David Martin & Company

Work Smarter. Dream Bigger.

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Our Services
  • Our Clients
    • Our Clients Say
  • Contact Us
  • Login

Seeing his world changed mine

September 21, 2017 by David Martin Leave a Comment

In November 2013, I spent 10 days in Nepal trekking in the Himalayan Mountains. There were no paved roads above 10,000 feet, which meant no motorized vehicles.

It was just silence and the unfamiliar.
Beneath the quiet sky, we ascended, descended, and ascended more, for hours each day. Around every turn was wind, sun, and endless ranges of jagged peaks shooting toward the heavens.

To move to the next mountainside, we’d cross a wire bridge hanging over a rushing turquoise river that crashed through boulders as big as houses.

We were led by a Sherpa guide named Lakpa.
It seemed that Lakpa knew the landscape down to the individual stones on the path. Without him, it’d have been something between a frustrating hike and a dangerous struggle. With him, it was an adventure, even a pilgrimage.

Lakpa seemed aware that we were doing something bigger than just climbing a mountain.

He helped us see amazing things we’d have otherwise trudged right past…like the rare Snow Leopard he spied with his bare eyes as it hunted mountain goats far away on the next mountainside.

We saw nothing.
He shouted and pointed excitedly, “Looooook! Loooook! Loooook!” We needed binoculars to recognize the speck he was pointing to. We were in awe of what we saw.

Lakpa knew the dangers.
Sometimes, I’d try to climb an incline too quickly in the thin air. Before I was aware of my error, Lakpa would have already appeared behind me out of nowhere to gently instruct “Slow. Slow.” in my ear.

An experienced guide made all the difference.
Lakpa knew the terrain and the surroundings, having traveled it many times.  He brought the mountains and the people and the paths to life in a way none of us could have imagined on our own.

It sounds cliché, but that journey changed my life. After he showed us his world, I saw my world anew.

It’s the classic combination for transformation anyone can use:

  1. unfamiliar territory and 
  2. a knowledgeable guide.

It’s such a classic 1-2 combo, it’s in our favorite stories. The combination created some pretty remarkable results for Luke Skywalker with Yoda and for Frodo Baggins with Gandalf as they faced unyielding challenges.

And it’s worked for any person who’s ever ventured beyond their former limitations — like you.

Sometimes you choose the challenge — like I chose my trek.
Sometimes, it chooses you.

Either way, the opportunity to be transformed is there. Especially with a guide who knows the territory well.

Your world may not change, but you’ll never approach things the same, after.

What’s your perspective?
Life or work might be twisting you like a pretzel right now, full of daunting challenges. Are you making it a struggle?

Or do you understand this is the threshold to your transformation?…..if you play along.

It’s easier to understand there’s a breakthrough coming when you’re hiking with a guide in Nepal or watching a movie you know will end well.

It’s more difficult to trust in when it’s real life and the stakes are high.

But in every messy situation, the possibility is still there — especially with good guidance. While I’m no Lakpa, that’s even the role I play for my clients when their challenges are great.

Is something kicking your butt right now?
While your struggle may feel unusual and unique to you, you’re reliving a pattern as old as humankind. It’s the challenge and the inherent possibility of wisdom and strength.

Are you fighting it or flowing with it?  (Hint: “Use the Force, Luke.” Lean into what’s possible.) And find someone who knows this territory better than you for guidance.

P.S. I have dropped off the grid to camp and canoe in the Boundary Waters of Canada. Of course, I chose my guide wisely.  Here’s hoping I don’t recognize the new man who returns. And the same for you in your adventures.

Filed Under: Confidence, Courage, Goals, High Performance, Influence, Mastery, New Thinking, Success

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Free the Genius

Free the Genius by David MartinMy new book released and is an Amazon #1 international bestseller! It’s called Free the Genius: How the Very Best Grow Their Meaning, Mission, and Contribution. Read more here.

Connect with Me

  • Email
  • LinkedIn

Sign Up for E-News/Blog

Our Clients Say

 I still hear about my work with David Martin, some five years ago. People at my company will say things like, ‘She made huge strides when she worked with David’ or ‘You should have seen how much positive change she accomplished during that time.’ All good things! 

Beth Himes
Vice President, Local & Regional Business Service Operations, Aetna

 David has become one of my most trusted business advisors. I initially looked to him for guidance in stepping-up my individual performance and leadership but our relationship quickly evolved to where I seek David’s problem-solving skills for the key strategic issues and challenges facing my business. David’s clear thinking helps me sort through the ambiguities that seem to be ever present in today’s tough business climate. 

Erik G. Birkerts
CEO, Clean Energy Trust

 I am amazed at what I’ve accomplished with David’s help. He has given me the skills and tools to keep me moving forward. More than once, I’ve marveled at his insight and ability to clearly express very complex concepts. I thought coaching was going to be hard, but it was the best thing that happened to me. 

Farhad Aghdami
Partner, Williams Mullen

 David Martin is brilliant. His style feels so intuitive, like being coached by a hybrid of Phil Jackson and your closest friend. His ability to hone in quickly on what may be blocking success is swift — but what separates him are his creative and easy-to-implement tools. Plus it’s fun to be his client. 

Gracia Walker
Director, Business Development, Yum Yum NYC, LLC

 David sets very high standards of performance for himself and his clients. He has a very engaging style, listens acutely and devises action steps that are built around current business needs. It’s the results that matter. During the time David spent with me and my team, my region earned the honor of ‘Most Improved’ in our first year, a top third ranking in our second year, and a National Performance Award as the fifth region in the nation in our final year! 

Jeff Holland
Regional Vice President, GlaxoSmithKline

 David has provided me with sound, mature and measured advice and perspective. He’s extremely skilled at strategic thinking and identifying effective tactical action plans. I highly recommend David Martin. 

John A. Schauss
CFO, Media General, Inc.

 David played a critical role in developing a strategy for initiating a series of new partnerships, and then helped us launch them by devising tactical plans. He identifies gaps and then works with you to close them, so you can focus on areas that are key to driving success. 

Kurt Thearling
Head of Decision Sciences, Vertex Business Services

 My time with David was head and shoulders above any coaching experience that I’ve ever had. He developed a deep understanding of my style and situation and provided concrete practices for me to work on that improved my game substantially. 

Rob Finnegan
Managing Partner, 2nd Order Solutions
  • Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2021 · DavidMartinCo.com