I’ve been climbing these stairs two or three times a week as part of my ongoing effort to lose that last bit of squish. The hill is just a few blocks from our apartment and it’s such a cool find. Every day, people from all walks of life arrive with iPods and prayers, and set out to tackle these 300+ steps of thigh-numbing pain.
I always huff and sweat my way to the top but today was particularly difficult because it was uncomfortably warm out and also because I feel like I’m still sort of recovering from my bachelorette extravaganza. As my legs started to wobble and I worked to catch my breath, I noticed this woman chatting with a small group of people. She looked stunning and was probably a fitness trainer of some sort. I overheard her saying that she usually climbs to the top and back down five times.
“FIVE TIMES?!” the group said in shock, possibly disgust.
She laughed and said that after doing it for a while, it’s more mind over matter. Then she gave this tip: “Look at your feet, don’t look up.”
In the age of motivational slogans, we’re taught to look up. To go for the goal, reach for the stars, keep our eye on the prize. And as a dreamer myself, that’s what I do. I look up. I want to do Great Big Things. I want to launch a new site with a strong brand identity and money-earning potential. I want the body of Jennifer Aniston on the cover of GQ. I want to write epic stories that leave readers gasping for air.
But hearing this woman’s advice made me wonder. Maybe it’s time to look at my feet. Because she is right. You’ve got to get in a zone when you’re climbing those steps. You put one foot in front of the other, and then repeat. But the moment you lift your eyes from your shoes hitting the cement, you’ve lost it. You’ll see skinny girls in sports bras zipping past you. You’ll discover that you still have 243 more steps to go. You’ll get discouraged and wish you could just be wheel-barreled down to your car.
It’s similar with the rest of life. If you’re so busy staring at your goal in the distance, it’ll seem like you’ll never be able to get there. You’ll get distracted by how far you have to go, how other people are so much better than you, how you wish there could be some quick payoff.
Yes, of course I believe that there must be a finishing line. When we get tired and frustrated, we should look at our goals to remember why we’re doing what we’re doing. But the rest of the time, we should look at our feet. The individual steps that take us a little bit closer to success.
Keep climbing.
Photo via
this needs to be on a card or something! totally the new “Keep Calm and Carry On!” Only hopefully not as overdone. or maybe yes, as overdone, because then you’ll be RICH! ;) great advice, lady.
Great post. Excellent advice. I can apply this to so many things.
I really needed to read this tonight, Michelle. Thank you <3
There’s a climb in Vancouver called the Grouse Grind (and another that we did this weekend called the Squamish Chief) and when I do it, I look at my feet the whole time! Partly for concentration, partly because it’s slippery rocks, vines, and lots of little obstacles. But don’t forget to look up every now and then, otherwise you might get lost! We went off the trail a few times yesterday!! Whoops! It’s a good metaphor though, to focus on what you’re doing and now always fixating on the future and what could be. And good luck with the wedding fitness…I’m in the same boat ;) 12 weeks until our wedding!
Love this! It’s so smart. I think it’s a great way to become present to right now, instead of looking behind you or into the future.
All I have to say to this is…
Yes. This, yes.
What a great post!
And, in a literal sense, looking at my feet when I’m running/climbing up hills or stairs helps SO MUCH! You get into a much better rhythm that way!
excellent post michelee b!b
ujjjjjeggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
I think too if you’re too focused on your end goals you will miss what’s right in front of you. It also allows you to focus on the little things and makes you pay attention to the journey of getting there, not just the end.
Amen! There’s that whole “fully experience the journey” thing, too.
Beautiful post.
A couple of years ago, I climbed to the top of the US Bank building, which is 75 stories, and I kept my eyes to the ground. To me, it wasn’t about how many floors I had left to go but the next step that I needed to take.
This makes me miss California…how nice that this is so close to your apartment!
That’s funny that she said to look at your feet when climbing…I heard someone tell me something similiar when I first started to try to get into jogging. Instead of looking ahead all the time and just seeing how far you have to run, I looked at the little space in front of me. One foot in front of the other. It made it a lot, LOT easier!
Amazing post.
dude that is so cool….if can do this 5 times u will be able to do half dome with us someday…hehe
Well said Michelle!
I tend to have big goals and dreams, but get mired down in the everyday execution of it. But you’re right, it’s one day (one step) at a time. And then, before you realize it, you’re there.
This was amazing! It really rang true with me and was inspiring in several ways! Definitely sharing this post with others :)
your article…just left me “gasping for air”…guess you were looking down!:)
beautiful. <3
This is unequivocally the best thing I’ve read all week.
Agree completely with Nicole.
Fantastic post!
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Looking at our feet really helps keep things in perspective. I’ve definitely been feeling overwhelmed thinking about my goals. I’ll keep this post in mind!
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