Take the Hill

If you argue for your limitations, you get to keep them, but if you fight for your potential, you get to reach it – Steven Furtick.

Natural Tendencies 

Let’s agree on one thing: the future is an uphill climb. Whatever vision, dream, or goal you have requires you to climb. However, we naturally gravitate to limiting thoughts and habits that take us down the slopes of life into despair, discouragement, and distress. When you take the hill, you choose to do what is difficult to reach something of value. 

What Is My Hill?

Actor Matthew McConaughey says, “Be brave, take the hill. But first, answer the question, ‘What is my hill?'” I believe McConaughey is on to something with this short but powerful question. Knowing your hill dissipates uncertainty as the clarity of motive and intention comes into view. Why should you be clear about your hill? It ensures you don’t misappropriate your most valuable nonrenewable resource, time, which has no rewind button. 

When you take the hill, you choose to do what is difficult to reach something of value. 

A Running Conversation 

To stay fit, I enjoy taking long runs outside. However, the fun of running outside is sometimes stolen by the myriad of hills I encounter. I tend to think and talk myself out of taking the hill. I slow down as a plethora of thoughts floods my mind. 

This hill is too high.

Maybe I should walk up the hill and then run down the hill.

If I run up this hill, will I have enough energy to get home?

Is there a way to avoid this hill?

But one thought lingers. Starting as faint but growing in strength is,” You can take this hill.” This one thought harnesses my focus and determination until I have taken the hill. I have discovered a little secret: Taking the hill feels good whether running or in life. When you think of your hill today, what thoughts flood your mind? Self-defeating thoughts? Confidence-building thoughts? Your dominant thoughts determine how you view the hill and whether you take it.  

Taking the hill feels good whether running or in life.

This Month

In addition to today’s series introductory post, here are the weekly titles that I will use to encourage you to take your hill:

May 9th – Bring  Your Best

May 16th – Accept the Risk 

May 23rd – Never Fold

May 30th – Throwback Blog Post 

Final Thought: One thing is sure: Great places await when you take your hill. With that in mind, do you see that hill before you? Don’t avoid it or limit yourself with excuses. Set your face like a flint and take the hill.

Keep on keeping on