How I Hiked Up a Mountain
In August of 2022, my family embarked on a memorable vacation to Lincoln, New Hampshire. The destination was carefully chosen by my older brother, Michael, an enthusiastic hiker and outdoorsman. His deliberate selection was influenced by the awe-inspiring Appalachian forest that surrounded the area and the renowned White Mountain National Park. Overflowing with anticipation, Michael meticulously planned biking and hiking trails, as well as kayaking rentals, ensuring a week filled with excitement and adventure.
Initially, Michael chose two beginner-friendly hikes tailored to our parents' capabilities. The first, a mile and a half ascent up Artist Bluff mountain, aptly named for its breathtaking summit views overlooking Franconia Notch State Park and Echo Lake. The second trail, Flume Gorge, a mile-long tourist favorite, boasted scenic views of waterfalls, rustic bridges, Mount Liberty, and towering Conway granite. The experiences were nothing short of spectacular, but as our vacation neared its end, Michael felt compelled to elevate our perspectives further.
One morning, just before our departure, as I sat at the kitchen table in our timeshare at the InnSeasons Pollard Brook, sipping freshly brewed coffee, Michael proposed a new adventure.
"Let’s hike Mount Lafayette today," he declared between bites of his homemade banana pancakes, his eyes focused on his phone.
Perplexed, I inquired about the trail's length, to which Michael responded, "It's five miles up, five miles down. Optionally, we can traverse an extra mile east to cross Mount Lincoln and Little Haystack, offering shorter descents and additional summits."
Setting my coffee down, the idea initially seemed daunting, especially considering Michael's extensive mountain conquests. While he had tackled the likes of Mount Olympus and Grindelwald, my own hiking experiences had been far less ambitious. Yet, the allure of surpassing my own expectations beckoned.
"Count me in."
Three hours later, with the mist-enveloped first summit within sight, fatigue began to set in. Raindrops danced off my raincoat as I struggled to keep pace with Michael, who effortlessly navigated the rocky terrain. Doubts crept in, but I pressed on, pushing through discomfort and exhaustion.
And then, I achieved it.
Standing atop Mount Lafayette, hands on my knees, gasping for breath, I beheld a panorama worth every ounce of effort. Not a cloud marred the sky as multiple peaks framed the entirety of northeastern New Hampshire and Vermont. The glistening white oak trees below reflected the brilliant sun, and in that moment, I felt a profound sense of accomplishment.
This experience taught me that achieving any goal is a mental game, requiring time and energy. Many falter midway due to a lack of mental preparedness. Without the right mindset, exhaustion and discomfort become valid excuses to abandon the journey. Maintaining optimism in uncomfortable situations is challenging, but my background as a student-athlete instilled a foundation for healthy thinking.
Reflecting on this journey, I offer some tips that have shaped my mindset over the years, hoping they may aid you in your endeavors:
Each morning, set at least five short-term goals in your planner. Word them carefully, using present tense affirmations to reinforce commitment.
If lists aren't your preference, create a dream board with images and words that represent your desires. Display it prominently to boost motivation.
We are all capable of more than we realize. In the face of adversity, especially in these trying times, persevering in personal and professional aspirations may seem daunting. I share these insights with the hope that they inspire you, just as they motivated me to conquer the metaphorical mountain.
