Each of us have a specific tolerance for fear. What may cause the hair on the back of one person’s neck to stand up, brings the exhilaration of adrenaline to another person. Fear is one of the most powerful emotions we, as human beings, have. It can either motivate us to take action or paralyze us.
I experienced a certain kind of fear over the weekend as I was mountain biking in the Rocky Mountains on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. It spans north and south on the west side of the mountains overlooking the Salt Lake Valley. This path is full of winding trails with leg-aching climbs and exciting descents crossing flowing creek beds and man-made bridges.
There are several very technical sections on the trail that, if not approached properly in the right gear and correct pathway, can turn into a painful tumbling descent over a rock laden trail with limbs and bikes going in different directions. Many times, I have approached these sections feeling either euphoric or fearful and hesitant to approach fearing the impending doom. The difference has always been the confidence in my preparation and the actions I’ve taken up to that point.
As I flew down the trail feeling the rush of adrenaline, I knew I was ready for the descent. I had made choices going back weeks and months that had prepared me for those moments. The ride brought joy. I was where I wanted to be and doing what I wanted to be doing in the fresh mountain air with the sun warming the landscape. I equate this experience to our financial lives.
We often equate financial security as climbing a mountain including all the preparation and investing during the ascent. The clear majority of people pay very little attention to what they’re investing in during the climb or can see what they’re doing isn’t working but are fearful of what to do differently.
While this may not be your exact hobby or situation, the lesson is there. You can make the financial ascent with confidence, knowing you weren’t paralyzed by fear and prepared by taking the proper steps in your journey. So that, when you approach the peak and stare at the technical descent you have confidence the ensuing terrain of passing over metaphorical boulders, through flowing creek beds and near mountain trees will bring feelings of exhilaration and excitement.
Reach out to us today and allow us to help you prepare for an exhilarating ride to success!
