Mark here.
A few years ago,
I found myself at the base of a different kind of mountain.
We had just started a tech company,
and let’s just say the journey was far from smooth.
At times, it felt like the machine was on the verge of breaking down entirely.
But with persistence, a few hail Marys, and being in the right place at the right time,
we found an opportunity to take over Sports Illustrated.
Back then, Sports Illustrated was ranked 12th in the digital media world.
Today, it’s ranked 1st.
That climb taught me something important:
success isn’t accidental—
it’s built through deliberate steps, much like climbing a mountain.
Every summit,
whether it’s a literal mountain or a metaphorical peak,
requires a process.
For me, that process is S.U.M.M.I.T.S:
Seed your vision,
Unleash possibility,
Move with purpose,
Measure progress,
Improve continuously,
Traverse challenges,
and Summit with confidence.
These principles have guided me on every climb,
from scaling Everest to leading transformative journeys in life and business.
Here’s how you can apply them to conquer your own summit:
10 Steps to Climb Your S.U.M.M.I.T.S in 2025
1. Seed Your Vision
Plant the idea of where you want to go. Your journey starts with clarity.
2. Unleash Possibility
Break through the limitations holding you back. Dream big and allow yourself to believe.
3. Move with Purpose
Every step matters. Stay intentional in your actions, no matter how small they seem.
4. Measure Progress
Track where you are. Numbers don’t lie, and knowing your position helps guide the next move.
5. Improve Continuously
Keep iterating. Whether it’s a skill or strategy, there’s always room to get better.
6. Traverse Challenges
Obstacles are part of the journey. Adapt and find new paths when the old ones don’t work.
7. Summit with Confidence
Reaching the top isn’t just about climbing—it’s about celebrating how far you’ve come.
8. Strengthen Your Foundation
Look back to understand what worked and solidify your base for future summits.
9. Serve Others
Use your journey to inspire and lift others. A true summit isn’t just personal—it creates impact.
10. Stay the Course
The journey doesn’t end at the top. Keep pushing, growing, and aiming higher.
Take a moment today and identify your own summit.
What’s the big goal or vision you’re striving for?
Write it down and choose one step from the S.U.M.M.I.T.S framework to act on this week.
Remember, every step matters.
The Next Step Toolkit
One book that’s stuck with me through my toughest climbs—
is The War of Artby Steven Pressfield.
It’s a straightforward,
no-nonsense guide to pushing past the resistance we all feel
when we’re chasing something big.
If you’re looking for a little extra fire to keep moving toward your summit, this is it.
Let’s keep climbing, one step at a time.
Best,
Mark
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