Have you checked your pedometer?!

And no, I'm not referring to those little devices you attach to your person to monitor exactly how many steps you have taken, but to your 'life pedometer'!

For some reason, as human beings, we always seem to be berating ourselves for all the things we haven't done or haven't achieved, and yet we rarely look back and congratulate ourselves on just how far we HAVE come and how much we HAVE achieved. All those tiny steps or big strides we have taken towards our goals and in building relationships - they are ALL achievements of one kind or another.

I wrote the following blog some time ago and in the first year of running my business:

"When I was about 6 months into running my business, finding it much more challenging than anticipated and having one of those 'what the hell am I doing' days, I went for a walk along the river (one of my favourite ways to clear my head and get motivated again). I reflected on the challenges I was facing in starting and running my own business and I thought back to my first Snowdon Ascent (both the mountain and the coaching experience). I thought about that time, when I was about 2/3 of the way up the mountain, when there's barely any flat ground, just steps and more steps, muscles getting heavier (not enough preparation of course!), stopping more frequently to recover. It was tough both mentally and physically, but I knew for sure I would make it to the top, there was never any question of turning back. At this point I couldn't really see the peak, too misty, just a hazy view, but I knew there was a celebration there - of sorts.
I remember looking back down the mountain, thinking how far and how high I had climbed in such a short time - an amazing journey of challenge, learning, new friends and connections made, laughter shared and a few tears shed - definitely no turning back, having come this far; too far; I knew I would make it.

And at the time of my river-side walk, I thought "that's where I am now in my life, on this new, challenging and fantastic journey; I'm at those steep steps, needing to replenish, the helping hand of a guide or two and tempted briefly to turn back, back to the old well-trodden road." Then I reminded myself of that journey to the top of Snowdon and it restored my belief that I could make it to the first peak of my new mountain. I'm reminded of what the journey means for me, what first inspired me to take this path - the peak looks a little clearer now!”

Remember, wherever you are now in your journey, it's exactly the right place for you to learn and grow. Congratulate yourself on how far you have travelled and continue to enjoy and appreciate each day.

Any journey's to share?