Next in Line - And I Walked Away

Saying no to an opportunity can be one of the hardest RIGHT decisions you’ll ever make.

In my high mountain climbing career, I’ve seen people turn back. Quit.  Midmountain. At base camp. 90% of the way there.

I've had to turn around myself. Twice.

How do you reconcile the training, the preparation, the ‘wasted’ holiday, the money spent?

The hype of the blog, the supporters, the fundraising?

How do you go back with nothing to show for it? The

‘What will they think’? The

‘I’ll be the laughing stock’.

The “I told you so” - it will wreak havoc in my conscience.

I gave it everything.

It felt excruciating. Gut wrenching. ‘I am so weak’ I thought.

Or...was I strong enough to allow myself to be weak?

On the mountain, we honour those who make the right choice for themselves in those peak moments. We give them tissues. We make sure they’re safe on the descent. We hug them, offer blessings, and let them choose for themselves. We redistribute the load as a group and continue on OUR path to the summit.

Yet in the corporate world, when people stop climbing the ladder or say ‘no’ to a promotion, I hear something very different: shame, ridicule, harsh self-talk, and cynical judgment.

I choose to celebrate the courage, curiosity, and inquisitiveness it takes to question worth beyond titles and labels. To explore self-efficacy outside the brand name. Don’t you ever wonder who would still pick up the phone if you weren’t working for such-and-such a company?

If you are stepping off - and into the unknown - please celebrate yourself first. Surround yourself with a genuine support network. Keep marching, true to yourself, from the gut, from the heart. There is a vista waiting for you.

I’ve made this choice more than once. And the peace, deep fulfilment, and being ‘on’ purpose felt within is priceless.

If facing the seeming abyss is stopping you, let’s talk – you are far more unstoppable than you know.