Notes to Self: Never Make a Decision When Going Up Hill

For those familiar with my journey, you'll know of my passion for extreme endurance races. I often find myself treading paths spanning over 200 miles, immersed in the backcountry for days.  These events have taught me profound life lessons.  One such moment is when I went to run the ‘Canadian Death Race’.  This race is 125 km long and consists of running over the top of three towering mountains. To add to the challenge, reaching specific points within stringent cut-off times was mandatory; failure meant disqualification.

Before I left on this adventure, a close friend shared an awesome piece of wisdom that has since become one my guiding principles:

"Never make a decision when going uphill."

This proved invaluable during the race. Time and again, during that race I inched my way uphill, battling self-doubt and the ticking clock, luckily this advice echoed in my ears. The temptation to quit was strong, especially when climbing to the summit I was going frustratingly slow. Saying to myself its useless you will never make it in time, stop now.  Yet, every time I pushed through, reaching the peak I would sail down the mountain picking up time and speed and would make the cutoffs. 

This metaphor, simple yet profound, has consistently revealed itself in various facets of my life, especially in business. In moments of doubt, slow progress, and frustration, I often pause to reflect: Am I making a decision while going uphill? Am I in the hardest part of the problem?  Am I taking this moments trajectory and not seeing beyond it?  Is the current challenge the steepest part of the journey, and is persistence the key to reaching the reward? Am I on the verge of quitting, blinded by the immediate hurdles? The calm inner voice comes out and says wait and make the decision when you are on the downhill.