Lesson 2: The Power of Knowing Your Why and Sticking to It
In my first blog regarding the R2R adventure, I shared some thoughts about the experience and the importance of taking shortcuts (The Shortcut – Ruben Gonzalez) to achieve your goals. In this situation, I chose to learn from others and embrace the role of “follower”. That lesson goes hand in hand with the second lesson I’d like to share – know your why.
It all began in 2022 when a longtime friend asked - “So, when’s our next adventure?”
The ideas, bucket lists, and crazy dreams started pouring over several months. Over texts and dinners, we continued to talk about where and when. Once we landed on the Grand Canyon, it was time to put the finer points together which led to this…when we hike from one end to the other, how will we get back to our vehicles? Pretty simple question, right? Wrong.
That basic question led to lots of conversation and debate about whether or not to take the shuttle or hike back to our cars. That’s right, we were now considering hiking rim to rim to rim! Let me provide some context. One can choose to hike north to south, or vice-versa, which can range from 21 miles to 24 miles, take 8-14+ hours minimum, and include at minimum a 5,150 foot ascent out of the canyon. So, the real question is “what is our goal?” aka “what is our why?”
Ultimately, we landed on doing rim to rim, and then took the shuttle back to the other side. Why? Because we decided that the trip was about relationships, shared experiences, enjoying the ride, not about speeding through just to say we did it.
I’d be lying if there weren’t times leading up to the hike, that we didn’t talk about scrapping the shuttle and pushing ourselves to achieve what only ~1% of annual hikers (5 million annual visitors) have accomplished. But we continued to come back to our goals and what we all ultimately wanted to experience. Which is why my second lesson is all about knowing you’re why and how that purpose guided me, and can guide you, every step of the way.
1. Defining Your Mission: What’s Your “Why?”
Before embarking on a Rim-to-Rim hike, or any challenging journey, it’s essential to define your mission. Why are you doing this? What are you hoping to accomplish or experience? For me specifically, the mission was about community, fun, disconnecting, being in nature, and finding personal growth in the challenge.
Knowing your "why" serves as an anchor. The Grand Canyon, with its towering cliffs and deep valleys, presents endless opportunities for distraction. It’s easy to get caught up in the grandeur of the scenery or feel overwhelmed by the physical demands of the trail. But when you have a clear mission in mind, it helps you stay focused when things get tough.
There were moments on the trail when the weight of the journey became overwhelming, especially during the climb out of the canyon when exhaustion set in. But I kept reminding myself of my mission—why I started in the first place—and it gave me the determination to keep moving forward, one step at a time.
2. Staying the Course: Handling Challenges with Focus
One of the most critical aspects of sticking to your mission is staying on course, even when obstacles arise. The Rim-to-Rim hike throws many unexpected challenges at you. The temperature can swing dramatically from morning to afternoon. Parts of the trail are rugged and steep, and your body will start to feel the strain after miles of continuous effort.
There were times when I wanted to slow down, rest for longer than planned, or even reconsider the pace I had set for myself. In those moments, I had to remind myself of the bigger picture—the mission I was on. Every decision I made had to align with that purpose. Was I connecting with my hiking comrades, was I enjoying the journey, was I stopping to smell the rose, and was I seeing the challenges in front of me as opportunities to grow?
Sticking to your mission requires discipline. For example, midway through the hike as we prepared to ascend up Bright Angel Trail, I was tempted to push harder to finish faster. But I had to check myself. My mission wasn’t just about finishing; it was about enjoying the journey, appreciating the beauty around me, and ensuring we all completed the hike safely. Pushing too hard could have jeopardized my experience, and so I had to adjust, stay connected with friends, and stop to smell the roses (star gazing was our rose of choice).
4. The Importance of Mental Fortitude: Focus Overcomes Doubt
As the hours pass and the trail winds deeper into the canyon, doubts inevitably creep in. Can I do this? Did I prepare enough? Is the heat too much? The Grand Canyon has a way of testing not only your physical endurance but also your mental fortitude.
This is where the power of a clear mission becomes invaluable. When doubt surfaces, returning to your mission grounds you. It serves as a reminder of why you’re here and what you’re working toward. For me, knowing my mission gave me the mental resilience to push through the toughest parts of the hike.
During the climb out of the canyon, when each step became more laborious than the last, I could have let exhaustion dictate my mindset. But instead, I reminded myself that the climb was part of the mission—to experience and conquer the canyon. That thought kept me focused, even when my energy flagged.
5. The Reward of Sticking to the Mission
Reaching the other rim after hours of hiking is an indescribable feeling. You’re greeted with a deep sense of accomplishment. Sticking to the mission, even when it was hard, made the finish that much sweeter.
The lesson I took away from the Rim-to-Rim hike was not just about physical endurance but about the power of commitment. Knowing your mission gives you purpose and clarity, and sticking to it helps you overcome challenges, adapt to change, and ultimately succeed.
Conclusion: The Power of Purpose
The Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim hike is a journey that challenges both body and mind. But it’s also a powerful metaphor for life’s greater challenges. In any difficult endeavor, whether it’s a hike, a career goal, or a personal milestone, knowing your mission and sticking to it is what keeps you on track.
When you have a clear purpose, every step—no matter how hard—becomes meaningful. It’s not just about reaching the finish line; it’s about staying true to the reason you started in the first place. And in the end, that’s what makes the journey worthwhile.
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