“Problems Sculpt the Soul.” – Tony Robbins
Last week, I had the opportunity to hike Siyeh Pass, a trail in West Glacier Montana with my girlfriend and two other best friends.
The hike became extremely strenuous during the last mile climb up the mountain. During the final stretch, it was roughly 50 degrees and the wind was smacking us square in the face at 70 miles per hour! The breeze almost blew us off of the trail (and the mountain) as we reached 8,100 feet elevation! As we continued onward toward our destination, all of the pettiness I was holding onto suddenly melted away. Thoughts about issues concerning work, relationships and family dissipated in the high winds. And what remained was a steady determination and eagerness to reach the peak of the mountain. The annoyance of blistered feet and a backpack that was digging into my spine the entire hike disappeared as my sole focus and intention was to get the top of that mountain safely with my mind and body fully intact.
I believe that problems and adversity sculpt the soul. Sure, the hike was difficult, but the feeling we all felt riding home that night as we watched the sunset was incredible, yet indescribable. The fact that we just hiked 11+ miles of grueling terrain and almost got blown off the mountain multiple times cultivated a type of strength and self-confidence that is hard to put into words.
The same can be said for problems that arise off of the mountain. The most challenging jobs and clients I’ve been a part of have taught me more than the easier ones. Relationships that involve a heavy dose of conflict teach me how to cultivate empathy and practice kindness towards others. The most challenging circumstances I’ve faced in life often serve as the greatest medicine for growth, learning, and self-development. The key is to be grateful for it all.
In life, difficulties will arise. Work will get stressful. Relationships will end. New ones will begin. We can equip ourselves to handle the stressors life throws at us by shifting the ways in which we view the situation. Tony Robbins says it best: “Your biggest problem is that you think you shouldn’t have them. ‘Cause problems are what make us grow. Problems are what sculpt our soul. Problems are what make us become more.”
Own the day!
