It’s Not the Mountain That Wears You Out — It’s the Pebble in Your Shoe

by Kristina Karlsson

“It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it’s the pebble in your shoe.” – Muhammad Ali

This quote by Muhammad Ali is one I come back to again and again - and the subject of this recent podcast.

It’s simple, profound, and—if you take the time to reflect on it—it has the power to shift how you navigate your day-to-day life.

In this Monday Motivation episode, I unpacked what this quote means to me, how I apply it, and how it might just help you reclaim your energy and motivation—especially when you're feeling worn down on your path to your dream life.

So let’s talk pebbles. And mountains. And how both are shaping your journey.

🌄 The Big Dreams Don’t Burn You Out

People often ask me, “How do you do it all without burning out?”

And the honest truth is: I don’t do it all. But what I do focus on is always deeply aligned with my values, passions, and purpose.

When your work or your business is infused with purpose—when it feels like play—it gives you energy. Starting a new business, launching a book, or creating something from scratch is no small task.

These are my mountains. But they don’t wear me out. They excite me. Because they matter to me.

This is the power of aligned action.

But the things that do wear me out?

The little irritations. The unsent email. The mess in the kitchen. The recurring decision you haven’t made. The endless notifications. The clutter on your desk—or in your mind.

These are the pebbles.

🪨 What Are the Pebbles in Your Life?

Let’s get practical for a moment.

Every day, there are small things draining your energy. Things that feel too minor to deal with but together can weigh heavily on your emotional bandwidth.

Maybe it's the unanswered text that’s lingering in your mind. The lack of a plan for dinner. The pile of laundry. The gym bag you keep forgetting to pack.

These aren’t dramatic. But they compound. And they pull your focus and energy away from what truly matters.

✨ Four Simple Ways to Remove the Pebbles

Here’s how I make sure I stay energized and aligned—by spotting and removing those pesky pebbles as they show up.

1. Identify the Pebbles

Awareness is the first step. Ask yourself: What small things are regularly causing friction or irritation? Start journaling them.

You can even create a dedicated “Pebble List” in your Dream Life journal.

Just the act of writing them down can bring clarity and calm.

2. Remove One Pebble Today

You don’t have to fix everything at once. Just one pebble.

It might be unsubscribing from a batch of unwanted emails. It might be finally scheduling that appointment you’ve been putting off.

Or having that honest conversation that’s been playing on repeat in your mind.

Start small. Consistency over intensity.

3. Protect Your Energy

Think about what fills your cup—and what drains it. Then start adjusting.

This is something I do all the time through my journaling practice, especially my morning pages. It helps me tune into what’s really going on and where my energy is being leaked.

And yes, sometimes the solution is as practical as meal planning. One of my most annoying pebbles used to be not knowing what to cook for dinner.

So I created a 14-day meal rotation that keeps us eating healthy and saves me from last-minute takeout. It’s not glamorous—but it works.

You don’t need to be perfect. Just aware.

4. Take Aligned Action

When your actions reflect your dreams and values, the journey feels lighter—even if the climb is steep.

Ask yourself: “Is how I’m spending my days getting me closer to the life I want?” If not, it might be time to make some small but meaningful shifts.

🔑 Five Takeaways from this Episode

1. Big dreams don’t burn us out—it’s the ignored small stuff that does.

2. Journaling can help you identify and release what’s draining your energy.

3. You don’t have to fix everything—just start with one pebble.

4. Practical systems (like meal planning) can free up emotional space.

5. Aligned action creates momentum and clarity.

💛 The Dream Life Journey isn’t About Perfection

I always remind our community: it’s not about having a perfect day, week, or life.

It’s about progress.

And noticing the things that slow you down so you can move forward with more ease, joy, and purpose.

Your dream life isn’t just waiting at the mountaintop.

It’s present in the small decisions, the way your day flows, and even how your shoes fit on the path.

So this week, take some time to reflect.

What’s your pebble?

And what’s one thing you can do to remove it?

You’ve got this.

With love and belief in you,

💡 Want to Go Deeper?

Use your Dream Life Journal to reflect on your own pebbles this week. Need a tool to help? Check out our beautiful guided journals here.

Don’t forget to listen to the full episode right here or wherever you get your podcasts. And I’ll be back Friday with something special just for you 💛