Did you know that Oklahoma lays claim to having the world’s highest hill? That’s right, you heard me. HIGHEST HILL. [there’s bragging rights for everything these days!]

Cavanal Hill located near Poteau, Oklahoma proudly boasts this accolade with a sign at the base of the hill. 

What separates Cavanal Hill from being known as Cavanal Mountain is a measurement of 12 inches. One, single foot. 

A few years ago we took our Loveworks students on a mystery adventure trip. Pro tip: If you want to pique curiosity and keep your student engaged, plan an entire trip and keep the itinerary a mystery. 

We had our students climb to the summit of Cavanal Hill and at the top we handed them each a 1ft ruler. This ruler was meant to remind each of them that the difference between being the good and great are very small.  

Motivational Mantras

I wish that I could give each of you reading this a ruler. But instead, I wanted to encourage you with my 12 personal mantras to encourage you to not settle to live and lead “on a hill-level”:  

1. Run your race. Comparison is the thief of joy. You have a race to run, so focus and stay in your lane.

2. Push through the quit. Feeling like you want to quit is often an indication that you are on the right path. Keep going. 

3. Be consistently consistent. Showing up is half the battle. 

4. Find a new strength. The difference between hot water and boiling water is 1 degree. Dig deeper.

5. Living is the miracle. Steward wisely the 86,400 seconds you have been given to live today.

6. Progress over perfect. It’s not just about reaching the goal or dream but who you become in the process.

7. If you’re doing your best, don’t worry about failure. It’s not final.

8. You can endure more than you think you can. 

9. Ride the waves. Don’t let your highs get too high and your lows get too low.

10. Victory is earned not given out. And anything worth having is worth fighting for. 

11. Anything is possible… if you keep dreaming and doing. 

12. Soli Deo Gloria. In your strength you are not enough. Have faith and friends to lift you higher. 

Now, this is mountain-top living and leading!