Let The Pioneer In You Tackle Those 'Rocky Mountains' Ahead!
By Malcolm Harvey

Success is a journey on a road created by nature. There are dry riverbeds and gently sloping hills alongside rugged mountain ranges and roaring rapids.

A study of the wonderful twisted rock formations and deep cut river ravines shows you that any proposed route will be treacherous and tough at times. Forget the concrete highways for they don't exist in pioneer country! Yes there are some much easier paths to tread but if you want to reach the 'promised land' then there are the Rocky Mountains to contend with first. It rather depends on how far you want to travel. There are no short cuts! However, there are ways to make the journey a little easier. Make sure you have the right equipment It is no good setting out on a long journey with only a tee shirt and shorts! When you want to climb mountains there is a whole mass of equipment you will need.

Equipment such as:

1. Knowledge - You do need to acquire basic information about the terrain you are heading in and the best methods of survival appropriate to the conditions. However don't think that you have to know everything before setting out.

Experience is properly the best teacher.

2. Commitment - to the destination. There is no point if you turn back after only a few steps.

3. Perseverance - to keep going despite what you feel. I'm not talking about stubbornness though, you must be aware of changing circumstances and new routes opening up, however don't use your 'new perception' as an excuse for backtracking.

Pack enough provisions.
You will need all the energy you can muster. Ensure that you load up with:

1. Self-belief - I know that this is something that will develop over your journey but you do need to start with at least a basic self-belief that you can make it, otherwise you will make a half-hearted attempt and flee at the first sign of trouble.

2. Desire - This is the fuel that will keep driving you on.

3. Passion - Learn to 'live with passion'. Really get excited, after all you are finally going to do what you always wanted to do.

Plan your route
Preparation is the key. Don't go towards your dream without at least a compress. There may be old route maps in existence that you could consult or biographies of people who have trod the road before you that you could read.

You must have some idea about which direction you are headed otherwise you might wander in a big circle and find yourself back where you started!

Consult the wise old Indian first
Seek advice and guidance from other 'successful' people. You might pick up some valuable tips along the way that could save you from a few of the pitfalls you may otherwise have to take!

One thing to remember is to weigh up any advice you are given, take the appropriate points and drop the rest.

Gather together a group of companions
It can be a lonely road to your success. Form a mastermind group of like-minded individuals that you can share moments of triumph or despair with, people whom you trust and admire. They don't have to be actually with you on your journey, they can even be in your secret place where you retreat to, i.e. your mind!

Let the wagons roll
Start out on the journey. Hook your horses up and get going. It's amazing how many people get stuck in the planning stage and never actually 'do' anything!

Learn the art of navigation
Explorers and pioneers of long ago didn't have the luxury of satellite navigation systems; they relied totally on the stars and other natural things. Likewise, don't surround yourself with the latest 'success' techniques and clichés; instead learn to consult your inner self and allow the universe to provide the direction.

Send out a scouting party
Whenever a new route opens up to you, carefully check it out remembering your ultimate goal. If it doesn't fit into your immediate plan then don't purse it.

Beware of the rattle snakes
There are plenty of people who would like to stop you in your tracks, even if it is in your 'best' interest. Avoid these rattlers if you can, but if you come across one, stand as still as you can and let the snake pass by. Or back away slowly, smiling, admiring the beauty of the natural creature whilst being aware of the venom.

Burn your bridges
Don't look back! When you make the decision to move, make the decision permanent by cutting loose.

Learn to recognise the natural signs and resources
Develop your 'sixth sense'. Become open minded to the infinite possibilities and try not to 'pigeon hole' anything. Be in awe and wonder at the immensity and power of the universe.

Tackle each obstacle as it appears
You can spend a lot of wasted time on the 'what if?' question. The best way to learn how to tackle obstacles is to have a go as they appear, not worry about something that 'might' happen. The mind always tricks us into thinking that the problem is bigger than it really is.

When you tackle the obstacle with small bites you may find that it will resolve itself. However don't keep hitting the thing with your head! It might be trying to tell you that it's not the right direction for you to go in!

Help your fellow traveller
The most important law of success is to help others without expecting a reward.

Give thanks for each step achieved
Travel your road to success with gratitude in your heart, for all the experiences good or bad are serving to bring you closer to the ultimate goal. Remember that success is in the journey, not the destination!

Keep the ultimate destination in your mind
Along the road there will be beautiful prairies where you might like to build your farm. Examine them with one eye on those Rocky Mountains ahead and the promises on the 'other side'. It might be that you find a destination that is better than the one you think you are headed for. However, if you feel the yearning for more travel, don't abandon your ultimate dreams for you might feel some regret for not continuing on your way.

Cultivate a pioneer spirit and head towards those mountains!

© 2002 Malcolm Harvey