What is your 2 o'clock rule?

"There is more to life than increasing its speed." - Mahatma Gandhi

The "2 o'clock” rule for climbing Mt. Everest stipulates that climbers must reach the summit by 2pm due to harsh weather conditions. Failing to do so can lead to dangerous consequences, including being caught in the death zone, descending in darkness, and facing plummeting temperatures. If a group cannot reach the summit before 2 o’clock, they must abandon the attempt to ensure a safe descent. A tragic example of the rule's importance occurred in 1996, which was detailed in the book “Into Thin Air” by Jon Krakauer. When climbers Rob Hall and Scott Fischer, along with their team, miscalculated and made poor decisions reaching the top well past that time. The consequences were tragic, and during their descent, a freak blizzard near the summit claimed the lives of eight hikers.

Here's a counterexample: I watched a documentary titled “Meru,” released in 2015, chronicling the first ascent of the "Shark's Fin" route on Meru Peak in the Indian Himalayas. In 2008, American explorers Conrad Anker, Jimmy Chin, and Renan Ozturk first attempted to climb India’s legendary Meru Peak via the Shark's Fin as a group, but stormy weather conditions forced them to divert their course just 100 meters (328 ft) from the summit. Despite being within sight of the top, they made the wise decision to turn back. As a result of this pivotal choice, and despite the initial setbacks, they returned and successfully achieved the world's first ascent of the Shark's Fin route on Meru Peak in 2011.

The introduction was lengthy, and these examples are drastic and severe; however, it’s a metaphor, and the essence of the 2 o’clock rule extends to various aspects of our lives. While the common advice is to persist on the path towards our goals, there are instances when it becomes essential to pause for various reasons, rather than persisting relentlessly. This principle applies to both personal and professional aspects.

This could involve reassessing and fine-tuning your strategy, acknowledging that your current direction may be incorrect and requiring a change, or recognizing the importance of prioritizing your family or improving your health before resuming your journey. Numerous factors can contribute to the decision to halt and reassess. Also, the 2 o’clock rule doesn’t have to be a drastic measure; instead, it can be various small rules that you can adhere to.

I recall a short story that I came across in Reader’s Digest a very long time ago. While I'm not sure whether it was the author or a friend, the story depicted the discovery of a pond near the main river somewhere in Alaska where salmon rested before completing their journey. Numerous weary salmon gathered there to rejuvenate before heading back. The author presented this anecdote as a metaphor for our human lives. Frequently, we drive ourselves relentlessly towards our goals, neglecting our well-being. Nevertheless, persisting without regard to our health may lead to greater losses than the perceived gains of success.

There is no rigid "2 o'clock" rule universally applicable in every situation. It might be a specific timing or another crucial factor, small or large, but understanding when or what is your personal "2 o'clock" in any endeavor is essential for achieving significant success, as defined by you.

"Sometimes you need to push yourself, but you also need to know when to step back and give yourself a break. Rest is just as important as progress." - Arianna Huffington