Last week, I found myself in Alaska to kick off the Alaska Realtors Annual Convention with the opening keynote. It was a far cry from the beautiful chaos of Los Angeles, and I took advantage of the opportunity to arrive a few days early. My goal was simple—disconnect from tech and use nature as a reset button. I stayed in Alyeska, nestled right in the heart of the Chugach National Forest, with the North Face Trail, one of the top-rated hikes on AllTrails, right outside my window. I knew I had to take it on. Little did I know, that the hike would remind me of many lessons on the path of personal and business growth, turning the experience into a true adventure.
1. Embracing the Unknown
In the world of business, much like in hiking, we often face unforeseen obstacles. How we respond to these challenges can lead to significant personal and professional growth. Embracing the unknown fosters resilience and adaptability, qualities that are invaluable in navigating the unpredictable terrain of business.
Moreover, this approach helps us develop a greater appreciation for the beauty and majesty of the natural world. When we step into the wilderness, we are often struck by its grandeur, which can inspire a sense of wonder and awe. This connection to nature can be profoundly grounding and enriching.
Embracing the unknown also has notable benefits for our mental health. Facing uncertainty can be anxiety-inducing, but by welcoming it, we cultivate a sense of calm and clarity. This mindset helps us navigate life’s challenges with a clearer perspective and a more composed demeanor.
In essence, hiking teaches us that by being open to new experiences and challenges, we can develop resilience, adaptability, and a deeper connection to the world around us. These lessons are not only applicable on the trail but also in the broader journey of life and business.
2. Take It One Step at a Time
Standing at the base, I looked up at the steep trail winding to the summit. My first thought? “I can probably make it up, but there’s no way I’m getting back down safely.” If you hike you know that the incline is actually many times safer and easier than the decline. I felt a little overwhelmed, but also excited by the path ahead. My body was already anticipating the physical challenges, but I was determined to push through. It’s a feeling we all know too well—whether we’re looking at a huge project at work or a significant personal goal, the sheer size of it can feel daunting. But this hike reminded me that it’s not about getting to the top in one giant leap. It’s about focusing on what’s right in front of you in the present moment. Every small action builds momentum, and before you know it, you might be much closer to the goal than you imagined. In life and business, growth happens the same way. It’s the accumulation of tiny, consistent steps that create meaningful progress.
3. The Path Can Be Messy
As the incline became steeper I noticed the trail zig-zagged in all directions—these were the switchbacks I’d read about but hadn’t really understood until I was on them. I realized then that the path to the top is rarely straightforward. It’s filled with twists, turns, and unexpected changes in direction. This is a lot like the road to business growth. It’s easy to think we’ll move in a linear fashion from point A to point B, but real growth is often messy. It’s filled with setbacks and changes in plans.
A 5 year business plan in today’s world of work can become irrelevant overnight. Learning to navigate these switchbacks—both on the trail and in life—is key. It’s not about resisting the messy parts but fully accepting and embracing them, knowing they’re part of the journey to the summit.
4. Finding Inner Peace and Clarity
For many hikers, the quest for inner peace and clarity is a driving force behind their adventures. The wilderness offers a sanctuary from the stresses and distractions of daily life, allowing us to reconnect with ourselves and the natural world.
One of the most profound ways hiking facilitates this connection is through solitude and quiet contemplation. Alone in nature, we can quiet our minds and tune into our innermost thoughts and feelings. This reflective state can provide valuable insights and a deeper sense of self-awareness.
Hiking also serves as a form of meditation in motion. The rhythmic, repetitive motion of walking can be hypnotic, helping us enter a state of flow and relaxation. This meditative aspect of hiking is a powerful antidote to stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of inner peace and calm.
Furthermore, hiking heightens our awareness of our bodies and the natural environment. As we navigate trails, we become more attuned to our physical sensations and the sensory experiences of the world around us. This heightened awareness fosters a greater sense of embodiment and connection to nature.
Ultimately, the pursuit of inner peace and clarity through hiking is a journey of self-discovery and connection. By providing solitude, meditative movement, and a deep connection to nature, hiking helps us find a sense of inner tranquility and a clearer perspective on life. This clarity and peace are invaluable, not just on the trail, but in all aspects of our lives.
5. Embrace Rest as Rebellion
Halfway up, I found myself lying down on the trail, staring up at the sky. Reflecting on my first hike of the season, I realized the initial challenges and the importance of rest. This is something you just can’t do on a crowded LA city hike. In our culture of hustle and grind, taking a break feels almost rebellious. But I’ve learned that these moments of rest are crucial. They’re not signs of weakness or laziness—they’re essential for sustainable growth.
Rest allows us to recharge, gain perspective, and come back stronger. It’s about working smarter, not harder. Whether you’re on a challenging hike or navigating your career, remember that rest is not the enemy of growth. It’s a powerful tool that enables it.
6. The Summit Isn’t Always What We Think It Will Be
Finally reaching the top of the mountain, I was expecting a moment of silence and solitude to reflect on the journey. Instead, on the other side I found a ski chalet blasting commercial music and a tourist outlook. It wasn’t the serene experience I had envisioned. In the moment I couldn’t do anything but laugh.
It was a reminder that the summit—the achievement, the milestone, the success—isn’t always what we dream it will be. The destination can sometimes feel underwhelming, but that’s okay because the real value is in the presence we deploy on the climb. The growth, the lessons, and the resilience we build on the way up are what truly matter. Obviously, we are trying to drive profits and results, but it’s the depth of presence on that journey, that’s the determining factor in what manifests externally.
7. Be of Service and Stay Open
I started speaking to help people, but so far this year it’s taken me to some epic places I don’t know if I would have otherwise traveled to. Alaska and Banff are a couple of them. Growth happens when we remain open to the unknown, to the unexpected, and to the people and places that cross our path. This hike reminded me that when we be of service and stay true to our purpose that relationships, experiences and accomplishments can unfold greater than we planned.
Wrap Up: Growth is the Journey
This hike in Alaska was a powerful reminder that business growth and success aren’t just about reaching the summit—they’re about the valuable lessons we gain from the journey. It’s about being fully engaged, adapting to challenges, and taking time to reflect and recharge. The more present we are, the more we can see opportunities, make better decisions, and connect with those around us. This reminded me that climbing my own mountains requires being present in every step.
