30 Day Hike Challenge

I recently did a 30-day hiking challenge, climbing Rib Mountain State Park each day. By the end, I had scaled the equivalent of Mount Everest in elevation.

To some, this might sound like a breeze; to others, a wild endeavor. For me, it was a blend of both. Let me share what this journey taught me.

While the individual hikes themselves weren’t overwhelmingly difficult, managing them daily posed a real challenge. Each hike took about 60 minutes, not including the drive, changing clothes, or juggling work and personal life. It was a mental battle more than anything, often finding myself almost driving past the trailhead. Yet, each day, I made that left turn, pushing myself up that hill.

One of the most profound lessons from this challenge was the immense satisfaction of checking that box every day. Critics, perhaps cozy in their comfortable mindset certifications and warm slippers, might argue that such a feat isn’t sustainable. But my goal was to teach mindset through firsthand experience, immersing myself in challenges, learning from them, and documenting both struggles and triumphs.

Here are some raw insights from my 30-day journey and as you may be able to tell, this was my ultimate decision of my re-brand as well: Daily Thoughts During the 30-Day Hike Challenge

Day 1: Authenticity vs. MoldI realized I was trying to fit into a mold of my current clientele instead of being my true, authentic self. I discovered that being more direct and demanding was what my clients truly wanted—accountability. Initial attempts to be less intense didn’t work with certain clients who likely weren’t the right fit from the start. Authenticity matters more than trying to fit a mold.

Day 2: Mindset Coaching RealityMany personal trainers claim the title of mindset coach, but what have they really done to earn it? Attending a course and sitting behind a desk isn’t enough. True mindset coaching requires real-life experience, hardship, and sacrifice. It's about doing the hard work yourself, not just talking about it from a comfortable seat.

Day 3: Push Through NegativityNo matter how much you don’t want to do something, pushing through is crucial. The mental benefits of completing a challenge far outweigh the temporary discomfort. Confront the struggle, and you’ll be grateful for the progress made.

Day 4: Simplicity WinsInitially, I varied my hiking routes, but I soon realized that sticking to a familiar path was more effective. Knowing the terrain allowed me to anticipate challenges and navigate better. A straightforward approach often leads to greater success.

Day 5: Sacrifices MadeThis challenge required significant sacrifices, including missing out on regular weight workouts and enduring physical discomfort. Despite these sacrifices, I remained committed to the hike each day. Sacrifice is necessary, even if it’s uncomfortable.

Day 6: Use Negativity as FuelNegative comments or doubt can be fuel for your journey. I initially thought I was doing this challenge for myself, but it also turned out to be about setting an example for my clients. Their reactions and growth were part of my motivation.

Day 7: Reflections on Business and Law EnforcementComparing my business challenges to my experiences in law enforcement, I’ve learned that business demands constant decision-making and resilience. They are very similar, yet different. There’s no one to back you up in business, and you must deal with criticism and setbacks on your own.

Day 8: Impact of SurroundingsYour environment and the people you associate with profoundly affect your daily life. Negativity and toxic energy can drain you. Focus on positive, supportive relationships to build a healthier mindset.

Day 9: Failure as GrowthDon’t view failure as the end; see it as an attempt and a learning opportunity. Success comes from persistence and trying again after setbacks.

Day 10: Challenge Your MindTaking the easy route never pushes your mental boundaries. To build mental toughness, consistently face challenges and push through difficulties.

Day 11: Harness Available ResourcesWith so many resources available today, we have exceptional opportunities for growth, but we also risk becoming weaker if we rely too heavily on these resources. Use resources wisely and maintain inner strength.

Day 12: Be Your Best on Your Worst DayEveryone has untapped potential. The key is to perform at your best even when circumstances are tough.

Day 13: Face Your FearsBecome an expert at handling what you fear most. It’s through facing our fears that we build resilience and confidence.

Day 14: Ignore CowardsDon’t let negativity or cowardly criticism affect you. If someone can’t address you directly, their opinions hold little value.

Day 15: Success and FriendshipSuccess often leads to a smaller circle of friends, revealing those who were only interested in what you could offer. Recognize this and focus on genuine relationships.

Day 16: Success Demands SacrificeAchieving success requires everything you have, and it will reduce your available time. Hold the commitment it demands.

Day 17: Finding Value in HardshipEven illness like the flu, which made climbing difficult, had its purpose. It taught me to push through pain and see each challenge as an opportunity to grow.

Day 18: Life’s ChallengesLife will test your mind. Don’t get bogged down by setbacks. Accept and move on, using these experiences to fuel your growth.

Day 19: Be YourselfDon’t conform to others’ expectations or become like those who have gone before you. Embrace your own identity and path.

Day 20: Success Over KindnessInstead of trying to please everyone, focus on achieving success and letting that speak for itself.

Day 21: Elevate Through Low PointsWhen you’re at your lowest, you have the greatest opportunity to rise to your highest. Use these moments of misery to push yourself further and achieve greatness.

Day 22: Consistency Through AdversityEven on days filled with exhaustion and pain, maintaining consistency is crucial. Pushing through these rough patches strengthens your resilience and dedication.

Day 23: Mental Strength Through RepetitionRepeating the challenge daily builds mental toughness. It’s not just about physical endurance but also about strengthening your resolve with each repeated effort.

Day 24: The Importance of RoutineSticking to a routine, despite the hardships, promotes discipline. The more consistent you are, the easier it becomes to overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.

Day 25: Learning from PainExperiencing physical pain has its lessons. Each step sometimes painful, up the hill taught me something about perseverance and pushing through limits.

Day 26: Acceptance of DiscomfortAccepting discomfort as part of the journey helps in managing expectations. It’s a necessary part of growth and learning, not something to be avoided.

Day 27: Self-Reflection Through SolitudeTime alone during the hike provided clarity and self-reflection. Solitude is a powerful tool for understanding your own thoughts and motivations.

Day 28: Balancing Work and Personal GoalsFinding a balance between work responsibilities and personal challenges is crucial. The discipline gained from tackling personal goals translates into improved performance in professional areas.

Day 29: Facing Internal ResistanceInternal resistance can be the hardest to overcome. Confronting and pushing through this resistance is essential for true progress and self-improvement.

Day 30: Celebrating the JourneyCompleting the 30-day hike is a testament to resilience and dedication. Reflecting on the journey highlights the growth and lessons learned, reinforcing the value of perseverance and hard work.