The Second Mountain: Finding Purpose Beyond Success in Your Career

In our professional journeys, many of us are familiar with the pursuit of the 'first mountain' – a metaphorical climb towards traditional markers of success such as career advancement, financial stability, and professional recognition. However, there comes a point in many careers where the summit of this first mountain, once achieved, doesn't feel as fulfilling as expected. This realization often leads to the exploration of a 'second mountain' – a quest for deeper meaning and purpose beyond conventional success.

The First Mountain: Chasing Success

The first mountain is characterized by the goals society often sets for us. Here, success is measured by external metrics: job titles, salary, the prestige of the company, and the power and influence we wield in our professional circles.

The Drive for Achievement

Our initial career journey is often fueled by the desire for achievement. We are driven by ambition, the need to prove ourselves, and the pursuit of what we are conditioned to believe is 'success'.

The Summit and Its Discontent

Reaching the summit of the first mountain can bring a sense of accomplishment, but it can also lead to unexpected feelings of emptiness or disillusionment. This is often the first hint that another mountain awaits – one that promises fulfillment of a different, more profound nature.

The Second Mountain: The Quest for Purpose

The second mountain is about personal fulfillment that resonates with our deepest values and sense of self. It's a journey inward and outward – finding purpose in serving something larger than ourselves.

Redefining Success

On the second mountain, success is redefined. It’s no longer about climbing the corporate ladder but about making a meaningful impact. This can mean different things to different people – from changing career paths to volunteering, mentoring, or engaging in activities that enrich the community.

The Role of Self-Discovery

This phase often involves significant self-discovery. It's about asking the big questions: Who am I beyond my job title? What truly brings me joy and fulfillment? What legacy do I want to leave? These questions are often what lead people into coaching and are what prompted the creation of the upcoming book, Be Hopeful; Be Strong; Be Brave; Be Curious.

The Interplay of Passion and Service

The journey on the second mountain is where passion aligns with service. It’s about using one's skills and talents not just for personal gain, but to contribute to the greater good.

The Power of Purpose

Purpose is the driving force on the second mountain. It provides a sense of direction and fulfillment that material success alone cannot offer. It’s about finding joy in the act of contributing to something beyond oneself.

Navigating the Transition

Transitioning from the first to the second mountain can be challenging. It often requires letting go of long-held beliefs about success and security, and embracing uncertainty and vulnerability.

Embracing Change

Embracing this change requires courage. It may involve stepping out of comfort zones, taking risks, and being open to new possibilities that align more closely with one's values and passions.

The Role of Your Supporters

As we approach the second mountain, we travel further and faster with help. Now, instead of setting expectations, helping to define the goals we pursue, our greatest supporters take on a new role. They help us to build confidence in ourselves, to find OUR way and to strike out on paths previously not explored.

The Role of Resilience

Resilience is key during this transition. It involves learning from setbacks, adapting to new circumstances, and staying true to one's newfound purpose.

Real-Life Examples

Consider the executive who leaves a high-paying job to start a nonprofit, or the lawyer who transitions to teaching to shape future minds. These are examples of individuals climbing their second mountain, driven by a desire for deeper fulfillment.

The journey to the second mountain is a deeply personal and transformative experience. It’s about finding true purpose and fulfillment beyond the traditional markers of success. As we navigate our professional lives, it’s essential to recognize that success is not just about climbing the first mountain. There’s a second, more fulfilling mountain to ascend – one that leads us not just to achievement, but to a life of meaning and purpose.

In my own journey and through my coaching practice, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of this transition. As I explore in my upcoming book, “Be Hopeful, Be Strong, Be Brave, Be Curious ,” the second mountain is not just about finding a new path; it’s about discovering a deeper sense of self and connecting with the world in more meaningful ways. Whether you’re at the summit of your first mountain or already on your way to the second, remember that the pursuit of purpose is a journey worth taking.