In the morning, the air was still crisp, but the view was clear, and the day promised plenty of sunshine.

The first part of the route partially followed the winter trail, which I was very familiar with. But then I continued on the main summer route, which I take far more rarely.

Sunbeams broke through the fir trees, then vanished again, and I marched on in the shade and cold. Warmth and chill took turns.

There wasn’t a soul in sight, except for a few farmers checking on their livestock. After that, only curious cows, which had thoroughly trampled the hiking trail.

Every time I crested one hill, a new one appeared behind it. Or a rock face. Every time I thought I was close to the summit and had overcome the final obstacle, a new rock face would reveal itself.

My patience was wearing thin. But impatience wasn’t going to help. Eventually, however, the last rock face was behind me, and the summit cross was finally there. Relief, a 360-degree panoramic view, and far-reaching vistas were the reward.

#

#

In our careers, it often happens that we make progress more slowly than we first expected. The goal, the summit, seems so far away. No sooner have you cleared one hurdle than a dozen new rock faces appear. They must be dealt with one by one; you can only move forward step-by-step.

It takes a lot of patience and perseverance. You have to believe that your goals are possible. You have to believe in your own abilities, even with imposter syndrome as a constant companion. You have to keep going despite others who try to slow you down or place obstacles in your path. Again and again, you must get back up and press on, undeterred.

And eventually, that 360-degree view opens up, where you can finally enjoy what you’ve achieved. But this is only for those who refuse to be intimidated. For those who don’t stop, don’t turn back, and don’t settle for less. Because otherwise, they would never know what it looks like at the top, in the full sun. Never give up