Mt. Everest is the tallest mountain in the world, and for $150,000 and 24 months of training, professional guides can safely lead you to the summit.

Photo courtesy of Christopher Burns via Unsplash

However, if you are going to invest all that time and money to reach the top of the world, there's something crucial you should know: most people die on the way down, not on the way up. Why?

The simple truth about Everest (and goals, in general) is that reaching the top is only half the trip. The other, more deadly half, is coming back down the mountain. Nobody thinks about that part. Nobody thinks about how it will feel coming down from the peak, because it’s the easy part. Most people focus on the milestone of summiting Mt. Everest. But, the real milestone is to make it back home alive. That’s why people die.

Since it’s just you and me talking, I’ll admit that if a good friend were willing to pay my way and train with me, I’d do it—I’d take on the challenge. I’m easy that way.

Reaching major milestones in life is a bit of a curse. Take lottery winners, for example. Like you and me, they’ve always dreamed of being rich. They’ve fantasized about walking into a room like a total baller—parting the crowd like the Red Sea. They want nothing more than to be worshipped by total strangers and have people snapping selfies with them, like Jesus Christ himself wandered in off the street to ask for directions.

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That longing for notoriety is more prevalent in the younger generation. Take the Gen-Z kids, for example—those born between 1997-2012. What do today’s kids believe will lead them to a lifetime of happiness? Yup, being famous.

As if being famous would somehow bring a lifetime of happiness and bliss. As if being famous could finally squelch all the fear and doubt they’ve carried around since they were eleven years old. As if being famous would suddenly give their lives true meaning and purpose. It won’t. Most famous people end up in rehab wondering if their kids enjoyed Christmas last year. Just take Elon Musk, whose net worth is close to $250 billion. If I had his money, I’d burn mine.

Back in 2022, Elon’s daughter (at age 18) changed her last name. In court filings, she stated, "I no longer want to be related to my biological father in any way, shape, or form.” Ouch.

Now, let’s be real here. Elon’s daughter was 18, and she might just end up regretting that statement when she’s pulling double shifts at Starbucks, whipping up Caramel Macchiatos for Newport Beach’s elite.

Meanwhile, her nine siblings will be posting Instagram pictures with Elon on a weekend junket to the Amalfi Coast.

But, I digress. Let’s get back to the summit, okay?

Life’s major milestones, like graduating college, getting married, or achieving a promotion, may feel like reaching that proverbial summit. Here’s the thing though, reaching those milestones is only half the journey. It’s just the beginning of the trek down Mt. Everest. Reaching them is like the starter’s pistol for a new chapter, whether it’s a new career, raising a family, or proving you deserved that promotion. Achieving the goal isn’t the “end goal,” it’s simply a means to an end (goal).

That’s why I wonder if rich people are any happier than the rest of us. It’s often the filthy rich that say that “money isn’t everything.” But, I’d be willing to give it a try. Especially at 7 am on Monday at the world’s busiest airport. I’m certain I’d be happier on a private jet sipping a Caramel Macchiato while the flight attendant asks if I need anything else before takeoff.

Many believe that being rich and famous will lead to happiness, offering a lifetime of eternal bliss and the chance to finally enjoy the “good life.” The problem with being rich and famous is that it’s still you underneath it all. It’s still you with all your doubts, fears, regrets, and insecurities. It’s still you; you’re just riding on a private jet like Elon Musk. At 41,000 feet, he might still wonder where things went wrong with kid number six of his nine.

Reaching major milestones in life is cool, whether it includes wealth or not, but it won’t drastically change you. It won’t make you less afraid of cancer, drowning, snakes, darkness, or ghosts. It won’t make you less afraid of carneys (you know, “circus folk with small hands”) or nuclear war. (credit: Austin Powers)

Reaching your life’s milestones or gaining excessive wealth will simply illuminate the things that already keep you awake at night: your fear and your faith. Whatever brought you to your knees will still bring you to your knees, one way or another.

Why did Elon buy Twitter? Why does Taylor Swift keep recording and touring like she’s broke and unloved by millions around the world? Why is Donald Trump running for office again, and why do people climb Mt. Everest more than once?

The goal in life isn’t to be rich or famous. It isn’t to part that room like the Red Sea. It’s to create beautiful memories of a life well-lived, with the people you love. That’s the true goal—to get down the mountain alive.

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Why Fear & Faith Are Permanent Emotions

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