For the past week or so, the same three people have been hiking along a main road. Every day going to work I see them; backpacks loaded, two walking sticks between them, going in a seemingly endless loop. Contrary to popular myth, Iowa is quite hilly (at least in the East long the Mississippi) and their journey is neither short or easy.
Their presence is a recent phenomenon, so I speculate that they are in training for a more arduous hike elsewhere. There is really no other way to prepare for an extended hike than by, well, hiking. You can simulate it, or strengthen muscles in a gym or on a treadmill, but it is not the same benefit as walking hilly roads all day.
Are there hills that you should be walking instead of taking the easy way out? A superintendent visiting all the schools in person instead of sending a video message to open the school year. A handwritten note to all those who helped you with a major project instead of a pre-printed thank you. Running your own reports and really looking at the raw data for nuances instead of just reviewing the summary. Shortcuts aren’t always the best route to take.
–— beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com