Here's How to Make It to the Top

The last 5% is the hardest part - and the most important.

"In so many of the things we do in life - from projects at work to household chores to climbing a mountain - we find reasons not to do the last 5%. With a Himalayan expedition, you spend years raising funds, you travel all the way to Nepal, you carry loads between camps for six weeks. Then, finally, it's summit day and you're hours from the top - but it's too cold, it's too steep, or you're too tired.

"I've been so successful in my climbing because I usually haven't turned back during that final, exhausting 5%. Making it to the top isn't about a final sprint; it's about maintaining your rhythm - even if that rhythm is five breaths for every one step. That kind of focus means that you're more likely to have the energy to deal with unforeseen challenges - and less likely to lose sight of why you're climbing the mountain in the first place."

Contact Arlene Blum by email arlene@arleneblum.com or visit the Web www.arleneblum.com