In a world filled with procrastinators, nay-sayers, and negative people, it’s refreshing to come across individuals who not only talk the talk but also walk the walk, individuals who embodies the essence of living life with purpose and determination. Here is a powerful adage of mine that should disrupt the status quo, “You cannot talk yourself up a mountain!”, a resounding slap in the face to those who waste their lives in endless discussions and excuses. It’s time to lace up our boots and let these words serve as the kick in the butt as we need to get things going!
When my father was a conscript in the Swedish infantry years ago, he and his group were assigned to raise a tall communication mast. There were many bits and pieces that constituted the mast, and they were scratching their heads wondering which part should go were. Unbeknownst to them, their commander was watching them and after a long while he could not resist and approached the group of soldiers and yelled at them, “Lads! For heaven’s sake, you can talk your way to raise the mast!”
A plan can only take you that far. But what matters most is massive action! It’s an outrageous lie and utopia that we can see all the bits of the puzzle before we start putting it together. If you’ll be standing on one leg for the rest of your life if you require that every part is in place before you start. What is true however is a clear idea of what you are after and then you simply need to start walking. I have been spending lots of time writing movie scripts with everything from adventure drama, science fiction thrillers, family drama to action thrillers. One thing is certain. You can’t wait for a divine inspiration to arrive. You need to sit down at your desk every day and write. Just write! A lot of the time it won’t come out right but that is part of the business. As Apple once said, “for every yes, there is a thousand no”.
Chasing Dreams vs. Making Excuses:
I’d like to think that my life story can act as an inspiration to anyone who has ever dared to dream big. As a keynote presenter, I encapsulate the essence of commitment and hard work required to achieve one’s goals. I know all too well that dreams don’t come true by mere wishful thinking or empty promises. It’s not enough to talk about your aspirations; you must take action. This philosophy is particularly relevant in the face of challenges, such as climbing mountains. I have conquered some of the world’s most treacherous peaks, where excuses and procrastination can cost you your life.
Procrastination: The Enemy Within:
Procrastination is the silent assassin of dreams. It convinces us that we have all the time in the world, breeding complacency and leading to missed opportunities. My adage reminds us that time is precious and fleeting. Waiting for the “perfect moment” or delaying action until circumstances align perfectly will only keep us stationary. To achieve our goals, we must seize the initiative and start taking steps forward, no matter how small they may be.
Nay-Sayers and Negative People:
Along the path to success, we often encounter nay-sayers and negative individuals who attempt to dampen our spirits. I have tried hard to develop a resolute mindset and it can remind us that their negativity should serve as fuel for our determination. Rather than allowing their words to undermine our progress, we can channel their doubt into a relentless pursuit of our goals. My mountaineering experience teaches us that doubters and negativity can be conquered, just like the physical obstacles encountered on the mountains.
Embracing the Adventure:
Life is an adventure, and it’s up to us to make the most of it. My commitment to climbing mountains exemplifies the spirit of embracing challenges and seeking personal growth. Each mountain climbed, each hurdle overcome, represents a triumph of willpower and determination. My adage serves as a reminder that the greatest satisfaction comes from experiencing the journey itself, not from talking about what could have been.
Conclusion:
The words and actions echo the sentiment that success is not achieved through empty talk but through persistent effort and unwavering commitment. The adage, “You cannot talk yourself up a mountain!” serves as a wake-up call to those who find solace in procrastination, negativity, and excuses. Let us be inspired by this example, lacing up our boots, and embarking on the adventure of pursuing our dreams. It’s time to silence the nay-sayers, overcome obstacles, and prove that we are not just talkers but doers. In the end, it’s the steps we take that define our journey, not the words we speak. So, get out there and break a leg! Tomorrow will never arrives so let’s get goin!
About Fredrik Sträng: Fredrik, in his leadership role, has climbed seven of the Earth’s fourteen 8,000m peaks, set a Guinness World Record, and lectures on leadership, communication, decision-making, and crisis management.
Sincerely
Fredrik Sträng
Alpinist – Speaker – Coach
