Leading the Generation after the next Generation

I was hiking today with my great-nephews (and they are terrific). They are 35 and 39 years YOUNGER than me. We chose hike #8 from the San Bernardino Mountain Trails book written by John W. Robinson.

The hike started at highway 18 and wound down towards the top of a smaller peak which has the arrowhead on the front. It is about a six mile hike with moderate elevation gain.

The challenge of the hike was not the distance, elevation gains or elevation. The challenge was to find the entrance to the trail which was overgrown and to stay on the trail because of brush that had filled the trail.

It gave me a chance to talk about life and the future and seeing the world with your eyes wide open. I led the way on the way down and talked about nature and the trails and switchbacks and how to read the trail to find your way through the sharp thorns and the sticky leaves and the loose rocks. I let them lead on the way back.

We talked about using the hike not just to strengthen your body, but also your mind.

The hike was very similar to the challenges we face in our personal and business lives.

When you set a goal and develop a plan in order to achieve it, you must execute the plan. In the process of executing, you will be faced with small rock slides, when someone has put an obstacle in your way. It could be a customer complaint or an employee issue or lack of funds. But, the leader that moves forward toward the goal is the one that never loses focus on the goal, even when something pops up with more immediate needs.

Look for the path that others have followed and achieved success. Most often the path to success is difficult to follow. It is important to teach our young people about the challenges that lie ahead and how to confront them in order to achieve their goals.

We have a great opportunity to shape the future leaders, sometimes one or two at a time. Take the time to make a difference in someones life and do it today.

Share your talents.

Rudy