Turning dreams into dates, then living the steps that lead there
Trail Marker #12 Map the Milestones
It’s Sunday, September 17, 2034.
This is no ordinary day. It is a day etched in my mind. As I get out of bed and my feet hit the floor, I feel accomplished, excited, and energized. This is my sixty fifth birthday, and my retirement is about to begin.
On my mind that day, and on most days for the past nine years, will be another important date.
Saturday, March 10, 2035.
My mom’s birthday, and the day I intend to be standing on the Approach Trail to Springer Mountain in Georgia, ready to start my epic journey of walking home to Maine via the Appalachian Trail.
In my mind’s eye I can see it clearly. I am standing there about to take my first steps. I feel accomplishment and pride. I feel excited and energized as adrenaline pumps through my body. And yes, I also feel anxious and nervous.
Let’s go.
These moments in time represent milestone markers I have placed on my life’s map. They are specific dates that are real. Not small targets, but major milestones that will require planning, adjusting, and discipline to accomplish.
They represent more than arriving at those moments. They represent the full journey leading up to them. Discipline. Joy. Presence. Day after day.
That map requires a plan.
A plan with many other milestones along the way, ensuring that not only my body and finances are ready, but my relationships and support system are ready for me to take on an epic journey.
Taking the time to develop the map is essential. This is the first disciplined approach to achieving both success and significance. We can name the things we want to accomplish. But when we take the time to connect to the feelings we will experience in those future moments, the goalposts stop shifting in the sand. They begin to set in stone.
They provide motivation to adapt behavior in the current moment. They become the measuring stick that helps us listen to life’s feedback loops, if we are willing to notice and process what we are learning.
Then there is the plan.
The actual tasks, behaviors, activities, and habits I will need to accomplish so I can arrive at these milestone moments on time.
All aspects of my life are impacted by the plan. Career. Finances. Relationships. Fun. Romance. Self image. Health. Spirituality. The plan must be specific and measurable, allowing accountability.
The plan is not just an ideal like being physically able to hike, or having peace of mind about finances so I can spend six months in the woods. It is the daily and weekly tasks and behaviors that create fulfillment.
The eating habits I choose to keep my diabetes in control.
The strength training and conditioning I do to keep my knees working.
The career and financial decisions I make so I can live with peace of mind.
The time I protect to connect deeply with the people I love, so I live my purpose and find joy along the way.
Then there is the trail.
Life itself.
The map and the plan do not truly represent the actual trail. The landscape of life is constantly changing. Trees fall and block the path. Sometimes they fall during storms, and sometimes they just fall.
There are sunny days and storms we all go through. We adjust. We adapt.
But when we have a map pointing toward our true north, and we are connected to our milestones and our why, we stop drifting and start choosing. We learn to bask in the sunshine as it comes. And we learn to move through storms and fallen trees with humility and persistence.
The map. The plan. The trail.
We all have access to each.
We can create our life deliberately, or we can walk without direction and hope we stumble into success and significance. Every second of every day is a decision point. Are we moving closer to where we want to be with positivity and joy, or are we giving in to obstacles with resentment and anger.
I am not saying this is easy. I am saying it is a choice we are invited to make.
So I’m putting this in writing and putting it out in the world. This is my commitment.
I will overcome two knee replacements and an unhealthy body. I will take the time to map my milestones. I will build the plan that supports them. I will honor my Minimum Days, build my Good Days, and string together Great Days. And I will enjoy the steps on the trail that lead to my milestone moments.
My challenge to you is to take the time to create your map. Time bound the milestones. Connect to the feelings you will feel. Age is not the factor. If you are in your twenties or in your sixties, dream big.
Live a life you love, and love the life you live.
If you ever want to chat about your map, your plan, or your trail, I always have a campfire where I am willing to listen to your story. Send me an email at newkneesnewtrails@gmail.com and we will find time to connect.
Thanks for being part of my journey.
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