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The Climb Is Yours: Finding Meaning in the Ascent
Comparison steals joy. Presence creates it. Here’s why.
The most important climb of your life isn’t about the summit, the top is a fleeting moment in the entirety of the experience, but the moments you spend in preparation, on the wall, in partnership, and on the descent?
We live in a world of constant comparison. It sneaks in quietly, weaving its way through the highlights we scroll, the applause we hear for others, the number of likes / shares, and the silent “not enough” whispers we tell ourselves. But as President Theodore Roosevelt famously said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” And joy — real, unshakable joy — is all we have and what makes life truly worth living.
Caveat: it’s crucial to separate joy from happiness: joy is an experience of contentment and satisfaction while happiness is a singular and momentary emotional state.
Let me share something I’ve learned, both on the rock and in life: the most difficult climb doesn’t necessarily make it the most meaningful. It’s not about how technical or impressive your ascent looks to others. It’s about whyyou climb and what brings you genuine joy while doing it. The legendary climber Alex Lowe captured this beautifully: “The best climber in the world is the one having the most fun.”
Last week, I spent my time climbing some of the easiest, high-quality routes in Joshua Tree National Park. On paper, these weren’t the routes that would make anyone stop and stare, but they were exactly what we needed. We basked in the sun, explored parts of the park we’d never seen before, and intentionally stayed off the beaten path during a crowded holiday weekend. It was perfect.
Why? Because it wasn’t about “keeping up with the Joneses.” It wasn’t about proving anything to anyone — not even myself. It was about being present, soaking in the experience, and finding joy in the little things: the warm rock under my hands, the camaraderie of my climbing partner, and the quiet beauty of the desert.
Here’s the truth we often forget: When we compare ourselves to others, we lose twice. We either feel inferior, which crushes our spirit, or superior, which feeds our ego. Neither leads to happiness or growth. Both are distractions from the one thing that truly matters: the present moment. As the philosopher Epictetus wisely said, “If someone succeeds in provoking you, realize that your mind is complicit in the provocation.” The same goes for comparison. We allow it to steal from us — our time, our energy, and our joy.
What if, instead, we focused on creating more of what makes us satisfaction and presence? What if we let go of the noise and distractions and sought out the experiences — not the accolades — that truly light us up? Because at the end of the day, that is all that matters.
So, here’s my challenge to you: The next time you find yourself scrolling through someone else’s highlight reel or measuring your worth against someone else’s milestones, stop. Pause long enough to ask yourself, “Is this bringing me joy?” If the answer is no, gently guide your focus back to what does.
Remember, life isn’t about proving yourself to anyone. It’s about finding what makes you come alive. The climb — your climb — is yours alone. And the best climber? The one having the most fun.
Go. Climb (literally or metaphorically). Pause. Take it in. Savor the sun. And most of all, don’t let comparison steal what’s already yours: this singularmoment.
