8 Ways to Reach your Mount Olympus

 


There is an old story where a traveler asks Socrates how to get to Mount Olympus, and he says, “If you want to get to Mount Olympus, just make sure every step is in that direction.” This is such a simple thing, but it is life-changing advice. For example, if you want to lose weight, then make sure every action you take is in that direction. If you want to get a promotion, then make sure every action is in that direction. I think this is great news, which means we can change our direction to change the results. I have expanded the word direction to drive home the point.

Desire

The first step is to really know what your destination is or, metaphorically, what your Mount Olympus is. Taking the time to write where you want to be one year from now, or five years from now, actually increases your happiness levels. Psychologists also call this The Better Selves exercise. The very act of imagining a great future promotes your happiness. Setting a clear goal with a strong purpose really puts us firmly in control to move forward toward our ultimate destination.

Goals that are deeply personal and meaningful are more likely to inspire sustained effort. When you align your desires with your values and passions, your journey becomes more fulfilling. Studies show that when goals are emotionally connected to your sense of purpose, you’re more likely to persevere through challenges and setbacks. So, take the time to reflect deeply on what truly matters to you before defining your Mount Olympus.

Inspiration

Once you decide on your destination, you then need to ensure you are in spirit or inspired to keep going. You can have a written-down plan of where you want to go and how you will get there. You can also come up with all the resources which will keep you inspired for a long journey. This could be specific books, podcasts, or blogs. It can also be talking to a mentor. Staying inspired for the long haul is the key.

Inspiration can also be drawn from small wins and progress made along the way. Celebrate your milestones, no matter how minor they may seem, as they reinforce your commitment to the journey. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your vision or values, as collective energy and encouragement can amplify your motivation.

Responsibility

If something goes awry during your journey, you take full responsibility. This is what leaders do, and they never blame anything or anyone else for their situation. You can take better action when you take complete responsibility for everything that happens on your journey. You can then make course corrections as needed.

Responsibility also means being accountable to yourself. Regularly review your actions and decisions to ensure they align with your destination. Practicing self-accountability helps you maintain focus and keeps you from veering off course. Remember, owning your journey also builds resilience, as it empowers you to learn from mistakes and grow stronger with every challenge.

Energy

Any journey requires a lot of energy. You need to maintain elevated levels of physical, mental, and emotional energy to remain on the path toward your destination. You can achieve this through good sleep, good exercise, a good diet, and positive thoughts. It can also come from having a strong purpose to which you are committed.

Energy management also involves identifying and avoiding activities that drain you unnecessarily. Take regular breaks to recharge and engage in mindfulness practices like meditation or deep breathing. These small, consistent habits can enhance your productivity and ensure you remain focused and energized for the long haul.

Courage

The courage to begin is what is needed on any journey. As Churchill said, “Success is going from failure to failure without any loss of enthusiasm.” He also said, “Courage is the first of the human qualities for upon it all others depend.” You can develop your courage muscles by getting to know exactly what your fears are and then taking purposeful action to reduce those fears.

Courage also means daring to dream big and stepping out of your comfort zone. Every significant achievement begins with a willingness to risk failure. Remind yourself that fear and discomfort are temporary, but the rewards of persistence and bravery can last a lifetime.

Talent

The key to reaching your destination is to know what your talents are. It is imperative that you align your life goals to what your talent is. Each of us has a unique talent, and getting to know it is the key. Keep polishing your talent and keep it current.

In addition to honing your current talents, embrace lifelong learning to acquire new skills that complement your goals. The world is evolving rapidly, and staying adaptable ensures your talents remain relevant. Seek feedback regularly to refine your strengths and identify areas for growth.

Imagination

You need to be totally creative to get around obstacles and opportunities as you navigate towards your destination. You can work in a journal to flex your imagination muscles. You can debrief daily on what can be improved and record your thoughts.

Imagination thrives in environments of curiosity and playfulness. Engage in activities outside your usual routine to stimulate your creativity, such as traveling, exploring new hobbies, or collaborating with diverse thinkers. These experiences often spark fresh ideas and perspectives.

Optimism

Optimism is the key to enjoying your journey. There is no point in reaching a destination if you have spent or depleted all your resources and you don’t have the energy to enjoy the success you have created. Being optimistic means you look for the good in every situation and generally have a positive life stance.

Cultivating optimism is also about reframing challenges as opportunities for growth. When faced with setbacks, ask yourself what lessons you can learn or how the experience can make you stronger. A mindset shift can transform obstacles into stepping stones.

Never Give Up

Science is also showing us that when you have clear goals for all areas of your life, you will feel happier. The best cure for a negative attitude is to have some strong goals that we are working towards. So, do take the time to write goals for your business, physical, financial, social, and contribution lives.

Never giving up also involves building a support system of people who encourage you during tough times. Share your goals with trusted friends or mentors who can hold you accountable and uplift you when motivation wanes. Having a strong network can make the difference between quitting and persevering.

Life’s journey is filled with twists, turns, and challenges, but by staying clear on your destination and ensuring each step is aligned with your goals, you can navigate any obstacle. The principles outlined here—desire, inspiration, responsibility, energy, courage, talent, imagination, optimism, and persistence—are universal tools for success. Remember, every great achievement begins with a single step in the right direction. The key is consistency and belief in the process. Keep moving forward, and you will reach your Mount Olympus. The views expressed here are my own and do not represent my organization.

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