I had just failed to summit Mount Washington in New Hampshire. We'd been climbing for hours in brutal winter conditions — minus 30 with wind chill — and we had to turn back because we ran out of time. If we didn't reach the summit by 1 PM, it would get dark and become too dangerous.
Four miles. I couldn't finish a four-mile hike.
My wife, being practical and smart, said, "Listen, you numbskull. Get a tour guide. Train for it. Learn about outdoor camping. Go back next winter and do it right."
Next winter. That made perfect sense. Take a year to prepare properly, get the right equipment, hire an expert guide, train specifically for winter mountaineering.
"I'm going back this Saturday," I told her.
"This Saturday? Are you crazy?"
"Yes!"
But here's the thing about my relationship with time: I don't know what's going to happen next winter. I might break my leg next winter. I might get the flu next winter. Hell, I might not even be here next winter.
If I can do it now, if I have a chance to create a moment and fix this failure, I'm going to take advantage of it immediately.
This is how I think about everything. When people say "I'll do it next year" or "I'll try again when the timing is better," they're assuming they have unlimited chances. They're assuming next year will definitely come and that they'll definitely be in a position to try again.
But that's not guaranteed.
I went back that Saturday. This time I made it to the summit.
The lesson isn't about being reckless or impulsive. The lesson is about understanding that windows of opportunity close. Your motivation changes. Your circumstances change. Your health changes. Life gets in the way.
When you have the chance to do something significant — whether it's summiting a mountain, starting a business, having a difficult conversation, or pursuing a dream — don't assume you'll get another chance later.
Later might not come. Or if it does, you might not be the same person with the same drive and the same opportunity.
Sometimes the best time to do something isn't when you're perfectly prepared. Sometimes the best time is right now, while you still can.
This Saturday, not next winter. That's how you make sure regrets don't pile up.
