DON’T SETTLE FOR SECOND BEST
Recently, I read a very captivating story about mountain climbing. In one of the Alps mountains that is very popular with mountain climbers, there is a rest-house halfway up the mountain.
For an average climber, it takes about a day to climb from the base to the pinnacle of the mountain. That means if you start to climb early in the morning, by lunchtime you’ll be halfway up, where the rest house is situated.
Now, over time, the owner of the rest house made a very interesting observation. He realized that even though every climber left the comfort of their homes with a very clear goal of “getting to the top of the mountain”, many fail to achieve the goal.
Why is that…? Well, you see, when most climbers get to the rest-house that is halfway through the climb, they feel the warmth of the shelter, smell good food cooking, and give in to the temptation of settling in the rest-house, instead of getting a short rest and moving on.
These climbers turn to their companions and tell them, “Hey, just climb; I’ll be waiting for you right here. When you come back down, I’ll be glad to join you and we’ll go to the base together.”
They proceed to sit around the fire, enjoying hot meals and playing guitars as they sing mountain climbing songs. Wild cheers and a great sense of satisfaction feel the room.
Meanwhile, the few determined pursuers get on their gear and continue to trek towards the mountain top!
An hour goes by and the spirit of happiness in the room begins to dwindle. The excitement around the fire gradually dies out as they see their friends trekking towards the pinnacle of the mountain.
Around 5pm, they are all aligned at the windows of the rest-house with their binoculars, watching enviously, as their friends pitch their tents and plant the flag of victory at the pinnacle of the mountain!
From the look on their faces, it is clear that their decision to stop halfway through their goal haunts them.
What happened? They gave in to the temporary comfort of the shelter, settled for second best and missed on their grand goal.
Today I want to challenge you to trek to the pinnacle of your mountain. Don’t settle for anything less than the best. You see, if you start pursuing your goal and give up halfway through, there will be no difference between you and the person who chose to do nothing!
I want you to remember this: Victor’s crown is NOT worn by those who start and give up halfway through, it is worn by those who persevere to the very end. It is worn by those who stay focused on the goal and trek to the finish line!
