Beyond the Numbers: Utah, Growth, and the Road That Leads to Life
There’s something about Utah that forces reflection. Maybe it’s the altitude, the endless mountain views, or the way the cold air wakes you up in ways coffee never could. This wasn’t just another trip—it was an adventure in growth, relationships, ownership, and wanderlust. It pushed me physically, mentally, and emotionally, leaving me exhausted yet completely recharged.
I went with my wife, spent time with old friends, made new ones, masterminded with GoBundance trained at altitude, skied better than I ever have, sat in a rooftop hot tub at sunrise, and then let my hair literally freeze in 15-degree air. I breathed deeper, faced social anxieties, expanded my circle of competence, and came away more in love—with my wife, with life, and with the process of continual growth.
Growth (Core Value #1): Imposter Syndrome and the Edge of Comfort
One of my biggest takeaways came from the GoBundance Winter Mastermind, where I had the chance to learn from incredibly successful people. The funny thing? I realized that in some areas, I no longer feel imposter syndrome at all—I belong in the room. But in other areas, if I don’t feel that twinge of doubt, I’m probably not pushing myself hard enough. Growth only happens at the edge of comfort. If I ever stop feeling that push, it means I’ve stopped growing.
Physically, growth showed up in my training—running at altitude, skiing Snowbird with people better than me, getting humbled and improving in real time. Growth isn’t about ease; it’s about choosing the harder path and trusting that the work will pay off.
Relationships (Core Value #2): Love, Friendship, and Showing Up
I came into this trip already grateful for my relationship with Katie, but I left it feeling even stronger. Travel has a way of stripping things down—there are no to-do lists, no routines, just time and experience. That kind of shared space strengthens bonds in a way nothing else can.
Beyond that, I pushed myself to connect. Social anxiety is real, and it would have been easy to hang back and avoid the new faces. But I leaned in, introduced myself, and found incredible people with whom I hope to stay connected for life. Relationships aren’t built from the sidelines. You have to step in, say yes, and open up.
Ownership (Core Value #3): Intentionality in Adventure and Life
One realization hit me hard—I could have gotten even more from this trip if I had been more intentional. At the mastermind, they asked us to define what we wanted before we left. That’s when it clicked: I should be doing this for all my adventures.
I’ve always been a believer in getting out there, pushing boundaries, and experiencing the world, but why not align each trip with my core values before I even go? Instead of just reflecting after the fact, I can structure my experiences to ensure I’m learning, growing, and stretching myself every time. This was a powerful reminder that ownership isn’t just about wealth—it’s about taking charge of how we experience life.
Wanderlust (Core Value #4): The Road That Leads to Life
Robin Williams’ monologue in Good Will Hunting has always stuck with me:
“So if I asked you about art, you’d probably give me the skinny on every art book ever written. Michelangelo, you know a lot about him—life’s work, political aspirations, him and the Pope, sexual orientation, the whole works, right? But I bet you can’t tell me what it smells like in the Sistine Chapel. You’ve never actually stood there and looked up at that beautiful ceiling. Seen that.”
Books, courses, and strategy can only take us so far. At some point, the real learning happens when you step outside and go. Travel isn’t about escape—it’s about expansion. You cannot fully understand the world from your living room. You have to be in it.
Eddie Vedder puts it another way in Far Behind from The Into The Wild Soundtrack:
“A world begins where the road ends”
Utah reminded me of that truth. The more I get out there, the more I realize how much I have yet to learn.
Coming Home Ready to Run
By the last night, I couldn’t sleep. My mind was racing—not from anxiety (anxiety comes at the beginning of every trip 😉!), but from excitement. I couldn’t wait to get home, to see my family, to hug my pets, and to put everything I learned into motion. That’s how I know a trip was a success—it doesn’t just inspire me while I’m there; it fuels my drive long after I’ve returned.
So, where’s your next adventure? And more importantly—how will you make sure it moves you forward?
