Last Saturday I had the opportunity to hike Old Rag Mountain at Shenandoah Valley. It was a strenuous 9 mile hike with rock scrambles in the first part of the hike and a long and gradual rocky decline after reaching the summit.

I was physically beat after the hike. I also aggravated a right wrist injury. Throughout the week there was a fair amount of icing and resting.

As my body recovered, there were several health habits that I wasn’t able to continue. I could not work out three times a week. I also had to lower the number of reverse crunch and crunch sets that I do daily.  

As the week progressed, my mood became progressively worse due to inactivity.  I was frustrated that my body was getting worse by the day because I couldn’t exercise. Meanwhile, the time away also gave me time to reflect.

With a pen and paper, I started jotting down my “athletic achievements” over the year.

1. I hiked Rocks State Park in the fall of 2013
2. I hiked Oregon Ridge Park in the early winter of 2013 and in May 2019.
3. I hiked parts of Great Falls Park in 2016 and in 2018.
4. I hiked Section A of Billy Goat Trail in 2017.
5. I hiked part of Gunpowder Falls State Park in fall of 2017.
6. I completed my first 5K in 2018.
7. I hiked the Maryland Height section of Harpers Ferry in 2018.
8. I organized a 20 person hike to the McKeldin State Park in April 2019.
9. I hiked Old Rag a week ago.

As I wrote down my achievements I realized that I didn’t start exercising and hiking more till my late 20s.

When I was younger I was sickly and not very physical, and I cost my parents a fair amount of medical expenses. I then didn’t exercise in fear of injuries and illnesses (both of which cost money) and I carried the fear of injuries and my sickly identity into my 20s. It wasn’t till I was closer to my 30th birthday before I picked up a habit of regularly exercising and hiking.

Therefore, as I wrote down my achievements over the past few years, I started realizing how much I have done in merely 4-5 years. I have gradually become more confident in my own abilities and more grateful about my health.

On Thursday, my body felt good enough, and I picked up my running sneakers and ran a couple of miles. I also found a few workarounds so I can lift weight without using my wrists. I can’t wait to test them out gym today.

How is that Related to Your Journey to FI?

While I don’t disclose my personal financial figures, I encourage anyone hoping to improve his/her finances to start tracking. When you first start, the key is looking for areas to improve, but over the next few months to a year you will start noticing small improvements, or what I would call small wins.

When you are frustrated with your current life, with your finances, or with your health, start looking back and appreciating the small wins you have accomplished so far. You may be presently surprised, and that will be the fuel you need to carry you forward.

Good Luck!

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