Peaks and Valleys

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I finished a great book recently called Peaks and Valleys by Spencer Johnson and wanted to share the 5 valuable lessons from the book, and how we can apply the lessons in our personal and work life.

What are Peaks and Valleys?

Peaks are moments when you appreciate what you have, these are the good times, the highs. Valleys are moments when you long for what is missing, the rough times, the lows.

You could be on a Peak or Valley for seconds or even years, with one having a significant effect on the other.

The author’s analogy of 'Peaks and Valleys' to your heartbeat: “Like a healthy heartbeat, your personal peaks and valleys are an essential part of a normal, healthy life.”

You need the ups and downs of life in order to be alive and to grow.

What are the 5 lessons we can learn from the Peaks and Valleys Book?

Lesson 1 - Make reality your friend

Whether you are temporarily up on a Peak or down in a Valley, ask yourself this question. What is the truth in this situation? Avoid believing things are really good when they might not be. And avoid believing things are really bad when they might not be. Be true to yourself and face up to reality.

Lesson 2 - Find the good hidden in the bad times

Relax, knowing that Valleys do subside eventually. While you’re in a Valley get outside of yourself by being of more value to your colleagues and family. Avoid comparisons and uncover the opportunities in the face of setbacks so you can get back on the Peak. View Valleys as an opportunity and see it as “this is happening for me” rather than “this is happening to me”. There is always a blessing and something to learn when we face setbacks.

Lesson 3 - Appreciate and manage your good times wisely

Be humble and grateful when you’re flourishing. Celebrate the wins and the hard work that helped you achieve a goal but don’t standstill. We cannot sit at the table of success and enjoy the victory for months, we need to kick on and keep moving forward and progressing. Otherwise, we lose momentum and become complacent because we’re still living off a win that happened 6 months ago. Focus on doing more of what got you there in the first place. Plan ahead for the turbulent times ahead.

Lesson 4 - Follow your vision

Imagine yourself enjoying a better future in such a specific believable detail, that you can soon enjoy one day but only with focused action. A mental image of a future version of yourself is helpful as you know what you’re working towards and your everyday actions should be aligned to bring that future vision to fruition.

Lesson 5 - Share it with others

Share the ideas with other people so they can benefit too. Help them work through their Valleys so they can reach more Peaks. People become quickly discouraged when faced with setbacks and failure, if you can reassure them and help them apply some of these practices they’ll be able to bounce back quicker.

Hope the lessons from this book encourage you to practice them yourselves and even pick up a copy of the book if it has piqued your interest (no pun intended).

Wishing you a Happy New Year, and all the best for 2022.

David

Resources Of The Week

• Book - Peaks and Valleys by Spencer Johnson - read the full story portrayed through a series of conversations and two people’s experiences that occur up on peaks and down in valleys, a young man comes to make some startling discoveries. Eventually, he comes to understand how he can use the old man's remarkable principles and practical tools in good and bad times and becomes more calm and successful himself.

• Ted Talks - Inside the mind of a master procrastinator by Tim Urban - Tim knows that procrastination doesn't make sense, but he's never been able to shake his habit of waiting until the last minute to get things done. Urban takes us on a journey through YouTube binges, Wikipedia rabbit holes and bouts of staring out the window -- and encourages us to think harder about what we're really procrastinating on, before we run out of time.

• YouTube - Simon Sinek on Why you Win with Consistency. A golden talk from Simon Sinek on why consistency is the most important aspect of our lives. The small things and the daily occurrences help you achieve your goals. Not one-off events.

Quote of the Week

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