Issue 23: Climbing Your Second Mountain

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ISSUE 23

11 DECEMBER 2024 | READ ONLINE​

Hi Reader,

Ever feel like you’ve achieved a lot but still sense there’s more waiting for you? That pull toward something deeper, more meaningful?

David Brooks calls it “The Second Mountain.” The first mountain is about achieving success as the world defines it: titles, promotions, accolades. But the second mountain is different. It’s about purpose, fulfillment, and the impact you leave behind.

This idea has been stirring in me lately. I’ve been redesigning my business with this concept at its core – not just for me but for everyone I work with.

The Shift Toward Fulfillment

In recent weeks, I’ve found myself reflecting on the moments that truly mattered in my career. Not the metrics or milestones but the relationships built, the values upheld, and the sense of contributing to something greater than myself.

That’s the essence of the second mountain: moving from a career focused on achievement to one driven by purpose.

For me, this shift led to Purpose Pathfinders, a space to help people explore the intersection of clarity, confidence, and contribution. But it’s not just about launching a business. It’s about creating something that aligns deeply with what I believe in.

Finding Your Second Mountain

If you’ve been feeling that quiet nudge – that there’s more to your career than the next promotion or performance goal – here are three steps inspired by my reflections:

1. Pause and Reflect: Take a step back and ask yourself: What am I climbing for? What will still matter to me five years from now?
2. Redefine Success: Success doesn’t have to be what it was yesterday. It’s okay to recalibrate. Success today might mean aligning your work with your values or building stronger connections.
3. Start Small: You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. Begin with one intentional action that brings you closer to the work and the life that feels meaningful.

What’s On My Mind

Here’s what I’ve been sharing and thinking about this week:

👉 “6 Types of Working Geniuses“​
I wrote a LinkedIn post inspired by Patrick Lencioni’s book about how to understand your gifts, your frustrations and your team.

👉 “The Driver of a Purpose-Led Career is Making an Impact“​
A LinkedIn poll that I ran showed that 61% of those voting thought that making a meaningful impact was important to them. Do you agree?

👉 “Reflecting on (Your) 2024“​
I gave 7 questions that you could ask yourself as we wind down 2024 and look back on the year.

What’s Inspiring Me

🌟 The Second Mountain by David Brooks: A deeply moving book about the shift from self-focus to others-focused living. Brooks writes that the second mountain “is about a life of commitment.”

🌟 The Pivot Year by Brianna Wiest: I love a good meditation book, and this one didn’t let me down. I became a registered yoga teacher this year, and find meditation a great partner of the practice.

Do you have any more books, podcasts, or inspiration that you’d like to share with me? I’m a big reader and learner, and I always enjoy receiving recommendations.

YouTube: The Big Experiment

I keep encouraging you to experiment in your career (it’s the third “A” of the 4 A’s Framework from the Design Your Brilliant Future program) so I’m trying to lead by example. Here’s my first long-form video.

Will it win a Streamy? Hmm. I doubt it.

But that’s not the point. It’s about learning new things and getting 1% better. And I’d encourage you to do the same. Not only is it a lot of fun and it fits with my aspirations (the first “A” of the 4 A’s Framework).

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Let’s Keep Climbing

So remember that climbing the second mountain isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. Whether you’re standing at the base, halfway up, or gazing at the next peak, know that every step matters.

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Best wishes,

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Megan

P.S. What’s your second mountain? If you’re climbing it, or just beginning to see it on the horizon, I’d love to know your story.