Last Spring, I took on the Surrey Three Peaks Challenge. It was long, steep, sweaty, and at times involved questioning all of my life choices. But it also gave me a lot to think about, particularly when it comes to how I support my clients through strategic planning.
Because as it turns out, hiking three steep hills in one day has more in common with running a business than you might think.
The surprising parallels between hiking and business planning
Let’s start with the basics…
🩹 Blisters
🍌 Very questionable snack choices
😅 A few “why am I doing this again?” moments
All present and correct.
But beyond the sore legs and bruised banana, the real takeaway was this:
Whether you are hiking up a hill or mapping out the next chapter of your business, you need a clear plan, a realistic pace, and someone to keep you going when things feel a bit uphill.
Business strategy can feel like a mountain
A lot of clients come to me when they are stuck in that “where are we even going?” phase. They are juggling client work, managing a team, launching new services – and somehow still trying to carve out time to think about the big picture.
That is exactly where my Two-Week Strategic Mapping Sprint™ comes in. Think of it as your business equivalent of trail prep. No camping gear required.
What we actually do together
At the very start of the hike, my walking buddy tripped and fell flat on the path. I picked her up, brushed her off (once we had stopped laughing), and got her back on track – bruised head and all.
It reminded me how valuable it is to have someone alongside you who can spot when things wobble, help you steady yourself, and keep you moving forward. That is exactly what having a strategic partner in your business can feel like too.
Over four focused online sessions, we:
- Get clear on your mission, vision and values
- Look at what is working and what needs attention
- Map out your goals and prioritise projects
- Create a practical, visual plan to guide your next 12 months
It is fast paced but not frantic. We work step by step so the plan feels doable, not overwhelming. There is always time to pause, refuel and adjust course if needed.
Think of it like hiking with someone who knows the route and packed the good snacks.
The biggest difference?
At the end of the Three Peaks, we ended up in a pub.
At the end of the Sprint, you end up with a clear strategy, a Trello board built for action, and your head and calendar feeling a lot lighter.
Although honestly, a post-strategy G&T is also highly encouraged.
Ready to stop guessing and start leading?
If you are feeling like you are halfway up a hill without a clear view, I would love to help. The Two-Week Strategic Mapping Sprint™ is a great way to stop guessing and start leading with more confidence and calm.
Get in touch here or explore the Two-Week Strategic Mapping Sprint™
Recent Comments