The Right Mountain: Lessons From Everest On the Real Meaning of Success

by Jim Hayhurst

In 1988, Jim Hayhurst, a forty-seven year old ex-advertising executive, became the oldest member of the Canadian Expedition to Mount Everest.

The Right Mountain is the riveting story of that climb. He tells you about the life-threatening experiences that affected each member of the team. He describes the critical choices that had to be made, and the lessons that were learned as a result. But it is much more than an adventure story. It is about defining success for yourself-- on your own terms-- in your personal life or in your career.

The Right Mountain is inspirational. The story is dramatic. The metaphors compelling. And the messages it contains will stay with you long after the story is over.

Genres: Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published March 19, 1996

Reviews

[Matthew Kern · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has some great analogies or applicable lessons to life. There are some great quotes too. This is really only a 100 page book. There are so many pictures and chapters. I would recommend this to anyone who is going through a difficult challenge or if they are wanting to do some self-assessment.

Great read.

[Sachiko Phuong · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it. I appreciate how Jim Hayhurst wove in the meaning of values, success, and life into his mountain experience in a succinct way—I finished the book in one evening. I know this is based on a talk he gives, which I imagine is very emotional and inspirational. However, I think the writing falls short as I kept asking myself, "How did he make that connection?" and had to reread sections several times. Perhaps that was the intention, to read between the lines and fill in what our meaning is. Nonetheless, I felt validated (as a mountain climber myself preaching about life lessons on the rock) and I learned something new about core values (ranking them and testing them against decisions). Thank you Jim for sharing your story!

[Becky Brinkley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not all mountains are alike. In The Right Mountain, Hayhurst brings to light several concepts useful in mountain climbing but also in general life. When your son is dangling precariously from a cliff in need of rescue to save his life, who do you let throw him the rope? You, his father, who is the most motivated to save him? Or, the professional mountain climber with better skill? Filled with true stories, photos and wisdom, this one has a permanent place on my bookshelf.
Review by Becky Brinkley, author of Whatever Happened to Lil' Bobby Burton?: A True Adventure

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first I wanted more mountain and less business/life advice from this book, but I think I will actually complete some of the goal setting exercises at the end of the book. They might help me steer my career in a slightly different direction.

[Tom Hutton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the concept of this book a lot more than the reality of it

[Susanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okei, reissu oli -80 -luvulta, mutta silti luin tän mielelläni. Jotkut/monet asiat ei vaan vuorilla muutu. Ja näköjään vuorikiipeily ja elämä ylipäätään ovat enemmän kuin helposti rinnastettavissa. Keräsin repullisen sitaatteja tästä lyhyestä kirjasta ja mietin omaa lokakuista reissuani perusleiriin vuonna 2015. Ei välttämättä kyllä anna kovin paljon sellaisille, jotka ei koskaan ole käyneet oikeasti korkealla sivistyksen ulottumattomissa (Mt. Blancia sun muita vastaavia ei tässä oikein voi laskea, kun sinnekin pääsee ihan hissillä melkein perille asti vaikka korkeutta se nelisen kilometria onkin), koska on oikeasti todella lyhyt kirja ja käsittelee vuoristo-olosuhteita hyvin ylimalkaisesti vaikkakin konkreettisesti. Tälläkin matkalla kaksi ihmistä kuolee. Suosittelen kaikesta huolimatta oman elämänsä tavotteiden kanssa painiville tai muuten vaan jos haluaa lukea lyhyen matkakuvauksen Mt. Everestin kiipeilyreissusta Kanadalaisen tiimin matkassa.

[Jaime Villanueva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me gustó mucho este libro, me hizo recordar cuando yo subí el Iztacihuatl y los peligros que representa hacer un ascenso.

Al final ofrece herramientas de crecimiento personal basadas en la experiencia del ascenso al Everest.

Lo recomiendo ampliamente.

[elizabeth sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

HIghly recommend! I received this as a gift as I was entering management in the corporate world and have saved it ever since on my bookshelf.

[Gina Herald · Rating 5 out of 5]

He came to speak to us some years ago when I still worked at Nordstrom. What a story. I had to buy the book. It did not disappoint.

[Kate Qwertyuio p · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good analogies. A short and easy read