Alfred Wainwright, famed for his guidebooks to walking the Fells of the Lake District had a complete obsession – walking, and documenting these walks through his unique sketches, maps and writings.
He set out a 13-year plan to cover all 214 walks. Yep. Thirteen years. Now that’s a long-term commitment to any goal!
Having set out the plan, his Focus, his energy, his resilience in carrying it out never came into question. So simple was the action required: walk every weekend, and write up the journals of the walk during the evenings each week (he was doing this part time, whilst working as a town hall clerk during the day).
Simple action. Not easy, but simple.
His obsession meant that this seemingly vast task was brought down to its most simple component actions. Actions that he could then focus on, day by day, knowing that in doing so, week by week, month by month, year by year he was building to the achievement of his goal.
In fact his passion for the mission was such that he didn’t feel as if he had to focus on it at all. It felt completely natural to be doing it.
I bet there were tough times. I bet there were occasions when walking in the Lake District was not very comfortable, when the weather was not conducive, when he was not feeling so well, or when there were a thousand reasons not to do it.
But that wouldn’t faze him. His goal was clear.
And did he achieve it? Yes. In one week short of 13 years.
First of all, that’s quite a plan… so very accurate.
And second, isn’t it quite amazing to remain committed to the goal, to stick to the plan, for a whole 13 years.
And so often we can observe this unswerving obsession in the successes of people in all fields of activity.
Can you apply that to your own success? What is it that you will commit to over the long term, come rain or shine, sure in the belief, and safe in the knowledge, that you will get there?