The signage at the gate indicated that the distance between the starting point to the tip of Mount Longonot is 3.1kms. Once atop the mountain, one would need to cover another 7.2kms to go round the crater. I heard a guide to another group say that the total distance (scaling the mountain plus going round the crater) is 13kms. I tend to agree with him. That was quite a distance.

So the little aches I feel, coupled with the pride of conquering Longonot has given me an idea of a perfect post for the week. Lessons I picked that could be applied in managing personal finances. Here are five:

1. Start already – My friends and I had been toying with the idea of scaling mount Longonot for weeks. When we had no one or nothing to blame for not getting on with the hike, we blamed the COVID-19 disease. We finally decided to set a date and had roles assigned, there was no turning back.
   What excuses are you entertaining? What is stopping you from setting and achieving your financial goals? Beginning is always the hardest bit. Put down what you intend to achieve and just get started. Away with any excuses that stop you from moving forward. Check what you stand to gain by taking action versus what you stand to lose by your inaction. You will get extra motivation to begin.
2. Wear the right gear – I need to invest in hiking boots. A hiking stick too. These would have come in handy on the rough terrain. At least I had a scarf on to keep off the dust, comfortable clothing for both warm and cold weather and the right attitude. We had done some research on what would be needed, including change of clothing. My friend’s watch kept us going (helped us measure progress) by alerting us whenever we covered a kilometre.
   What is your money mindset – abundance or scarcity? Do you know your current financial status? Do you know where you are headed? Writing down your goals coupled with the right mental attitude creates commitment in achieving them. When you start right, chances of finishing right are heightened.
3. Never give up – There were times I was on all fours, times I sat down, times I lied down… Some sections were too tough to scale. I tried and then tried again then crossed a hurdle after the other. We got to the halfway mark and then to the top of the mountain. The scene at the top was breath taking. We took a breather and chewed on some snacks. We psyched up to go round the crater, to finish what we had started.
   Whatever you do, do not give up the fight. You might be deep in debt, or in dire need of capital to scale your business. You could be giving up on pushing for a contract, or on finishing a project. Keep going and do not stop until it is done. It will be worth every effort. The scene in beautiful up there.
4. Get hiking buddies or have a guide – To push you on and to support you and to do it with you. I could never have done it without my three awesome buddies. They pushed me (quite literally) up a rock, supported me by hand at a point where I thought I could fall off a cliff, … and danced when I made it through the first half, when I got to the crater point, after walking around the crater and when it was all done. I never walked alone.
   When the financial journey gets tough, seek help. When you need that extra push, find someone to keep you accountable (a dependable friend could do the job). When you do not know exactly what to do, seek professional help – services of a financial advisor or coach. They come in handy in helping you achieve your goals and save you from making mistakes, some potentially very expensive.
5. Celebrate your wins! – We were super excited to have made it to the crater point, took loads of photos and even shot a video. Once done with the huge circuit round the crater and were finally back at the car, we enjoyed some more snacks and drinks as we recounted our ‘ordeal’. The trip back was all laughter. We had been there and conquered, giving us every reason to celebrate!
   What achievement needs some celebration? Have you finally paid off a debt? Raised down payment for a house? Opened a CDSC or CDS account and made that initial investment? Celebrate great achievements in your financial journey. You will be motivated to keep shining.

‘There will come a time when you believe everything is finished; that will be the beginning.’ – Louis L’Amour.