10/07/2026
I’m always being asked why I spend so much time in the mountains.
It’s not because I’m trying to get away from people.
Although being alone is a pretty good way to get comfortable with who you are and get clear on who and what really matters.
It’s not because I don’t like people.
On my recent week-long adventure through the Canadian Rockies in Alberta and BC, I met wonderful people from all over the world, stopped and talked with people on the trail and made some genuine new friendships.
It’s not because I’m trying to escape the emails, calls and messages.
But man, it was bloody nice having no data, Wi-Fi or notifications for a week and not being a slave to my devices.
It’s not because I’m afraid of AI or the technology changing our world.
I embrace it.
They are incredible tools that can make us more productive and give us back time. But only if we don’t hand over our ability to think, question and make decisions for ourselves.
And it’s definitely not because I’m independently wealthy and don’t need or want to work.
I simply have a very different relationship with money, possessions and success than I did when I was running multiple businesses, owning multiple houses and vehicles.
So why the mountains?
Because they challenge me.
Physically - Old injuries hurt. The legs get tired. The pack gets heavier. Sometimes you still have another summit, pass or campsite to reach.
Mentally - Can I reach camp before dark? Do I have enough food and water? Is that a bear, cougar or bull elk making noise behind me? Am I going to spend the night cold and wet?
Emotionally - Being away from my wife, my boys, family, friends and clients isn’t always easy. Time alone gives me plenty of opportunity to think about the people who matter most.
Spiritually - There’s something powerful about sitting alone in the mountains, appreciating the incredible world we live in, meditating, reflecting and praying for others.
Then I come home.
I reconnect with the people I love.
I feel recharged.
My head is clearer.
My priorities are sharper.
And I’m ready to get after the next project, opportunity or adventure.
These days, hardly a day goes by without hearing another story about loneliness, disconnection, addiction, mental health struggles, illness or another setback affecting someone’s quality of life.
We spend a lot of time looking after our businesses, careers, clients, family and everyone around us.
But who is looking after you?
What are you doing to recharge yourself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually?
Because if you want to be the best spouse, partner, parent, friend, employer, manager or leader you can be, you’ve got to look after the person doing the leading.
For me, that means heading back into the mountains.
What does it mean for you?
Go Get It.
