I don’t watch a lot of television, mainly because I go to bed early and get up early. With two kids, three businesses and a lot of clients to talk to, I have little time left.
But last week, I did watch a documentary on Netflix, called “The Dawn Wall.” In it, Tommy Caldwell and his friend Kevin Jorgeson attempt to free climb a new route on El Capitan – a nearly impossible 3,000 ft rock face in Yosemite Park, California.
Blurring the line between dedication and obsession, Caldwell and his partner Jorgeson spent six years meticulously plotting and practicing their route.
On the final attempt, with the world watching, Caldwell is faced with a moment of truth. Should he abandon his partner to fulfill his ultimate dream, or risk his own success for the sake of their friendship?
Kevin couldn’t get past a part of the route while Tommy did. He waited for days for Kevin to cross this part, but eventually decided to move on by himself.
He went on up to 5 meters from the top. Technically, the climb was over. He’d just have to go 10 more minutes.
But then and there, knowing that technically, he made it, something very strange happened.
A huge sense of loneliness hit him. Afterward, he told the media that he had never felt so lonely in his entire life.
He had just finished the most difficult climb ever recorded in human history. But he felt horrible because he had no one to share it with. Even worse, he would have made it, but his partner wouldn’t.
Tommy left the top, went back down and decided he wouldn’t conclude the hardest climb in history without his partner Kevin.
In this letter, I wanted to reach out to my two business partners in life. Alex and Lucas. And thank them, because business is a lot like climbing a huge mountain.
It is hard, the circumstances and the environment are unforgiving, and the world is watching.
I know that succeeding in business is nice but being able to share this journey with someone you truly care about and that makes you better, makes it worth everything.
I hope you also enjoy the privilege of sharing your journey with someone great.
I know I do, and it makes my journey a journey I will still be proud of the day I am gray and old. Telling my grandchildren how we did it, and how we enjoyed every little bit of it.
That too is true freedom.
