I recently reviewed the book Great by Choice: Uncertainty, Chaos, and Luck–Why Some Thrive Despite Them All
Mt. Kilamanjaro, Africa. Courtesy of Ramesh Chamala
The first distinguishing factor Collins and Hansen laid out between 10Xer companies and their comparisons is The 20 Mile March. They describe a trek across the continent, San Diego to Maine. They contend the person who walks 20 miles each day, come rain, shine, snow or wind, will beat the person who walks 50 miles on a good day, 5 or 10 when the weather is adverse or perhaps not at all when conditions are worse. The discipline of always trekking 20 miles every day, even if conditions dictate more could be accomplished, delivers high performance in difficult times and holding back in good times. As my mother used to say, “Slow and steady wins the race.”
This principle is first that got me thinking Great By Choice applies to the personal quest as well as business. When I read this, I was in the middle of planning my goals for the new year. I was in the mindset that I should be breaking my goals into smaller chunks. The 20 Mile March made perfect sense. Consistent, small steps are more likely to change habits than big leaps.
Collins and Hansen lay out seven characteristics of a 20 Mile March:
- Clear performance markers.
- Self-imposed constraints.
- Appropriate to the specific enterprise
- Largely within the company’s (or person’s) control to achieve.
- A proper timeframe – long enough to manage, yet short enough to have teeth.
- Imposed by the company (or person) upon itself.
- Achieved with high consistency.
What does this look like in a personal life? One of my 20 Mile Marches this year is to read 40 books. I have several books lined up to read and the pile is quite daunting. However, the 20 Mile March is to read something every day. I have a recurring task on my task list for every book I am currently reading. Even if I only read a couple pages, I make sure I read some every day so I can check off the task. I have these recurring tasks for all my goals to keep me moving forward. Each time I check one off, I build confidence that I can accomplish the goal, regardless of how difficult it may seem.
I visited with Ramesh Chamala yesterday who exemplifies the 20 Mile March. He was on my team several years ago. Ramesh mentioned to me then he had a goal to climb the highest peak in every one of the lower 48 states. He started with some of the lower elevation ones, but soon was climbing taller ones. I checked in to see how he is doing on his goal.
He didn’t tell me how many peaks he has climbed, although it is several, instead excitedly telling me about how he broadened his challenge. After climbing the Inca trail to see Machu Picchu, he decided to climb the highest peaks on each of the seven continent. Now that is a formidable challenge! Last year he climbed Mt. Kilamanjaro in Africa. At 19,341 feet (5,895 meters), it is the largest free-standing peak in the world. The ascent took seven days, during which he traveled through five climate zones, rain forest to arctic. The oxygen levels at the top were half those at the bottom and altitude sickness is a real, mortal danger.
I asked him what he thought of the 20 Mile March concept. He replied it is a very valid point. He is training to climb Aconcagua, the highest peak in South America, this December. He used to not going out to train when it is windy and snowy. Now he realizes he has to. Conditions at the top of this 22,841 foot (6,962 meter) peak will not be ideal. He now goes out to train regardless of the weather. His comment “adapt to the conditions and go” is good advice.
He climbed the Grand Canyon rim to rim recently. It is 21 miles, 6000 feet down and 8000 feet back up. His new mantra? “Heaven is 21 miles long and 6000 feet deep.” He explained the real beauty of the Grand Canyon cannot be seen by peaking over the edge as most do. Getting down into the rock formations is the best way. The sunrise, according to Ramesh, is best seen from inside.
Ramesh Chamala conquered Kilamanjaro March 1, 2011
His advice to the rest of us non-climbers?
You can’t give up, shouldn’t give up. I’ve had a lot of problems. Just have to pick up the pieces and move. Lean on others to move on with the journey. Learn from others. There are always going to be obstacles. Like climbing a mountain, you have to keep making the changes.
Whatever challenge we face, attack it with a 20 Mile March. Don’t try to conquer it in one attempt. Regardless of difficulty, change or chaos, just do the routine tasks. Don’t overextend or stop. Keep moving. All the way to the top.
Great By Choice Personal Improvement Series
Great By Choice: Personal Success In Reach
Great By Choice: The 20 Mile March
Great By Choice: Fire Bullets, Then Cannonballs
Great By Choice: Leading Above the Death Line
Great By Choice: SMaC
Great By Choice: Return On Luck
, Jim Collins has been a fixture at the top of the business best seller list. His research-based approach to explaining success has struck a chord in the management corridors. I first became aware of Collins after being assigned to read 
by my boss. We were attempting to turn a corner with our small company and he hoped this would give us the insight we needed to be successful.
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