I Chose To Climb

 I Chose To Climb - By Derek Mair

The Matterhorn is a world-famous mountain whose summit has summoned hikers from around the globe to attempt to reach its peak.  It is not an easy climb and over the years many have perished in their attempt. 

Author Becky Thomas described a visit to the stunning little village of Zermatt, which is nestled high in the mountain.  No cars are allowed in the village so you either hike or helicopter in. Thomas told of the old custom that hikers attempting to scale the Matterhorn had to sign a release stating that if they died in their climb they agreed to be buried in the mountain village of Zermatt.

Later, walking through the tiny Zermatt cemetery she came upon the headstones of some of the unfortunate climbers who had perished in their pursuit of the legendary peak. There wasn't a sadness, but a confident, energetic power there.  One headstone captured the feeling best as the words chiselled in granite boldly stated, "I Chose to Climb!"

Henry David Thoreau said it well, "As In the long run, men only hit what they aim at. Therefore, should you fail quickly, you had better aim at something high." Aiming higher and pursuing the summit is the ultimate goal and guarantees that, even if you come up short, you will be certain to be standing on higher ground with greater views and valuable learnings.

In your quest to achieve more you must choose to climb.  Far too many live their lives ambling in the foothills and off of the peaks and mountaintops in the adventure of individual experience and excellence.  Regardless of the ultimate results, choosing to climb makes all the difference in life….

Whether your goal seems near or far - choose to climb!

Whether the way looks tough or difficult - choose to climb!

Whether the path becomes rocky or rugged - choose to climb!

Whether you feel weary and discouraged - choose to climb!

Whether you lose all hope and wonder if it will be worth it - choose to climb!

Whether you must stand up, stand apart or even standalone - choose to climb!

“Pursue the opportunities before you with such passion, creativity and zeal that when it come to the end you will be able to boldly declare, I Chose to Climb!" Derek Mair

Strategy: Look into your future in 1 to 2 years time. If you could choose that future regardless of how unrealistic it seems at present, what are the top 5 choices you would make for your future?

• What do you want to do?
• What would you like to have?
• And most importantly - Who is the person you would like to be?
  • Write your description of yourself down in intimate details – visualise every day by feeling that person in your future experience and always be grateful for what you have today...

Acknowledgements:

To my great business and financial mentor Keith Cunningham and his article in - ‘Keys to The Vault’

 To Donald Stephen Williams, who headstone in Zermatt’s cemetery reads "I chose to climb". It must have been an adventure for the teenager from New York to come to Europe to climb Alpine peaks, but sadly it was to be his last. He died, aged 17 in 1975 on the Breithorn… Yet his spirit lives on!