The message under the stone at the top of the mountain labyrinth

Was It Worth It?

Sometimes, the biggest business questions hit you when you least expect them—like when you’re standing at the top of a mountain labyrinth with a scrap of paper in your hand that asks,

“Was it worth it?”

It’s a question that stops you in your tracks, whether you’re contemplating your life, your business, or your decision to climb a mountain in the first place (whose ideawasthis, anyway?).

But here’s the thing:asking yourself if it’s worth it is one of the most powerful tools you have for building a better business and a better life.

The Power of Perspective: 30 Days, 15 Years, and a Pile of Rocks

Every year, I travel somewhere new for 30 days. I’ve been doing this for 15 years. Why? Because sometimes, you have to step away from the spreadsheets, the emails, and the day-to-day grind to gain a fresh perspective.

The beauty of unscheduled time is that it gives you space to process your existing wisdom. (Yes, you have wisdom. It’s in there somewhere, I promise.)Wisdom isn’t something you stumble upon; it’s something you earn. You have to play with it, carve it, mold it, and sometimes sit quietly on top of a mountain to figure out what it all means. For me, writing is my way of organizing that wisdom—my thoughts, my learning, and my experiences all mashed together into a cohesive “something.”

Sometimes, wisdom shows up in unexpected ways. For example, a crumpled seventh-grade-style note hidden under a pile of rocks at the top of a mountain labyrinth.

The Note That Changed Everything: “Was It Worth It?”

Picture this: I’m standing at the top of a mountain, staring at a labyrinth built from rocks scattered across the landscape. People climb up here regularly, leaving behind small treasures and offerings as part of their journey.

Underneath one of the rocks, I found a note. It was handwritten in bold ballpoint pen (the original font of life, if you ask me) and folded up like something you’d pass to your best friend in seventh grade. Inside, at the very bottom right corner of the page, were three simple words:

“Was it worth it? "

That’s the thing about labyrinths—they’re designed to make you reflect. And this note? It did exactly that. It made me think about not just my life, but also my business, my relationships, and my impact.

The Business Application: How to Know If It’s Worth It

In business, we often measure success by numbers: revenue, ROI, growth charts. But what about the intangibles? The emotional, social, and psychological fulfillment that comes from what you do?

Here’s how you can use the “Was it worth it?” question to evaluate your business strategy:

1. The Money Test: Sure, money isn’t everything, but let’s start with the basics. Is this venture financially sustainable? Does it bring in enough revenue to justify the time and energy you’re putting into it?
2. The Fulfillment Test: Does this work bring you joy? Are you excited to wake up and do it, or does it feel like a slog?
3. The Impact Test: Does your work make a difference? Maybe it’s for your clients, your community, or even just your team.Are you creating something that feels meaningful?
4. The Growth Test: Is this business helping you grow as a person? Are you learning new skills, meeting interesting people, or pushing yourself to new heights?
5. The Horizon Test: When you look at the future, does this business align with where you want to go? Does it support the life you’re trying to build, or is it holding you back?

Climbing Your Own Mountains

At the end of the day, the goal isn’t just to climb the mountain—it’s to look back and know it was worth it. The late nights, the risks, the moments of doubt… they all mean something if they bring you closer to a life and business that feel fulfilling. And sometimes, you need to step away from it all—to climb a literal or metaphorical mountain, to sit quietly with your thoughts, to process everything you’ve learned so far. That’s where the magic happens.

Final Thoughts: The Note at the Top

As I stood on that mountain, staring at the horizon and listening to the wind whip through the prayer flags, I realized something:

The question “Was it worth it?” isn’t just a reflection—it’s a challenge.

It’s an invitation to take stock of your life, your business, and your choices, and to make sure they align with what truly matters to you.

You get to find your own path in tis world and ask what’s your mountain? What’s your labyrinth? And when you reach the top, will you be able to look back and say, “Yes, it was worth it”?

The answer might not come to you right away. It might take 15 years of travel, 30 days of unscheduled time, or even a crumpled note from the universe.

But when it does, you’ll know.

Yes, I write my own blogs and I make my own art, because I am part lunatic. I have an artist name #ProsperityHabit, it is also in my Google world. My images have now helped NINE MILLION people find small businesses across the world.