It’s Not the Peak That’s Missing — It’s the Right Path.

Do you know this guy?

He's Leo. For 22 years, Leo played the game. Checked all the boxes. Got the degrees. Climbed the corporate ladder like a champ. Corner office. Wall plaques. Benefits. But one day, while staring at a glowing screen full of numbers and meetings that didn’t matter, it hit him: “Is this it?”

Leo wasn’t ungrateful. But he was unfulfilled. He had reached a peak — not his peak.

Sound familiar?

Is that you? Are you a Leo?

Why You’re Not at the Peak Yet

You see the peak. You know it’s out there. Maybe you’ve even mapped out how to get there.

So why haven’t you arrived?

Because sometimes what’s holding us back isn’t the world — it’s us. Not because we’re lazy or broken. But because at some point in life, we fell. We failed. We got embarrassed, shut down, told to be quiet, to not reach too high. And the child inside us never forgot.

When you scraped your knee — or your pride — your brain said, “Let’s not do that again.” And now? That old fear shows up as procrastination, perfectionism, and staying small.

Here’s the truth:

You haven’t missed your peak.

You’ve just been trained to fear the climb.

7 Hidden Traps Keeping You from the Top

1. Procrastination

   “I’ll go for it after this degree… after the kids finish school… after I feel more confident…”

   Brother, there is no perfect time. Delay is the enemy of destiny. Start where you are, with what you have. Small steps count.

2. Being Stuck in a Rut

   That cubicle? That job where good ideas go to die. That’s not safety. That’s stagnation. If your company can’t see your potential, maybe it’s time you stop waiting for permission.

3. Lack of Networking

   It’s not just what you know — it’s who knows you. Visibility matters. Join a shared-interest group. Speak up in meetings. Mentor someone. Let people know you’re more than your job description.

4. Not Enough Training

   You don’t need a PhD — maybe just a certification, license, or skill refresher.

   Ask: Does your company offer tuition reimbursement? Will they invest in you? If not, invest in yourself.

5. Not Taking Time to Reflect

   You’re grinding so hard, you haven’t sharpened your blade. Pause. Breathe. . Ask yourself: Is what I’m doing still aligned with where I want to go?

6. Fear of Failure… or Success

   You fear failing? Welcome to the club. You also fear what happens if you succeed — the expectations, the pressure. That’s real. But here’s the thing: growth comes through both.

7. Complacency

   Maybe life is “good.” But good is the enemy of great. If you’re still dreaming, still restless, then this isn’t your final peak. And that’s a blessing.

Reggie’s Realization

Leo eventually left that job. Scary? Yes. But he used his decades of experience to launch a coaching business for young Black entrepreneurs. He’s earning less — for now — but waking up excited again. Fulfilled.

He stopped climbing their mountain. And started climbing his.

I know Leo ... 'cause we are kindred spirits!

🔔 Your Next Step: Start Climbing

Here’s your challenge:

In the next 72 hours, write down:

1. What does your peak look like?

2. What fear has kept you from climbing?

3. What small, brave step can you take today?

Speak to someone. Sign up for a class. Apply for that role. Write the first page. Make the damn call.

It’s your time now.

The peak is waiting.

🔁 Share this with a brother who’s too powerful to play small any longer.

See you at the top!

Coach Wayne, The VIP Coach

Helping Black men 40+ regain control, clarity, and confidence personally and professionally.

For weekly tips and insights on improving your midlife experiences professionally and personally, listen to my weekly podcast, Midlife Revolution Unleashed, on your favorite podcast channel.