Hiking often gives me reminders of what supports me in my working life.
One that has been standing out recently is the value of focusing on just one step at a time.
As part of my training for an upcoming multi-day hike, I’ve been doing a weekday evening ‘power walk’ up Win Hill, in the Peak District. I climb up from one side, then loop round to go up again via a particularly steep route, called Parkin Clough.
I’ve set myself a rule – no stopping and walk with ‘force’ (not just a gentle pace).
What helps me most is keeping my head down, staying really present and focusing on this one step, and then the next, and then the next.
Looking too far ahead makes the climb feel harder.
It’s the same in our working life. Once we know the direction we’re heading with a particular project, sometimes the most helpful thing we can do is narrow our view. That shift can ease overwhelm. Things feel more do-able, and step-by-step real progress is made.
If you are feeling overloaded today, as you read this, could you settle your focus into just this one step?
The photo is from the area where I do the power walk and I’m carrying my full multi-day kit.
