Are you should-ing on yourself?

A few weeks ago, I tackled the Grouse Grind in North Vancouver—a trail known for its challenging steep incline and significant elevation gain of over 1,100 meters. Despite my familiarity with this hike, I found myself struggling right at the quarter-way marker, overwhelmed by the grueling path ahead.

As I gazed forward, the view was a blur of endless trees and sharp switchbacks, with no finish line in sight. Looking up only fueled my discouragement, as my mind echoed with thoughts like “You have so much further to go” and “You aren’t moving fast enough.”

I shifted my focus.
I kept my eyes on the ground, taking one step at a time, and activated my inner cheerleader.

I was affirming myself with every step – “You’ve got this,” “You’re a badass,” and “Just one step at a time,” I gradually made my way to the top of the summit.

This experience reminded me that often, in both hiking and life, we fixate on the so-called finish line—an elusive endpoint we yearn to reach. While the view from the top is undoubtedly breathtaking, the true reward lies in who we become through the journey. It’s about the commitment to ourselves, how much we let ourselves enjoy the process and give ourselves the opportunity to take one step at a time.

Are you measuring your progress based on where you ‘should’ be by now or, by how far you’ve already come?

THE PROMPTS

Pause and reflect; These prompts are designed to help you deepen your understanding of yourself, recognize your strengths, and harness your inner resources, moving from a place of overwhelm to a state of empowerment.

⚡ GET REAL
Reflect on a recent challenge where you found yourself looking for the “finish line.” How did focusing on the endpoint over the journey impact your experience and state of mind?

⚡ GET CLEAR
Consider your current goals or challenges. Are you measuring your progress by the distance still to go and where you ‘should be’ by now, or by appreciating how far you’ve already come? What shifts in perspective might be beneficial for you?

⚡ GET MOVING
Identify one goal where you feel stuck. What is one small, manageable step you can take today to progress? How does breaking it down change your approach to the challenge?

⚡ GET RESOURCED
What resources, supports, or affirmations do you need to help you focus on enjoyment of the journey rather than just the endpoint? How can you incorporate these into your daily routine to have more fun and enjoy the climb?

I’m glad you’re here.

You’re getting this email because you signed up for it somewhere along the way for one of my online workshops, events or live experiences.

I’m Mandy Balak – 14+ years in Business, Executive Coach, Speaker and Creator of The RISE Conference, The Well Podcast and Community where I help high-achieving leaders and entrepreneurs level-up in life and business without burning out.

I send this weekly email on Sunday mornings – whether you have 3 minutes or 30, give yourself the gift of pause to reflect and reset your focus for a successful week ahead.

Here’s your daily reminder that you are worthy, capable, and I am rooting for you.

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