Everything Worth Having Takes Climbing

Posted on November 26th, 2025

A successful life isn’t a fluke; it’s a climb. As the renowned author and leadership expert John Maxwell teaches, the principles of achievement are clear: anything worth having requires persistent, uphill effort. This effort is powered by one essential quality: self-discipline.

Everything Worth Having Takes Climbing

Think about any major accomplishment — a degree, a promotion, a personal best in a sport, or building a thriving business. None of these are given to you; they are earned. This is the essence of what Maxwell means when he says, "Everything worth having takes climbing." It’s a metaphor for the consistent, deliberate action required to rise above mediocrity.

This climb isn’t a one-time event. It’s a daily commitment. Every single day, you have to choose to take the next step, no matter how small it may seem. This continuous effort is what differentiates a dream from a reality. A dream is a vision at the bottom of the mountain; the climb is the process of turning that vision into a tangible result.

You Can’t Be Carried Uphill

Maxwell’s most pointed and empowering message is that there are no shortcuts to self-improvement. "No one can carry you or coach you uphill." While mentors and coaches can guide you, they cannot do the work for you. Accidental achievement is a myth. Success is a direct result of intentional effort and hard work.

This truth is liberating because it places the power of your success squarely in your own hands. You are the one who has to show up, put in the hours, and make the difficult choices. This is where self-discipline comes in. It’s the inner drive that enables you to push forward when motivation fades. It’s the ability to do what needs to be done, even when you don’t feel like doing it.

Self-Discipline and Knowing Your "Why"

A common mistake is to think of a lack of self-discipline as a character flaw. According to Maxwell, it’s often something else entirely. "A lack of self-discipline is a lack of knowing what you want in life." When your goals are hazy or uninspiring, it’s nearly impossible to find the discipline to pursue them.

Conversely, when you have a clear, compelling vision for your future, self-discipline becomes less of a chore and more of a necessity. Your "why" provides the fuel for the uphill climb. It makes the difficult work meaningful and helps you prioritize the long-term rewards over short-term pleasure.

The Inevitability of Difficulty

Finally, Maxwell reminds us that the path to success is never easy. "The fruit of everything good in life begins with a challenge—it is always going to be difficult." This is not a pessimistic view; it’s a realistic one. True, lasting fulfillment comes from overcoming challenges, not from avoiding them. The struggle itself is part of the reward, as it builds character, resilience, and a deep sense of accomplishment.

Embracing this difficulty allows you to reframe your mindset. Instead of asking, "Why is this so hard?", you can ask, "What is this challenge teaching me?" When you accept that the climb will be tough, you can prepare yourself for the journey and find a sense of purpose in the effort.