Last week I spent some time in the beautiful Lakeland fells – part rest, part reflection, and part “workation.”
I walked miles, climbed a few hills, and gave myself space to think.
It had been four years since my last visit. Nothing particularly had changed in the landscape but back then I had been struggling for some time with a painful knee and genuinely wondered if going there was even a good idea let alone if I’d ever climb again. But I had to know what was possible. The pain then made even small ascents feel impossible. But this time, I found myself climbing pain-free. Well, except for my toes, they still took a hammering! But my knee was good, and my heart was full.
I realised just how far I’ve come, not just physically, but personally and professionally.
The fells have a way of offering quiet wisdom and together with the remarkable beauty of the Lake District, that’s why I love it there so much and why I continue to return. Here’s what my time away reminded me:
1.Take a break – and enjoy something comforting and sweet
Sometimes progress isn’t about pushing harder. It’s about pausing, refuelling, and giving yourself permission to rest. A pause isn’t failure – it’s strategy. Whether it’s a chocolate biscuit halfway up a fell by way of a sweet relief or a mental breather in a busy week, small moments of comfort or sweetness make the journey richer and more sustainable.
2. There’s more than one path to the top
In work as in life, there’s rarely just one “right” way to succeed. Every path has its own challenges and perspectives. What matters is choosing one that aligns with your values, walking it with intention, respecting the effort it takes to travel it and celebrating the achievements you make both along the way and as you reach your bigger goal.
3. You won’t always see the summit and that’s okay
There are times when the top is hidden by mist and cloud. Times when you think you’ve arrived, only to realise there’s another craggy rock and rise to climb, [Causey Pike, Grizedale and Green Gable Peaks are great examples]. The destination matters, but the real growth happens along the way, through the rocky steps, the puddles, the slips, and the moments you keep moving even when you can’t see what’s next and the path is out of view.
4. Keep looking at your next step and trust the view will appear
Sometimes we get so focused on where we’re heading that we forget to notice where we are. On the fells, I often found myself looking down, focused on each careful step often to make sure my foot was planted firmly and I didn’t trip and fall. But I always remembered to pause and look up and suddenly the landscape had transformed. Progress happens quietly like that just one small, consistent step at a time.
5. When the road seems tough – know that you have resources that can help you if you choose to notice them
I remember the first time my then boyfriend took me walking in the Lakes and showed me, from the road, what I was going to have climbed that day and I just laughed at him and myself! It was a massive challenge, but he kept me in view, offering encouragement and support as we went. He was there if I took a tumble or to offer a break, a drink, a hand to help me across a rocky ledge. And having achieved that climb and many peaks over the years since then I’m still striving to reach the next peak. And we are now married and have been together for 20 years. You don’t need to make a hard journey alone. Accept help that is offered sometimes and be grateful for the support of those around you that can help you succeed. There is no shame in needing others and feeing grateful they are with you. We are at our best when we connect with others and share experiences together.
6. Be flexible, courageous, and humble
Not every decision leads where you expect. Sometimes the “easier” looking route turns out to be harder. Sometimes you have to pivot and change direction. That’s not giving up – that’s wisdom. With support, courage, and humility, you’ll find your way and often discover a better one.
That week reminded me that the summit is never really the end and often it isn’t even the main event. It’s about the journey and the moments we experience and grow from in between. And when you get the top, it’s just a moment to pause, take in the view, catch your renewed intention and prepare for the next climb.
Because in life, leadership, and wellbeing it’s not only about reaching the goal.
It’s about protecting your energy, supporting yourself and others along the way, and allowing yourself to flourish with every step you take.
#CoachingInsights #ReflectionsFromTheFells #PersonalGrowth #Resilience #JourneyNotDestination #GrowthMindset #LeadershipLessons
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