It was hard not to miss the red hats—they were plastered all over two boards every time you completed a summit.
When I completed 29029 (an endurance event where you climb the equivalent of Mt. Everest in 36 hours) in 2022, the finishing trophy was a red hat.
The red hat is significant for two reasons:
- It’s the only red piece of apparel in the company.
- It isn’t for sale—it can only be bought with intestinal fortitude.
During the event, you climb up the mountain and then take the gondola down. Repeat that 13 times within 36 hours; the red hat is yours. On the summit of the mountain, two boards with red hats (the trophy) are staring you in the face the closer you get to your goal.
This particular detail stood out when I returned home from the event and unpacked my takeaways. The trophy/goal/vision was visible from the very beginning. It was clearly articulated, and there was no ambiguity about what we were chasing. Seeing those red hats every couple of hours was the reason behind my takeaway in my children’s book: “Unlock Your Vision.”
But how often do we climb the proverbial’ career ladder’ or go through life without knowing what we are going after?
It’s perfectly fine to change our destination. Still, too often, we are afraid to articulate or write down what we are going after.
I share this story about 29029 because I was recently asked a question in an interview for an upcoming story about me that will be published. The question caused me to pause and think back to the red hats:
Where do you see yourself/your brand in a few years? What are some of your dreams and aspirations?
“Looking forward, I aim to elevate my brand to a global platform and become a household name in keynote speaking. My vision is to inspire individuals from all walks of life to Do Boring Better™ and find the courage to improve in every aspect of their lives—whether as a spouse, parent, believer, or human being.
My ‘No Phone 365’ journey, during which I disconnected from my cell phone for an entire year, plays a central role in this mission. This transformative experience is a profound conversation starter and a catalyst for my speaking and consulting endeavors. It challenges conventional dependencies on technology and opens discussions on more profound engagement with our real lives and relationships. By intertwining my faith openly and authentically with my messages, I guide others toward living more fulfilling lives rooted in solid values.
Through continuous research and innovative approaches, I plan to expand my influence, encouraging people to effectively manage the pressures of everyday life and embrace their best selves while navigating a world saturated with digital distractions. I will continue to immerse myself in hard challenges, like my ‘No Phone 365’ journey, to inspire others to push the envelope on what they think is possible. Not only does this stretch my comfort zone, but it also allows me to embody and share my Do Boring Better™ philosophy.”
Anytime you put yourself out there, you will make others uncomfortable and open the door for criticism. Here’s a gentle reminder to unlock your vision.
After all, critics only target people who are pursuing something that matters, and the last time I checked, people staying in their comfort zones and playing it safe aren’t exactly attracting haters.