Comments on: Mountain Climbing, Motivations, and The Deep-Seated Fear of Failure

By: RoX

RoX — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 01:24:49 +0000

Thank you, Chris! Loved your post!

I had the great opportunity to meet Ed Viesturs as a Keynote Speaker this year. As a high altittude mountaineer, Ed has reached the summit of the 14 tallest peaks in the world.

I really recommend you (everybody) read “No Shortcuts to The Top” (if you still haven’t!). He is a very passionate man, totally loves what he does and for sure has lived an unconventional life himself…

I guess when you find your own “mountain”, the challenges, obstacles or whatever that gets on your way are not that important anymore… it doesn’t matter in what field!

Have a great week!

By: Marion of Texas

Marion of Texas — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:23:14 +0000

I love this post! It is right on — inspirational and reassuring. Traveling and the urge to travel more are like oxygen to me. Thank you for your insights.

By: Trackback from nomadderwhere

Trackback from nomadderwhere — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 14:09:29 +0000

[...] This week Chris discussed his motivation for travel and his perspective on the fear of failure. Why do people travel? Why do people climb mountains? Why do people risk so much for experiences they don’t love 100% of the time? [...]

By: NYer in NZ

NYer in NZ — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:13:15 +0000

“Some men see things as they are and ask why. Others dream things that never were and ask why not.” – Robert Kennedy

Thanks for expanding on one of my favorite quotes in your own modern, inspirational way.

By: SCG

SCG — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:05:19 +0000

I get this! This is the answer to the “Why Do This?” question. In my personal life, this is what I do. Just show up and do your thing. If it’s something you can’t change, then you just have to accept it. Otherwise it will drives you nuts.

In my professional life, I am directed to move mountains (obstacles), and failing that dig a tunnel through the mountain. I sit in meetings wondering why do we even bother trying to move the mountains when it’s easier to move along or around the mountain (which to anyone else would be the sane option).

By: Anil

Anil — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:10:56 +0000

I think traveling is an evolved trait that has served our species well. We have an awareness that makes you wonder – what are our limits, what are we really capable of? Climbing one specific mountain only gives us a tiny fraction of that answer. That’s why we keep climbing.

By: Grant R. Nieddu

Grant R. Nieddu — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:36:24 +0000

A) Chris, the more I read you, the more I love you,..in a totally platonic way. Solid.

B) My current mountain is building my OWN web infrastructure. I have done it for others and now doing it for myself. Realizing it is bigger and intricate. New summits. New challenges. Bring it, baby! Bushido! BAM!

I could also say that a second summit I see is to spark, activate and equip my communities, friends and family to take on their own mountains. As a spark, I find that my biggest challenges are igniting those around me to take on the same level of adventure.

So, there it is!

By: Vince

Vince — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:08:55 +0000

This reminds of a quote I found the other day by George Mallory.
He was asked why he wanted to climb Mt. Everest. His answer… “Because it’s there”.

It seems to me that we each have our own goals and missions in life, most people won’t understand, but they don’t have to. Just as long as you know!

By: Andrea

Andrea — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:17:30 +0000

I climb them every day owning a small business during these economic times! Plus, I climb them by juggling said business with my desire to see the world like yourself. Trying to figure out how to get to Antarctica next! THANKS for the inspiration to keep climbing!

By: Ladyexpat

Ladyexpat — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:14:01 +0000

I climbed a mountain when I became an expat. I am always a little bewildered (less so now) when the first thing a new expat to my city asks me when I am going home. Well, ah, why go home? I see a mountain in the next country that is a little higher:)