It is Not the Mountain We Conquer, but Ourselves

Have you ever faced a challenge that seemed impossible to overcome? A goal that was so daunting, so intimidating, that you felt like giving up before you even started? Maybe it was a personal project, a professional assignment, or a physical feat. Whatever it was, you probably felt a mix of fear, doubt, and excitement as you contemplated taking it on.

But what if I told you that the real obstacle was not the challenge itself, but your own mindset? That the key to success was not how hard you worked, but how you thought about yourself and your potential. That the true reward was not the outcome, but the journey?

This is the message of one of the most inspiring quotes of all time, attributed to Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person to reach the summit of Mount Everest with his Sherpa companion Tenzing Norgay in 1953. He said:

It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.

What does this quote mean? How can it help us achieve our goals and dreams? And what can we learn from the life and legacy of Sir Edmund Hillary?

The Meaning of the Quote

The quote suggests that the biggest challenge we face in life is not external, but internal. It is not the mountain that we have to conquer, but our own fears, doubts, and limitations. The mountain is just a symbol of something that pushes us beyond our comfort zone, tests our skills and abilities, and requires us to grow and learn.

The quote also implies that the process of conquering ourselves is more important than the result of conquering the mountain. It is not about reaching the top, but about how we get there. It is about the journey, not the destination. It is about the lessons we learn, the experiences we have, and the person we become along the way.

The quote also encourages us to see challenges as opportunities, not as threats. It invites us to embrace them with curiosity, enthusiasm, and courage, rather than avoid them with fear, hesitation, and resignation. It reminds us that challenges are not obstacles, but stepping stones to our personal growth and fulfillment.

The Application of the Quote

How can we apply this quote to our own lives? How can we conquer ourselves and overcome our challenges?

Here are some practical steps we can take:

Identify your mountain. What is something that you want to achieve or accomplish, but feel afraid or unsure about? It could be anything from starting a new business, writing a book, learning a new skill, traveling to a new place, or running a marathon. Whatever it is, write it down and make it specific.
Break it down into smaller steps. A big goal can seem overwhelming and unrealistic if you try to tackle it all at once. Instead of focusing on the whole mountain, focus on one step at a time. Break down your goal into smaller and more manageable tasks or milestones. For example, if you want to write a book, you could start by outlining your chapters, writing a draft of one chapter per week, getting feedback from others, revising your draft, etc.
Celebrate your progress. Every step you take towards your goal is an achievement in itself. Don’t wait until you reach the top to celebrate. Acknowledge and appreciate every effort you make, every challenge you overcome, every lesson you learn. Reward yourself with something that makes you happy or proud. Share your achievements with others who support and encourage you.
Learn from your setbacks. No journey is smooth and easy. You will encounter difficulties and obstacles along the way. You will make mistakes and fail sometimes. Don’t let these discourage or stop you. Instead of seeing them as failures, see them as feedback. Learn from them and use them to improve your performance and strategy. Remember that every setback is an opportunity to grow and learn.
Enjoy the journey. Don’t get so obsessed with the outcome that you forget to enjoy the process. The journey is where the magic happens. It is where you discover new things about yourself and the world. It is where you meet new people and make new friends. It is where you have fun and create memories. Don’t rush through it or take it for granted. Savor every moment and be grateful for every experience.

The Inspiration of Sir Edmund Hillary

Sir Edmund Hillary was not only a great mountaineer, but also a great human being. He dedicated his life to helping others and making a positive difference in the world.

After his historic ascent of Mount Everest in 1953, he did not rest on his laurels or seek fame and fortune. Instead, he used his fame and fortune to help the people of Nepal, especially the Sherpa community who had supported him and his expeditions.

He founded the Himalayan Trust, a humanitarian organization that has built schools, hospitals, bridges, airstrips, and other infrastructure in the remote regions of Nepal. He also supported environmental conservation and cultural preservation in the Himalayas. He was honored by the Nepalese government with the Order of Nepal and the Nepalese citizenship.

He also continued to explore and adventure in other parts of the world. He was part of the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition that reached the South Pole in 1958.

He also led expeditions to the Himalayas, India, Tibet, China, and other places. He wrote several books and articles about his experiences and views.

He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 and received many other awards and honors from various countries and organizations. He was also a humble and modest man who never boasted or bragged about his achievements. He once said:

I have had a dream and it has come true, and that is not a thing that happens often to men.

Sir Edmund Hillary is an inspiration to us all. He showed us that we can achieve anything we set our minds to, if we are willing to conquer ourselves and overcome our challenges. He also showed us that we can use our achievements to help others and make the world a better place.

He lived by his quote: