Growth in the uphill

16 Sep Growth in the uphill

The first thought that went through my mind on Sunday morning when my alarm went off at 5:15am was “skip the run and stay for coffee and rusks in bed instead”.  The very next thought was “practise what you preach, Donna.  Get up and go for the run.  It’s moving you towards your goal.”  And, so I did do exactly that – chose the discomfort of the discipline over the comfort of the moment. I’m a runner.  A runner who likes to run in warmer weather, avoids running in the rain or in the dark and generally chooses flatter routes over too many hills.  But, three things I’ve come to know are these – 1.  Discipline is uncomfortable, but necessary, 2. Downhill is not always easy or good for you, and 3. Uphills get you stronger and faster.  In the past two weeks, as we get closer to the 65km trail run we’re doing in November, I’ve noticed how I’ve been choosing uphill routes for my runs and walks, even when I don’t feel like it, subconsciously aware that they’ll help me build strength (even though I hate them at the time!).  We all know the feeling of looking up at that uphill stretch — whether on a mountain trail, in the workplace, or in the demands of home life. There’s that moment of hesitation, that quiet voice that says, “Wouldn’t it be easier to turn around and take the easier [downhill / flatter / fuss free] route instead?”.

But here’s what’s true: growth lives in the discomfort, in the uphill. It’s where strength is forged, where perseverance is tested, and where we build the capacity to show up with resilience in every area of life. Downhill may seem easier, smoother, and more attractive, but it rarely offers the learning or the growth that our uphill challenges bring. And often, as I’ve learnt, downhill has its own surprises — more strain than expected, more bumps than we anticipated.  Choosing uphill is not about glorifying hardship. I think it’s about recognising that real strength is built when we lean into the resistance rather than avoid it, or perhaps reframing the challenge to view it from a different perspective.

High performers don’t seek comfort; they seek growth. Just like training on a steep incline strengthens muscles, expands lung capacity, and sharpens mental grit, the “uphills” in life — demanding projects, hard conversations, parenting challenges, illness or personal disciplines — stretch us in ways the easy path never will.

When we intentionally choose to acknowledge and tackle the uphill:

• We condition ourselves for resilience.
• We discover capacities we didn’t know we had.
• We prepare ourselves for future challenges that will inevitably come.
• We collect our own experiences that could in some way be helpful for others when they’re in their uphill. 

Uphill builds a foundation that downhill simply can’t.

The myth of downhill

It’s tempting to see downhill as smooth sailing. Less effort, more speed, fewer obstacles. But anyone who has run or cycled knows this: downhill can be deceptive.  It often demands as much from your body as uphill does, just in a different way. It strains knees, tests balance, and requires constant attention to avoid stumbling. What looked like relief can actually become its own challenge.

The same is true in life and leadership. The “easy way” — saying yes to everything to keep the peace, avoiding conflict, neglecting to set boundaries, or refusing to stretch into something uncomfortable — often brings more strain.  This strain is not immediately apparent though, it often arrives later. We think we’re choosing smooth, but we’re actually choosing resignation, mediocrity, toxicity, rigidity or even burnout.  For every uphill, there must be a downhill – the saying is probably true.  But even these uphills help prepare us for the sometimes rocky downhills.  The strain of uphill trains us for the downhill too.  

So how do we take on the uphills?

No athlete tackles a mountain without preparation. The same applies to life’s uphills. Preparation isn’t about removing the difficulty; it’s about equipping yourself to move through it even when it’s messy.

Here are three ways to prepare:

1. Train your perspective
   Mindset is everything. An uphill is not a punishment, it’s an opportunity to grow stronger. The way you frame the challenge shapes how you experience it. Instead of saying, “This is too much,” shift your narrative to, “This is where I grow.” Every incline you face — whether it’s a tough project, a challenging season at home, a difficult conversation, or a personal discipline — becomes a training ground for resilience.  
2. Train your pace
   Charging full speed into a climb almost always leads to burnout. True strength is built through rhythm, not rush. Pace yourself with intentional cycles of effort and recovery. This might look like blocking time for focus, protecting space for rest, or leaning into activities outside of work that bring joy and fulfillment. Remember: growth compounds over time. Start small, keep consistent, and you’ll climb further than you thought possible.
3. Train your environment
   Just as a runner prepares the right shoes, fuel, and hydration before a big climb, you need systems and supports that make uphill seasons manageable. Think of your environment as your “gear.” Calendar boundaries, healthy routines at home, supportive conversations with your team, and clear communication become the equipment that helps you endure and thrive. Don’t underestimate the power of setting yourself (and others) up well — preparation often determines how far you can go.

Moving through, not around

One of the most powerful choices we can make is to move through challenge rather than around it. Avoidance might feel easier in the short term, but it often compounds the difficulty later.  The avoided conversation becomes a blow-up argument later.  The unspoken boundary becomes resentment. The skipped discipline becomes a bigger gap away from your goals.

Moving through means facing the incline head-on, with intention and courage. It doesn’t mean it will feel easy — but it does mean you’ll come out stronger on the other side. Resilience is not built when life is smooth and downhill. It’s built when the gradient is steep and our legs are tired, but we keep going anyway. Sometimes very, very slowly, sometimes with extra energy. Every uphill season — whether in career, family, or personal growth — deposits strength into our lives that we carry into the next challenge.

High performance isn’t about coasting downhill; it’s about having the capacity, courage, and clarity to face the uphill. And with each climb, we expand our ability to influence, lead, and live with purpose.

Downhill may feel tempting, but it’s rarely as smooth as it seems. Uphill builds strength, character, and resilience. It shapes us into leaders who can carry weight, parents who can guide with wisdom, and individuals who know that growth lives on the other side of challenge.  So when you find yourself at the bottom of a climb, pause, breathe, and choose the uphill.  Because that’s where your strength is waiting.