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The Second Mountain
Why Your Greatest Contributions May Still Be Ahead of You
Dr. Don Cote
May 07, 2025
Welcome to this week’s edition
There comes a moment in life when the climb flattens. The first mountain—career, family, stability—is behind you. The milestones are marked, the battles fought, the applause fading. And yet, an inner whisper persists: There’s more.
This is the beginning of what author David Brooks called The Second Mountain—a climb not of ambition, but of meaning.
In this weeks issue I hope you’ll see, this time it’s not about proving yourself to the world, but of discovering how you can give your deepest gifts back to it. And here’s the good news: you are not late. You are right on time.
But first, here are this week’s tips to help you live a more happy, fulfilled and balanced life.
This Week’s Tips
Health & Fitness: Practice deep breathing exercises. Take a few minutes each day to focus on your breath, inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly. This simple technique can reduce stress, improve lung capacity, and help regulate your body’s energy levels.
Wealth & Income: Consider downsizing or simplifying. Evaluate your living space and possessions—could you simplify your lifestyle and save on maintenance, utilities, or other expenses? Downsizing can free up resources and give you more time and energy for the things you truly value.
Love & Romance: Cultivate shared hobbies or interests. Take up a new activity together—like cooking a new recipe, learning a language, or volunteering. Engaging in something new creates opportunities for bonding and fun experiences.
Friends & Family: Organize family storytelling nights. Share stories from your past, especially those from your younger years. This creates deeper connections with younger generations and lets them see the richness of your life journey.
Fun & Recreation: Try birdwatching or stargazing. These relaxing hobbies allow you to connect with nature and the night sky, while providing a peaceful way to enjoy the outdoors and observe the wonders of the natural world.
Purpose & Meaning: Set personal growth goals for each year. Reflect on what you want to learn, experience, or contribute in the coming year. This practice helps maintain a sense of progress and gives you direction, no matter your age.
My Gift to You…
For more than 40 years I have been helping my clients successfully overcome obstacles, break through challenges, and find the resources they need to live the life of their dreams. If you are at a crossroads in your life and you’re not sure which way to go, I can help.
Click HERE to schedule a complimentary, 30-minute coaching session with me.
This Week’s Message
Meet Werner Berger
Let me tell you about my friend, Werner Berger. If you ever doubt whether your greatest contributions might still lie ahead, remember his story.
Werner didn’t begin mountain climbing until he was in his 50s. Before that, he was an ordinary man with an extraordinary spark beginning to stir. In his 60s, he made a decision that would change his life: to climb the Seven Summits—the tallest peak on each of the seven continents (also known as The Messner 7).
At age 65, he stood atop Mount Everest, claiming his spot in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest man to complete this challenge. But he didn’t stop. At 70, he summited Kilimanjaro again. And just yesterday, I spoke with him—at 87, he’s leading a group to Everest Base Camp.
The man didn’t just scale mountains. He became one.
The Myth of the “Winding Down Years”
You don’t have to climb Everest to live your Second Mountain. Your summit might be mentoring a young leader, launching a dream business, writing your first book, volunteering abroad, or gathering your grandchildren and passing down family stories. The form doesn’t matter. What matters is that it lights you up and contributes to others.
A New Kind of Legacy
In our youth, success is often measured by accumulation: of titles, of things, of social approval. But on the Second Mountain, we trade ego for impact. We ask, “Who am I becoming?” instead of “What am I getting?”
Werner didn’t climb for fame. He climbed because each step pulled him closer to his truest self and empowered him to inspire others. He’s now dedicated to guiding people to find their own metaphorical summits. That’s legacy. Not what you leave behind, but what you set in motion.
And you? You are more equipped now than ever. Your years have made you resilient. Your experiences have made you wise. The best part of your story might still be unwritten—and the world needs what only you can offer.
The Invitation
This isn’t a call to reckless reinvention. It’s an invitation to intentional contribution. It’s about honoring the fire still burning within you and realizing it can light the way for others.
So don’t ask if your best years are behind you. Ask instead:
What mountain is calling me now?
And then, take the first step.
To your awe-inspiring Second Mountain,
Dr. Don
Publisher
The SUCCESSFUL SENIORS Newsletter
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