Stop Procrastinating and Start Walking
Walking the Camino de Santiago (the Way of St James) had been on my mind for a long time. In January 2018, I moved it from my “someday” list to my “must-do” list by announcing it on social media. If there is anything you are procrastinating over, a trick I use to incentivise myself is to announce it to the world. Talking about it creates immediate accountability.
Just before I set off, I heard a dear friend was going through a tough time and I suggested the Camino. In a true Gr8fool moment, I booked him a last-minute flight to join me. We started in St. Jean Pied de Port, crossing the Pyrenees into Spain. We followed our own hearts, walking some parts together and other parts apart. I never booked accommodation in advance, I wanted to keep it spontaneous, trusting that I would always find a bed, and I did, even if it was the last one available in the Albergue or in the next town, a further 5km or more along the Way!
920km of Discipline
I walked daily for 5 weeks, averaging 27km per day. A masterclass in physical and mental endurance, with subjects such as:
- “Morning Person” Myth: I had always labelled myself as “not a morning person,” yet I was up and chirpy at silly hours every morning. Tired but determined and excited for the unknowns ahead.
- Snoring-Champions: Part of the challenge was arriving shattered at an Albergue only to spot the “snoring-champion” from previous nights on the bunk right next to yours! Sleepless nights due to snorers were probably the biggest hurdle for me. More than the walking.
- Creative Sparks: My creativity exploded. I filled the journey with enhanced presence, noticing the beauty and sounds of my surroundings, wonderful multi-cultural encounters, voice notes with reflections and children’s stories. My friend and I became convinced that the Camino was enchanted!
“Not Ready to Stop” at Santiago
I walked the final 10km to Santiago in total awe and gratitude, feeling so “tingly.” Finding the Cathedral felt as exciting as a child hunting for Easter eggs. On the next day, I realised I wasn’t ready to stop. The transformation wasn’t complete.
I decided to keep walking West to Finisterre, the “end of the world,” and finally onto Muxía. Those extra 130km, partly along the rugged Atlantic coast, were where some of the deepest “unlearnings” happened. Reaching Km 0 at the edge of the continent, I had walked over 920km total. I had shed my old skin and was ready for what was next. Soon, a new vanlife adventure!
The Camino taught me that simplicity is power. I further mastered the practice of being present and gratitude for the smallest gifts—like a blister-free day—and the accountability to keep moving when the “magic” feels like hard work.
This is how I coach too: we take your big vision, announce it to create commitment, then we do the daily work to turn that “crazy” idea into your new reality. A journey, a destination.
Is there a journey in your life that you’ve been putting off? Whether it’s a career shift or a personal goal, let’s use the power of accountability to get you moving.
