What hiking the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim taught me about myself

It’s over 100°F. I’ve just hiked 10 miles down 4,500 feet and still have 5 miles and 1,000 feet of descent to go. I’m cursing the people who told us we were “close” ages ago, and I’m trying not to think about the 10 miles I have to hike tomorrow. Why am I doing this again?

One of my goals this year was to get better at doing hard things because I want to. I’ve always been good at tackling difficult tasks because I or someone else thought I should. I often motivate myself through shame, telling myself, “If you don’t do this, you’re a failure.” This approach leaves me never satisfied, and feelings of accomplishment are fleeting at best.

I’ve become better at stepping back and saying no to things I don’t want to do. But it’s still hard for me to distinguish hard things that I want to do from things others want me to do.

Embracing Challenges for Personal Growth

Completing 15 miles and 5,500 feet of descent in one day, followed by 10 miles and 4,500 feet of ascent the next day, was the most physically challenging feat I’ve ever accomplished. Hiking the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim was also filled with breathtaking beauty that no picture can capture, and I saw parts of the canyon that only 1% of the park’s visitors ever see.

Finding Motivation Within

There were times I didn’t think I could deal with the heat, pain, or fatigue any longer — but I did. There were times I didn’t think I could take another step — but I did.

Because I believe in myself. Because I don’t want to let old injuries or discomfort hold me back. Because I want to be the kind of person who hikes Rim to Rim and lives to tell the tale. And THAT is the difference. The motivation is coming from a place of aspiration instead of fear.

I’m incredibly proud of myself. Although I will be sitting on my couch for the next 5 days, thank you very much.

(P.S. This picture was taken just before the brutal final stretch of the hike, which is why I’m still smiling.)

An adventurer at heart, I'm highly curious and love new experiences — whether that's meeting new people, reading a new book, traveling somewhere new, or learning a new sport. 
I love working in highly technical problem spaces, helping teams identify real problems and create valuable solutions.

Complex problems are my thing.

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