Uphill First

The uphill part of our work always comes before the downhill part.

That’s not to say the downhill is an easy coast.  There are bumps along the way, and challenges that we can’t see at first.  The climate can change, and we can be caught unprepared (even when we thought we were ready for anything.)

Both parts of the process are hard work, they’re just different work.  

We know from the beginning that it will be difficult going uphill, and we accept that.  The path looks rough, but we’re ready for it.

Whenever we start something new, there is a burst of energy to get us moving.  It’s fun to start with a clean slate or a fresh page.  We’re motivated.

Then, the new-car-smell fades away.  The hill is bigger than it seemed from a distance.  Somewhere in the process, we’re too far from the starting point to go back, but too far from the end to be sure that we’ll actually make it.

What if, after the struggle of going uphill, we want to quit?  That’s an option, even if we can see the finish line.  But completing the project is also an option, and often the better choice.

What to do?  

There is no way to know for sure.  If it’s a worthy journey, and you can’t think of a good enough reason to quit, then hang in there.  More than likely, you’ll be glad you did.