How would you like one more “tool” to help you get unstuck? As an avid rock climber and as a facilitator with Klemmer and Associates, I am constantly noticing parallels between my experience “on the rock” and those many of us have when in pursuit of our goals and dreams.

Often when lead climbing above my ability – with the fear of falling wedged in my mind – I’ll reach a point where I don’t see how to climb through the next section of rock. The wall is smooth where the foot holds “should” be, I don’t see any reliable hand holds to climb toward, and even farther up I don’t see any reliable holds to grab were I to actually get up there. What this means is that climbing higher will result in a longer fall, and I don’t see a way to not fall! I’ll get “Elvis Leg” which is where a climber’s heel begins to uncontrollably bounce up and down. My hands will sweat, and I’ll feel panic rise in my chest.

Then, on the successful climbs, something happens. My focus sharpens. My mind becomes clear. I see a tiny foothold just 6 inches higher than the one I’m smearing on and I step onto it. As I step up, my entire world changes – it’s only a 6 inch change but my perspective becomes vastly different than it was a moment ago. What looked like a tenuous hold is actually pretty solid, so I reach for it and pull up. Then another one catches my eye and I pull on it, balancing my body as I need to. Before I know it, the climb is over with.

And so it is in life. We’re at an impasse. We don’t see how to make something happen, we’re afraid of failing or making a mistake, and there seems to be no hope. If we keep going we will have more to lose if we do fail. We stress, we get tired, we distract ourselves with our little everyday addictions like television, food and busy work.

Then, if we’re willing to step out of fear and into courage, something happens. We see a tiny next step and we know it is right. With faith and focus, we take action and other steps begin to unfold. Momentum builds. Our confidence grows, and the next thing we know we’re past that obstacle and on to the next one.

The crucial step could be reaching out for some mentorship from someone we respect, it could be calling a prospect that ends up leading to a major leader, it could be a small financial move that creates space, it could be a membership at a gym, it could be attending one of K&A’s seminars.

Bottom line – don’t discount the small, but crucial steps when you’re stuck – it could be the exact step that will change your world!

Scott Cundy

Personal Mastery Facilitator