Top 3 lessons I have learnt from hiking

I have been hiking for our one year now, and I was reflecting on what I have learnt so far. So here I am sharing my top 3.

Consistency leads to progress

One day, 15 months after I started hiking, I noticed some visible changes in the mirror! It took me that long! We are often told that consistency leads to results, and this is something that is hard to learn because it takes so much time. It is easy to give up before the results are visible. You might feel great after few weeks of hiking, but it will take longer before you can “see” it.

It takes time, but it works! Do it consistently and you will make progress.

I recently did the Kilimanjaro half marathon. This was my second time, and when I did it the first time, I was in the usual pains & aches! But this time, I was not in any major pains or aches. Recovery time is shorter.

Mood follows action

This is not my quote, I heard it from Rich Roll on his podcast.

I cannot stress this enough! Try it. When you feel lousy, force yourself to go for a walk! You will feel better. Do not wait to feel like doing it for you to do it.

1. You do it, and then you feel good
2. You feel good, then you do it

Always the first one! You do it and then you feel good.

This is so true! Think about the many times that you go for a run or walk, and then your mood improves. Those times when you do not feel like making it for that hike, and then as soon as you are outdoors, you instantly feel better.

Set goals/intentions

“If you do not know where you are going, any road will get you there.” – Lewis Caroll

You must have a goal or an intention. It should be very simple, and easy for you to stay on track. And be patient with yourself. Having goals helps you to know if you are making progress and will help you decide which hikes to go for.

Remember, this is your hike and we are hiking for fun! So please, no external pressure. Start with a simple one, then tweak it as you go. Important thing is to have things you are working towards.

Examples of goals are:

1. do 2 hikes per month
2. get to a certain point in certain hours. For example for the Mt. Satima hike, get to Dragon’s Teeth in 4 hours
3. attempt a certain elevation, for example, attempt an elevation of 4000m asl

It has been a great hiking journey, and I have learnt a lot but these are a good representation.

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