Meditations of the plateau:
Shall I take it to the next level, or am I already there?
What does it truly mean to plateau? As a climber technically makes progress between each reach upwards, so do they when they make that last reach and pull themselves atop, correct? So then what is it that makes the plateau special compared to the active climb, why do so many people struggle with this concept almost universally?
We must ask what is the plateau? Is it the limits of my ability, or something else? If someone has plateaued it's because they've made progress, ergo a plateau is a representation of progress, not limitations. I wouldn't say I've plateaued if I've never improved, that'd be asinine. Otherwise, the plateau would be a figment of my own imagination and if this were correct someone who has chosen to never improve could say they've plateaued. But they never exerted the effort of the climb, they would have no right!
What happens when we reach the plateau? We may be so surprised at our accomplishment that we perceive it as the peak rather than the plateau, perhaps willfully blind to the next level that awaits us. Some people, dazzled by the new view they've earned for themselves become complacent and decide this is where they'd like to remain. Others may look over the landscape from this new height and become content with their achievement and simply decide to climb back down.
But not me, I am not complacent, I am not content and I am not satisfied. I refuse to climb down this time. I see the beautiful view and it's just as I left it, except now my appreciation is ten fold for the extra effort of multiple journies. I refuse to see this as the peak, I've chosen to look upwards with sincerity. Now I see there is another level and I'm so excited, even intimidated. As each trial makes the last pale in comparison, so it's no surprise most of us find ourselves bamboozled.
What do we do when we reach a plateau? I've learned that it is important to take a moment to breathe and look down at where you've come from. When you look at something that is high up from the ground it's easy to think "That's not that far" but when you're looking down from up top you understand the exact scope of the distance you've climbed. Once you've reached a new height, only then do you truly understand. Therefore it's important to appreciate your achievements, but do not become too obsessed! This is not the peak, there's more climbing to do yet.
As I said, the plateau isn't a reflection of someone's limitations but rather their progress. Furthermore, you won't know your limitations past your current achievement until you try. You've not only earned the right to enjoy the view, but you've also earned the right to challenge the next level. But what is the next level? It is important to take some time to clarify your intentions, to not lose sight of your goals. Ask yourself, what the purpose of your journey is. Only then will you peer through the obscuring clouds and see the next level that has been awaiting you.
What if I'm afraid to climb higher? You see the next level and stand in its shadow, but all journies of self-realization worthy of your time will require confrontation of fear. Surely it took some amount of confrontation to begin this journey. For if you never struggled during the climb, then how can you honestly tell yourself you've achieved anything at all? Do not squander the chance you've earned to continue this journey that you've begun, merely because of your fears.
Maybe I'm not happy with the results of my effort? If you have reached a plateau do not be ashamed that your level isn't as impressive as you'd like, do not let others shame you either. You have earned this, it isn't fair for you or anyone else to attempt to lessen or take away your achievement. Especially when your arms are sore and your hands are blistered bloody from the climb. You scaled the plateau all on your own already, do not forget that while you may be on the plateau, you're on top of it!
The achievement of challenging yourself and succeeding is to never be underestimated. For millennia humans from all walks of life have become legends by doing just that. Heed the advice of fellows, experts, and veterans, but there are many paths to the peak and you must discover your own path. Only then will you be certain that the results are authentic. Then you will develop the confidence to not only confront those who seek to doubt you including yourself but to also confront the path that lays before you.
Shall I take it to the next level, or am I already there?
Yes.
^obligatory inpirational image, hand picked from my home territory.
