During challenging training moments, I focused on crossing the finish line for my recent 21K Walkathon, visualizing the moment, and imagining how I would feel. While I’d never experienced this challenge before, I could see myself celebrating the moment of completion. Finish-line moments are peaks and challenging times are the valleys, according to the book Peaks and Valleys, by Spencer Johnson.
Valleys
Valleys are found between the peaks. Johnson states that valleys connect peaks, and how we respond to the times when we are in a valley can keep you stuck there or can inspire wise actions to propel you to tomorrow’s good times.
I had a few dips into the valley during my training. One occurred when shin splints shot down from my knees when I retired the hiking boots I was training in over the winter. I exchanged the boots for running shoes as soon as the roads were clear of ice and snow. My hill challenges showed me that downhills stressed the shins, while uphill’s taxed the back leg muscles. This moment recalled my experience a few years ago when shin splints and strained muscles derailed my training resulting in me abandoning my goal completely.
This time, having an experienced coach and a wellness team to support me introduced me to tools, products, and practices to alleviate my symptoms, balance my training and strengthen my weaknesses. I gratefully followed this expert advice; I didn’t stay long in that valley and didn’t miss a single training session. I acquired skills and experience to keep me from returning to this valley. Decisions made and actions taken in a valley, propel us to learn, grow and expand what is possible for ourselves.
How do you experience a valley in your business or life? It might be a time of intense dissatisfaction or frustration. It might come in the form of a loss or setback. Reach out for support. Find a mentor or coach. Focus on what you are grateful for, regardless of how minor.
Peaks
I climbed a lot of hills during my training. I felt the effort and celebrated my win at the top. Just as important, I was rewarded by the view when I got there – sunrises, sunsets, farmland, and river views. Feeling grateful and truly experiencing the feeling of being on a peak, while remaining humble, is what keeps you on the peak longer. Focussing on striving for the next peak will certainly send you back into a valley to pick up the next lessons required. Savouring the moment, and generously sharing your lessons is what keeps you at the peak longer.
How do you celebrate a peak? Do you ring a bell or send out an announcement? Do you or your team mark a win with an offsite celebration? Do you reward yourself or team members when a big win is accomplished? Do you mentor others by sharing your wisdom?
Plateaus
Sometimes we need a time-out, a pause, a reset. Johnson calls this the plateau, the space between the peak and valley. During training, I was surprised to have “Taper Week” periods. During this one-week interval, training distances were reduced substantially allowing the muscles to relax, keeping us injury free. We continued the pre-set training schedule, but mentally and physically, we surpassed the distance. It was a moment of ease, equally important to the moments of effort.
How do you incorporate a plateau into your business and life? It might be a vacation or specific times when you work away from the distractions of your office. It could be resting whenever you need it, or taking a spa, beach, ski, golf, or “me” day, free from commitments and responsibilities. Taking time to reconnect with yourself is key to ensuring you have the stamina and resilience for achieving your goal.
It’s time to explore!
If you’re desiring simplicity and clarity in growing your business book a . It might just be the solution to free you from frustration, indecision, inconsistency or delay to launch you forward in the right direction. What do you have to lose? Discover why businesses need peak and valley experiences. Let’s find out.
