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On Sunday, December 26th, 2021, I picked up the book “Into Thin Air” by Jon Krakauer and read it cover to cover.
The story is a personal account of a harrowing incident now known as "The Everest Disaster," where eight climbers were caught in a fierce blizzard while attempting to descend from the summit of Mount Everest.
Despite the expertise of Rob Hall and the other mountain leaders on the expedition, by the end of “summit day” in May 1996, eight people were dead.
I knew the story, I'd seen the film, and despite the human tragedy, I found the book enthralling.
Krakauer survived to tell the tale.
All I could think about that evening was what it would be like to climb the world's deadliest mountain.
I became fascinated by human endurance.
So much so that I wanted, and then needed, to find my own Everest.
I'm in the goal-setting business as a Financial Planner.
As you'd expect, I have everything budgeted for, automated, and ticked off. I have a financial plan.
Sometimes, though, you need something more than mortgage payments and investment pots.
I needed a project.
Then, one day, a friend sitting in a group of pals on a rugby tour mentioned his new boat.
Duncan and another mate, Rod, had bought a specialist rowing boat, and they had announced they were going to row the Atlantic Ocean.
What an absolutely epic challenge, I thought, imagining the build up to launch date, their training regime, the mental game they'd be playing while rowing across that ocean, and the feeling of exhilaration making it to the other end.
The prospect of it completely captivated me.
When we returned to the UK, I received a message. It was Duncan.
“Mate, I need to talk to you about something.”
It was an invitation to join them on the boat and their voyage across the Atlantic.
This was it. Within weeks, I'd read three books on the subject.
I sat Jane, my wife, down at home. “I need to tell you something.”
“I know what you're going to say and you're not climbing Everest!” she protested.
I told her about the boys and their boat.
“This is exactly the sort of thing that idiot men do!”
Jane, it was safe to say, was not “on board” with the idea.
At least not yet.
A few more weeks went by. I read five more books on the subject. It was all I could think about.
But, for some reason, I couldn't pull the trigger and say 'yes.'
I wondered.
If this was something I wanted so much, why wasn't I committing to the boat? Why was I so hesitant?
Something was holding me back.
And then, one night, laying in bed staring at the ceiling, it hit me.
That's not your boat. It's not your dream.
You have to row your own boat.
This was to be a solo trip across the Atlantic.
Suddenly, all worries lifted and I was left with only the thrill of the adventure.
Jump forward to June 2023, and things are a little further on.
Rowing lessons have started, and Jane, whilst not exactly thrilled about it, is much less sweary when I bring it up.
I'm certain I can do this and do it well.
I've set a target for the crossing that's ambitious.
It's not a world record but it's quick.
What are the benefits so far?
Since laying down the foundations of this project, in my mind I feel happier, more motivated and inspired (I'm often at the gym at 6am), and a fire has sparked within.
Why am I telling you this?
I've realised that some people need more than just financial goals in life. They need a higher purpose.
That's profound for someone who's spent 20 years helping clients establish and achieve financial goals.
Stability. Security. Safety.
But the truth is, while a financial plan is vital, most of us are searching for more.
A challenge. An adventure. An all-encompassing project.
Or at least some of us are. Maybe not sweary Jane.
As it stands, I lack the skills, fitness, and finances to get a boat across an ocean.
But every Friday at 9am, I'll drop a few words and let you know how it's going.
Maybe it'll inspire a few people to seek out and find their own Everest, ocean or first ever Park Run.
If there's one thing the project has taught me so far, here and in life, it's this...
You must always row your own boat.
Thanks for reading.
Tom
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P.S. If you've got a big idea you want to finance – or, you're simply ready to take the next step on your personal wealth journey, here's how I can help.
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During this session, we'll look at things like lifestyle planning, pension savings, investment allocation, risk & insurance, when you can retire – and with how much, and anything else that may be on your mind.
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