Climbing the mountain, whether in summer or winter, is a test of endurance, perseverance and growth. The climb is always worth the view, but the journey itself teaches us invaluable lessons. And just as the ascent requires strength and determination, the descent can present unique challenges depending on the trail’s steepness.

In the winter, different climbers take different approaches. Some choose to snowshoe up and back down, embracing the challenge of both the climb and the return. Others prefer to snowshoe to the top and take the lift down, opting for a mix of effort and ease. Then there are the extreme athletes who “skin” up the mountain, placing tear-away skins on their skis to gain traction as they ascend, and then remove the skins to ski down. These individuals always amaze me. Personally? I prefer to take the lift up and enjoy using gravity to help me glide back to the base.

A hike up the mountain is invigorating and gorgeous during the summer. The climb is worth it in both seasons, whether we’re rewarded with a panoramic view of snow-capped peaks or an expanse of aspen trees and wildflowers. Regardless of the method, the journey to the top mirrors the personal and professional growth we experience in life.

When hiking or skinning, people exert and push themselves. They learn valuable lessons about pacing, endurance and adaptability. Each climb builds muscle, experience and knowledge. They figure out where to step and where not to step, how to navigate the snow or the rocky terrain. Some areas are steeper, demanding greater strength and tenacity, while other parts provide small plateaus where we can catch our breath. With each climb, they get stronger, better and more knowledgeable.

However we get there, reaching the summit brings a sense of victory. We see, feel and even taste the crisp mountain air at the top. The view is spectacular, and the reward for our effort is undeniable. The same is true in our personal and professional journeys.

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We live in an era of immense learning opportunities, where artificial intelligence and advanced technology enable us to reach new heights if we develop a mindset of continuous learning. That first hike or “skin” up the mountain is tough for new salespeople. However, the climb becomes more manageable with each practiced role-play, prospect interaction, and one-on-one coaching session. It doesn’t necessarily get easier, but they become stronger, more skilled and more prepared for the next ascent.

Newly promoted managers face a similar challenge. Their first climbs are steep as they learn to coach, mentor and have difficult conversations. With experience, they gain confidence in their decision-making, making the climb less daunting. For entrepreneurs who take the bold step of starting a new business, the peaks and valleys initially seem almost insurmountable. But as they gain traction, find their footing, and take each step as it comes, they, too, will one day enjoy the breathtaking view from the top.

I may prefer the lift in winter, but that doesn’t mean I stop observing and learning. As I ride up, I look down at the skiers and identify the beginners, the intermediates and the experts, even those who have mastered their craft beyond expert levels. It gives me perspective. In different areas of life, I have been, and still am, at all these stages, a beginner in some things, an intermediate in others, and occasionally an expert.

The mountains, the climbs and the descents serve as metaphors for our journey through life and careers. No matter where we are in our climb, we have the opportunity to grow, to get stronger, and to reach new heights. And when we do, the view will always be worth it.

How about you? Are you at the bottom of the mountain, about to begin your descent? Are you halfway up and learning as you go? Or maybe you are already at the top, experiencing the thrill of victory and relishing each lesson learned along the way. Perhaps you are like me, observing others and where they are in their climb and descent and valuing the life lessons accumulated along the way. I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com and when we can put in the work, the climb will be worth the view.

Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager, and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.