I was recently reading an article about motivation, and how action leads to motivation, rather than the other way around. As a slow learner, it seems I have to be reminded of this frequently. While it is true that having a big goal is a great way for me to structure my training and habits, there are times when that big goal isn’t enough to help me decide exactly what I should do now. I’ve wasted a lot of time watching youtube videos, reading trip reports, blasting heavy music (ok, this one isn’t really a waste, but it can be better taken advantage of), and drinking yet another cup of coffee, only to be even more ambivalent about what action to take in the moment. It’s taken me years to develop better habits that work for me to stay on track towards what I want to accomplish.

“The essence of life is ascent. Ascent is love. The essence of ascent is balance. Creativity is the essence of balance.” Voytek Kurtyka

I’ve used the line “ascent is life” for many years now. It is my favorite metaphor for life. Life is one long climb, and we never reach the top. Why bother? Well, I would add “Curiosity is the essence of creativity” to what Voytek said. I’m very curious. What will we find along the way on this climb? That curiosity has led me to some amazing highs and some devastating lows, but I still want to ascend. Curiosity is what brought me to endurance sports and it’s where I feel most creative. What can I do? How far can I go? What will I learn? Now my curiosity is leading me to help others on their journeys. I want to help people unleash their own creativity and find balance.