This article is adapted from Ted's podcast episode 347: Prepare the Start Like a Hiker (Leadership and Process).

After five weeks traveling from Washington, DC to the Rocky Mountains, I discovered something that fundamentally changed how I think about energy, leadership, and the ripple effect we create everywhere we go. This isn't just another hiking story. This is about a simple framework that can transform how you launch into anything—whether it's a new school year, a challenging project, or your Tuesday morning team meeting.

The Challenge That Started It All

Picture this: my adult children Charlie and Grace and I are heading into Rocky Mountain National Park for a 13-mile hike with 1,200 feet of elevation gain. As we approach the trailhead, Grace mentions seeing TikToks where hikers greet people using different words following the alphabet—the ABCs of hiking.

Charlie audibly sighs. But something in me lit up.

"I'm in," I declared, committing to greet 26 different people with 26 different words, starting with A and working through Z.

What happened next taught me more about leadership and human connection than I could have imagined.

Amazing, Beautiful, Coolest—The Energy Experiment

Starting with "Amazing day to be out here!" I could feel my kids rolling their eyes. But something magical happened as I continued:

"Beautiful trail!"
"Coolest trail ever!"
"Delightful way to spend a day!"

With each intentional, energy-filled greeting, people weren't just responding—they were lighting up. My kids watched others smile and engage. The personal challenge gave me more energy, creating more positive interactions, which fueled even more energy.

Coming down the mountain, we met a newly engaged couple where I shouted "Magnificent!" We encountered Henry, a 76-year-old grandfather hiking with his son and grandson, where "Perfection!" led to a beautiful conversation about perfect moments with the people who matter most.

Then there was the group where I tried "Wanderlust!" One guy immediately rolled up his sleeve to show me his forearm tattoo that read exactly that. The connection was instant.

By the end, I had become known on that trail as "that guy with the energy." I had unwittingly become the person setting the tone for everyone's experience.

Why Energy Actually Changes Everything

You might think positivity alone can't get things done. The research says otherwise:

• Teams starting projects with higher collective positivity show 31% higher performance outcomes
• Positive early climates create 4.5 times higher engagement levels after six months
• Teams with high shared energy complete problem-solving tasks 27% faster with 12% fewer errors
• Positive emotions increase 45% more original ideas and 33% more cooperative behaviors
• People experiencing consistent positivity are 23-25% less likely to leave their jobs

When we launch with high energy and positive interactions, we create a feedback loop that sustains everyone through difficult moments.

The Four Types You'll Meet (On Trails and in Life)

After 30 years of hiking, I've noticed people fall into four categories—and these same types show up in every workplace:

The Pros understand the entire journey before it begins. They're your strategic thinkers who anticipate obstacles.

The Weekend Warriors have preparation but get surprised by difficulty. They're well-intentioned team members who need support when reality hits.

The Passengers come along because someone else thought it was a good idea. They can become your strongest advocates with intentional inclusion.

The Rookies have no experience but unlimited energy. Their fresh perspective can energize an entire group.

The question isn't which type someone is—it's how we bring energy that elevates everyone.

Your ABCs Framework

Here's how to make this practical:

Put this prompt somewhere visible: "By the end of this year/project/journey, we will describe it as being _______."

Give everyone a different letter and have them create descriptors:

• "It will have been Amazing"
• "It will have been Challenging"
• "It will have been Rewarding"

Throughout your journey, pull those letters back out. When challenges hit (because they will), you can say, "We knew this would be challenging, but we also committed to it being rewarding."

Your original words become your compass back to intentional optimism.

The Challenge That Changes Everything

I'm done with pessimists, and you should be too. When people bet against teams, we answer with unabashed energy. We overwhelm negativity with optimism because we know we'll get it done.

Energy drives persistence. Persistence fuels perseverance. Perseverance creates wisdom and confidence.

How you show up is how others will too. The energy you bring to every situation makes the difference.

Your Call to Adventure

Stop imagining what your workplace could be like with intentional energy and start doing it. Be the person who sets the tone. Charge into your challenges believing that every interaction matters.

Because at the end of the day: if not you, then who?

The energy you bring is the energy you'll receive. And that simple truth can transform everything.