It was never about the red hat.
This was about fulfillment, not achievement.
When I signed up to train for the 29029 Everesting Challenge back in November, one of the things I immediately started hearing about was what it means to be a "red hat finisher". If someone completes all the ascents on their mountain 🏔 (for Sun Valley = 15) within 36 hours, climbing 29,029 vertical feet, the equivalent of Mt. Everest, you are awarded a red trucker hat, a symbol of your accomplishment, that is placed on your sweaty, tired head after you walk the final yards on a red carpet.
And sure, I wanted that red hat, I'm not going to lie.
But I set out to attempt this for the attempt itself, because I instinctually knew it would change my life. And it did, in more ways that I can quantify.
Many years ago, before starting a family, I ran 🏃♂️ marathons and competed in several triathlons 🏊♂️ 🚵♂️ 🏃♂️
But there was something really different about those endeavors for me - it always felt like I was seeking achievement, searching for external validation, judging my performance by the clock and constantly comparing myself to others on the course. And the first thing most people asked after each race was: "what was your time?" ⏱
What I loved about 29029 is that there is no first place winner. This is about you and the mountain.
And what I found is that I don't know if I have ever been as present as I was on that mountain. One of the coaches always says: "be where your feet are" - and I was, step by step, grounded, alive and completely in the moment, feeling my strength, finding reserves I didn't know I could access until I did.
I loved who I was on that mountain.
I miss who I was on that mountain.
But I know that that's me.
And I can access that me anytime I want now.
What I experienced on that mountain was incredibly fulfilling. And so was the training - all of it, providing structure, discipline, challenge and so much joy as I felt myself grow stronger in body, mind and spirit.
And don't get me wrong - achievement is not a bad thing, but the high of an achievement devoid of fulfillment fades fast.
So while this was never about the red hat for me, the red hat means that much more as a symbol of who I am now, not just what I did.
In my leadership coaching practice, I work with clients to strive not just toward the next achievement, but to find and build their better selves.
➡ If you'd like to learn more, I'd love to chat! Give me a shout: https://lnkd.in/gWpajxR8
Onward and upward!