In today’s reflection, I want to dive deep into a theme from Brianna Wiest’s book The Mountain Is You. Wiest’s core message is that the biggest obstacles we face are often the ones within ourselves—the “mountain” is you. That resonated with me, especially in the context of my hip recovery, and as I prepare for my second surgery and eventual return to martial arts in January 2025.
There’s something powerful in this metaphor. As someone who is no stranger to physical and emotional challenges, I’ve always seen mountains as symbols of adversity. Whether it was navigating the dangers of the Bronx streets as a youth, overcoming hardships in a home filled with substance abuse and violence, or simply trying to make sense of who I was growing up in that chaos, I knew that every step forward required effort and courage. The idea that we are our own mountain is a strong reflection of how often we are the only ones standing in our own way.
I’ve always believed in owning my actions, my responsibilities, and even my setbacks. Jocko Willink and Leif Babin’s book Extreme Ownership is a favorite of mine because it’s rooted in this very principle—taking complete ownership of everything in your life. There are no excuses, no shifting the blame. And it’s the same with the “mountains” we face. If I want to heal, if I want to return stronger after my surgeries and hit the mats again, it’s on me to take ownership of my recovery, my mindset, and how I choose to move forward.
Wiest’s message is similar. In The Mountain Is You, she reminds us that self-sabotage is often the primary thing holding us back. How many times do we stand in front of opportunities but hesitate out of fear? How many of us sabotage our progress because deep down, we’re afraid of change, even when it’s the very thing we need to grow? For me, during my recovery process, I’ve noticed moments where I’ve tried to push too hard, too fast, feeling like I was invincible. My surgeon, Dr. Reid, kindly reminded me that I need to follow the process. And that’s tough! Especially when you feel strong and want to move ahead at lightning speed. But patience, like self-ownership, is a discipline.
The connection between The Mountain Is You and Extreme Ownership is undeniable. You have to face your internal “mountain” with a sense of extreme responsibility. You must own the fact that you are the one responsible for either climbing or staying stuck. And the climb is worth it because with each step, you’re not just overcoming external circumstances; you’re evolving, growing, becoming the best version of yourself.
For me, as I prepare for January 2025, when I’ll be back training for my seventh-degree black belt in Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan, my first-degree black belt in American Kenpo, and my brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, I realize that this journey is part of my own mountain. I have a clear plan of action, a roadmap that will take me back to those mats, and I’m taking full ownership of that journey. But I also know the biggest challenge is not just the physical rehab, it’s about staying mentally focused, emotionally resilient, and spiritually grounded.
This is the value of facing the mountain. It’s not just about the destination; it’s about the journey. It’s about acknowledging where we stand in our own way and choosing to climb anyway.
As you go about your day, I encourage you to reflect on the mountains in your life. Are there areas where you’re self-sabotaging? Are there opportunities you’ve avoided because the climb looks too steep? Maybe it’s time to take ownership of those moments, to look at the mountain ahead of you and say, “Yes, this is hard, but I’m going to climb it.”
Remember, it’s not about conquering everything all at once. It’s about steady, consistent effort. One step at a time. Every small victory matters. Every lesson learned becomes part of the journey.
If you’d like to hear more about this reflection, check out my latest podcast episode on Living Strong Adventures, where I dive deeper into this idea of owning your mountain and embracing the climb. And don’t forget to check out the epic music that backs these reflections on my YouTube channel. Your journey is yours—own it, climb it, and live strong!
Final Thoughts
In my journey of recovery, martial arts, and life in general, I’ve realized that being aware of your mountain, owning your climb, and taking responsibility for every step is what living strong is all about. I’d love to hear from you—what’s the mountain you’re climbing? What’s holding you back, and what have you done to push forward? Let’s connect in my community over at PeterLiciaga.com/activity.
