One year ago, this month, my daughter and I stood on top of Mt. Kilimanjaro, sharing a hug, some tears, and giving thanks for the journey that landed us at the highest point in Africa. I am sharing this story, because when we began planning this trip, the engineer in me had already decided that there was one goal: to successfully reach the summit.  Anything less would be a failure! Fortunately, at the same time I was learning through my coach training, with IPEC, the importance and value of finding joy in every journey. I came to realize that focusing on all the steps and opportunities about the journey instead of one and only goal, was a much more positive, motivating, and energetic approach to this experience. Soon the priorities and excitement became spending two weeks with my daughter, building friendships with the other hikers and guides, physically preparing for the climb, and getting the chance to visit a country and its people for the first time. Reaching the summit was still a goal, but by far not the only one, and not even the most important one.

For me, this journey became about finding as much joy as possible every step of the way and taking time to acknowledge it, and even celebrate it. I urge you to do the same as you take on adventures in your life. I did not achieve all the goals for my trip, but did achieve the most important ones, and one slightly less important as shown in the picture above.

Contributed by Don Fries, Retirement Coach, Certified Too Young To Retire® Facilitator