Remember last week I shared how I transitioned back into my disciplined routine after the carefree days of my holiday and the importance of ‘eating the frog’.
At that very moment, I was facing a literal mountain that put that entire philosophy to the test.
Sixteen kilometres into a challenging training run, with over 1200m of elevation already behind me, I hit a rock — quite literally. The trail grew increasingly technical, my energy was drained, and my inner ‘victim’ loudly bombarded me with excuses and doubts.
It even dramatically wondered, “Who’s going to find me out here…?”
In a moment of raw frustration, I literally threw a massive rock at the mountain and shouted into the void. A younger, more vulnerable part of me — my inner victim — had taken charge, feeling alone, afraid, and defeated.
Thankfully, releasing this energy helped me to re-centre myself. It allowed me to take a step back and laugh at the tantrum I threw, but most importantly, it helped me regain a sense of control and embrace my fatigue as a challenge to overcome rather than an obstacle to avoid.
Now, why am I telling you this?
Because it was a vivid lesson in self-leadership. There was no one coming to rescue me. No helicopter airlifting me off the mountain, nor was a friendly hiker about to appear with a flask of warm soup and a pep talk.
It was just me, acknowledging my fatigue and fear, and deciding to finish what I set out to do.
I had to step up, not just physically but mentally — befriending the dramatic inner victim and telling him: “I see you, little dude. I know you’re feeling scared and tired, but I’m here with you, and I’ll guide us through this. Just follow me.
This was my ‘frog’ — not just deciding to get out there despite feeling weak due to my stomach issues the previous day but also navigating the drama of my undisciplined mind (still in holiday mode!) and the resistance that came with it.
Working with rather than against it was pivotal because — looking back — it was exactly this training that reminded me of my power and prepared me for the challenges that lay ahead.
This moment of clarity (let’s call it a tantrum-induced epiphany!) made me understand the true meaning of self-leadership. I realised that my true power lies in my ability to lead myself through moments of uncertainty, fear, doubt and discomfort.
And this isn’t just exclusive to running.
Think about your own life. Where are you opting for the easy way out instead of embracing the challenges you find difficult to face? Where are you waiting for support or rescue — expecting something or someone to step in and sort things out for you?
Perhaps you’re in a job that’s slowly draining your soul, maybe you’ve been delaying the start of a healthier lifestyle, or possibly you’re procrastinating on launching that dream project or business because you’re too caught up in daily distractions.
The cold, hard truth is no one else is going to do these things for you.
Much like on that mountain, in life, business and our relationships, we face daunting challenges that test our limits. The urge to give up, to find an easier path through external salvation, is always there.
We often find ourselves looking for excuses, distractions, or escape routes, all hoping that something or someone will miraculously make our difficulties disappear.
But it’s when you confront the challenges you face head-on, when you embrace your doubts and fears and still choose to move forward, that’s when the door to transformation opens.
That’s the moment you unlock strengths, discover outcomes, and stumble upon opportunities that you never thought possible.
So, where in your life are you hitting a rock?
I urge you to get radically honest with yourself. This isn’t just about skimming the surface; it’s about diving deep into the core of your challenges.
Here are a few reflective questions to guide you:
- What situation are you consistently avoiding? Is there a project, conversation, or decision that you’ve been putting off?
- Who do you become when you face this situation? Are you burying yourself in lesser tasks, creating distractions, or simply freezing up at the thought of confronting them?
- Which part of you is currently steering your decisions? Identify the inner voice that’s dominating — perhaps it’s shame, fear, doubt, or a comfort-seeking part of yourself. What is this voice trying to protect you from?
- What would it look like to show up as your highest self? Envision the leadership, actions and mindset of your highest self, fully committed, engaged and overcoming this challenge.
Confront these questions with honesty, feel the discomfort they might bring up (throw your metaphorical rock if needed!) and use it as a catalyst to reclaim control over your life.
Just like my run that day, each step you take towards overcoming your ‘inner victim’ does more than just move you forward — it unlocks the door to what you desire most. You’ll find that each small victory builds the momentum that fuels your progress.
This not only feeds your motivation and empowers you to continue, but it also forges you into the person you were created to be.
While the road ahead might be tough at times, the rewards of a fully lived life are unparalleled.
You are capable of incredible things.
You’ve got this.