What I learned on this little journey is that sometimes you just have to get very clear on what success means to you, set your sights on the top, and move up and onward in spite of the fear. While my whole metaphor for life crusade was originally more a motivating mantra than anything else, I confirmed that there really is a lot of truth to it. I found 10 key success factors that got us up and down in a safe and fun manner. These same key qualities and characteristics are needed for success in life and business.

Preparation
While we decided almost last minute to hike this trail, we would not have had a prayer of hope (and would have been downright irresponsible and dangerous) had we not already spent many months of obtaining and maintaining excellent physical conditioning. A little due diligence, foresight, and planning gives any endeavor a higher probability of success.

Direction
If you don't know where you're going, how will you know when you get there? In this case we had a clearly defined path and summit which made this piece of the puzzle very easy. Do you have a clear vision of what you want your life or business to be about? If you don't, how will you know if you're heading in the right direction?

Judgment and Common Sense
The world is an unpredictable place. The weather is even more unpredictable, especially in the canyons. En route to the summit, we had to pass through Refrigerator Canyon, a small slot canyon. Part way through we heard a large crack of thunder reverberate all around us. We stopped and wondered if that would be the end of the journey because in the desert, even a little water creates floods; on exposed cliffs lightening danger is extreme. At that moment and with every step along the narrow path, we had to use common sense and judgment to assess the situation and risk. How do you periodically assess the steps along the path within your life and business?

Perspective and Focused Vision
There is nothing like standing in a canyon between massive cliffs or being atop one of them to gain a little perspective. Grasping the bigger picture is crucial. Just as critical is the perspective you bring to any situation. Both can make or break your efforts. Focused vision is required to tap into a laser like focus removing all distractions from your attention and staying in alignment with your goal. Do you have an idea of your big picture and are you focused on the goal? Or, are you doing today the same thing you did yesterday just because it is what you did yesterday?