Sometimes the Summit Isn’t the Goal

We set out at 2 a.m., climbing into pitch darkness, not realizing we wouldn’t make it to the summit.

The day before, we had already completed a grueling trek to the Crater Rim. Now, with only headlamps and our guide to lead us, we began the final ascent of Mt. Rinjani.

The path was steep and treacherous. We scrambled over jagged rocks, tangled tree roots, and broken ladders. Loose mountain ash constantly shifted beneath our feet—we slid backward more than we climbed forward.

We never knew what was coming next.

As we climbed, the weather turned. Wind and rain pelted us, pushing us dangerously close to the volcano’s edge. In the freezing temperatures, our layers quickly soaked through, and hikers huddled together for warmth.

And through it all, I kept thinking—this is what running a business feels like.

There are guides—people, mentors, maybe a book—who can point the way forward. But no one can climb the mountain for us. We have to do the work.

We prepare for some challenges. Others catch us by surprise. The path is rarely smooth. It’s often unclear. And sometimes, despite all our effort, we have to make the hard call to walk away.

That’s what we did.

With just 30 minutes left in our climb, we turned around. It was too dangerous to continue. And with the thick cloud cover, we wouldn’t have seen the sunrise anyway. It wasn’t worth the risk.

The trek down was brutal. Our bodies ached. The descent was steep. But when the sun finally rose, it revealed one of the most beautiful landscapes I’ve ever seen.

We didn’t reach the summit. And we didn’t care.

The real value wasn’t waiting at the top. It was in the experience. In the growth. In learning when to push forward and when to step back.

 That’s something I’m taking with me—the reminder to enjoy the process, to expect the hard parts, to prepare where possible, and to recognize that sometimes letting go is the hardest decision we can make.

So, this week, I encourage you to consider —where are you still climbing? Where could you push a little further? And where might it finally be time to let go?

Sometimes the summit isn’t the goal.

Sometimes the best view comes when we stop chasing it.

Best wishes, Lauren

P.S. If you’re facing tough decisions or navigating change, we can help. At Stanedin, we work with leaders to find clarity and build practical strategies that move things forward.