In my experience as an entrepreneur, having a passion outside of my business has been an integral part of my personal growth and efforts to balance my work-life commitments. Rock climbing has often been that passion of mine.

Although climbing it's more of an activity that I fit in where I have time these days, 15 years ago my husband and I traveled across the country for three months, living out of our car to test our climbing skills.

Climb after climb, we navigated new terrain, made strategic decisions, and relied on resilience and adaptability to succeed in our difficult vertical quests. That was years before I became one business owner. Still, now, as I reflect on this experience and the lessons I've learned from climbing, I see all the more how closely these lessons reflect the trials and triumphs of building and scaling a business.

1. Nothing is insurmountable

Rock climbing is challenging and grows with you. She asks gravel and a strength to overcome what may initially feel insurmountable. If you want to improve, you have to put in the time and work. No one can do it for you. And when you stop working, it shows up quickly.

This is the love and heartbreak of climbing. And business. It's often no fun and a lot of work until it comes together, and you feel that rush of success.

I distinctly remember driving to Bishop, CA, for a rock climb that had saved me the year before and left me in tears. I was forced to leave and return home without the “delivery”. Here I was, a year later, riding Bishop in March at sunset, and even though it was cold and getting dark, I just couldn't wait. “Now let's go up there,” I said to my husband. This time I got it right on the first try.

When you build a business, you have to be willing to take hits, to do the mistakesfail and get back up and keep going. You cannot let fear hold you back or discourage you. I don't know any entrepreneur who hasn't felt overwhelmed by what lay ahead. Building and growing a business is guaranteed to be an uphill climb. But if you're really looking for a win, you'll keep trying until you find success, even if it means suffering a few bumps and bruises along the way.

Related: When faced with a crisis, look 3 meters in front of you

2. Big vision is key

Successful startups and businesses start with a clear vision of success. Before climbing a rock face, you need to assess the route, identify potential problems and strategize your approach. Often, visualizing yourself completing a climb can provide the drive you need to reach the top.

When I was building my family's business, Marshall Building & Remodeling, the big picture vision came easily. My goal was to ensure calmness and efficiency operational excellence — making it easy for our customers to engage with us, deliver a high-quality work product and ensure an exceptional customer experience. Once I had the vision, the hardest part was making it a reality.

3. Make one move at a time

One of my biggest pieces of advice is to break things down into small chunks. Yes, the big picture vision is important, but the devil is in the details – step by step, move by move. It doesn't matter how long or how high the climb (literally or metaphorically); you must focus on what is directly in front of you.

Rock climbing often comes down to micro-adjustments (eg, how do I shift my weight or what kind of pressure should I apply at this moment?). It's the same when growing a business. What steps should I take to implement the plan? How can I think about the customer journey one moment at a time? For me, it comes down to processes and people and how they fit together. For you, the details may be different. Either way, you can't be afraid to get granular, really tear things down and rebuild them until they meet (or even exceed) your expectations.

Related: Why this throwback says greatness comes one step at a time

4. Collaborative learning can help you climb to new levels

Rock climbing is a journey of continuous learning. Climbers perfect techniques, share “beta” (or information on moves or sequence) and seek mentoring to improve their skills. Likewise, successful entrepreneurs must embrace a growth mindsetprioritize continuous learning and adapt strategies based on mentor-driven advice, market feedback and industry trends. When you stay open to continuous improvement, you can unlock innovation and competition, which, in turn, can empower you to reach greater heights and maintain long-term success.

Related: Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset: What's the Difference?

5. Go at your own pace

Like growing a business, rock climbing isn't about following someone else. Rather, it's about creating your own path. As competitive as I am in business and sports, it really comes down to me trying to outdo myself. Any business leader will tell you that the entrepreneurial journey is a marathon, not a sprint. You have the power to set the pace based on what works best for you and the long-term health of your business.

It can become gravel; you may need to readjust your expectations or redirect your direction, but at the end of the day, when you get over that first hurdle or reach that first milestone, my best advice is to just keep looking forward. Remember that preparation, resilience and adaptability are the universal keys to scaling the heights of business success.