greed Plus Speed Equals Bleed
A few moments ago my niece popped up on my Facebook wall. She is a 16 year old grappler who took first
Working On Yourself Mentally Uplifts the World
I spend almost 4 hours daily on energy management. I just wrapped up my late night 2nd Kriya yoga session. Toss in
Forming an LLC For Your Company
I recently officially registered The Personal Growth Channel LLC as an LLC (Limited Liability Company). If any of you have been in
Is Pandemic the Right Time to Use Your Financial Cushion?
Back at the beginning of 2020, no one thought that we’re facing the biggest economic crisis the modern world has ever seen.
The Dirty Little Secret Most Financial Gurus Will Not Tell You
@Simplistic_Steph posted this on Twitter the other day: “Legit question: how can personal finance bloggers say income doesn't matter when reaching goals?
Achieve Personal Growth Through a Better Diet
Everyone is familiar with that age-old adage “you are what you eat.” Unfortunately, many of us still underestimate precisely how much of
Coaches Can Only Give What Coaches Have
I have 15,000 hours of blogging experience spanning 12 years of my life. I no longer actively coach but can give quite