Objective:

This exercise is inspired by Brianna Wiest’s *The Mountain Is You* and aims to help you identify and overcome the self-sabotaging behaviors that are holding you back. The goal is to build self-awareness, develop emotional intelligence, and create actionable steps to move past these internal barriers.

Step 1: Identify Your Mountain

• Reflect: Take 10-15 minutes to reflect on an area of your life where you feel stuck or consistently struggle to make progress. This could be related to your career, relationships, personal growth, or any other aspect of your life.

• Write: In your journal or on a piece of paper, write down what you believe is the "mountain" in your life. Describe it in as much detail as possible—what does it look like, feel like, and how does it show up in your day-to-day life?

  Prompt: "The mountain I face is ____________. It manifests in my life by ____________, and it makes me feel ____________."

Step 2: Uncover the Root Cause

• Explore: Consider what might be at the root of this mountain. What fears, limiting beliefs, or past experiences contribute to its presence? Reflect on any patterns of self-sabotage that you notice.

• Write: Jot down your thoughts on where this mountain comes from. Be honest with yourself about the emotions and memories that arise.

  Prompt: "The root cause of my mountain seems to be ____________. I believe this because ____________."

Step 3: Visualize Your Life Without the Mountain

• Imagine: Spend a few moments in quiet reflection or meditation, visualizing your life without this mountain. How would you feel? What would you be doing differently? How would your relationships, work, or personal life change?

• Write: Capture your vision on paper. Describe what your life would look like, feel like, and be like if this mountain were no longer in your way.

  Prompt: "Without this mountain, my life would look like ____________. I would feel ____________, and I would be able to ____________."

Step 4: Develop Actionable Steps

• Plan: Now that you’ve identified your mountain, its root cause, and envisioned your life without it, it’s time to take action. What small, manageable steps can you take to begin overcoming this mountain? These steps should be specific, achievable, and aligned with the vision you’ve created.

• Write: List at least three actionable steps you can take this week to start moving past your mountain.

  Prompt: "The steps I will take to overcome my mountain are: 

1. ____________ 

2. ____________ 

3. ____________"

Step 5: Create Accountability

• Commit: Share your mountain, vision, and action steps with a trusted friend, mentor, or coach. Ask them to check in with you regularly about your progress.

• Track: Use a journal, planner, or app to track your daily or weekly progress on the action steps you’ve committed to. Reflect on any challenges that arise and adjust your approach as needed.

  Prompt: "I will stay accountable to overcoming my mountain by ____________ and will track my progress by ____________."

Step 6: Reflect and Adjust

• Reflect: After a week or two, reflect on your progress. What has worked well? What challenges have you faced? How have you felt about the process?

• Adjust: Based on your reflection, adjust your action steps or strategies as needed. Remember, overcoming a mountain is a process, not a one-time event.

  Prompt: "Reflecting on my progress, I’ve noticed ____________. Moving forward, I will adjust by ____________."

Final Note:

Remember that the mountain isn’t here to defeat you—it’s here to show you what you’re capable of. Each step you take, no matter how small, is a step closer to living the life you envision. Be patient with yourself, and celebrate the progress you make along the way.