Begin with the End in Mind

“Begin with the end in mind.”

–Steven Covey, 7 habits of Highly Effective People

When setting goals like planning to participate in a certain race or doing something like my current goal of summiting the Seven Second Summits, I begin with the end in mind. What does that mean? To me, it’s a process of reverse-engineering from the outcome backwards to the steps I can take in the very day I’m in.

For example, I know that K2 in the Himalayas is safest to climb in July and most commercial expeditions head out at the end of June. So, I have to be ready logistically, mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually by then. I ask myself what is required in each area and create my task list from today going forward to make sure I can be successful with as few surprises along the way as possible. As I consider all that’s required, I can easily identify which “to do’s” are more pressing or challenging.

For example, an ability gap I currently have for K2 is being able to carry a heavy pack at altitude, up the steep grade of the climb. To build the strength and endurance required, it makes sense for me to train with a pack and do step ups. To get the incline I need, I have a few options. First, I can train outside and hike up a bunch of mountains in my backyard (Park City). If I don’t have the time to do that, I can do step ups in the basement or bring the box I step onto outside and do them in my yard. My back up options include hiking with a pack with incline on a treadmill (better to have all the power come from me and not a treadmill, which eliminates training my push off technique) or a Stairmaster (similar limitations as the treadmill). Both the latter are better than nothing, but not my first choice of options. Just by identifying what I need to do, though, I’ve also identified what resources are available to me. 

When building out my plan, it is important to identify different ways to get the same task done so I can be flexible. Maybe I have a sick kid at home, so I can’t leave them for a hike, but I can still do step ups at the house. Maybe we decide to leave on a quick vacation. I may not always have a box I can step up on (my mom does not appreciate me using her chairs for this project), so I can hit a gym and at least get some time on cardio equipment there.  

Identify what’s required, source the resources you need, and the plan and pathway forward to achieving any goal makes itself clear!