Climbing the Right Wall

We often hear that success is about hard work, ambition, and staying laser-focused on your goals. And while that’s partially true, there’s a deeper question we all have to wrestle with—Are you climbing the ladder that's leaning on the right wall?

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle. The drive to achieve, to be great, to “make it”—whatever that means in your world. I know that feeling well. I’m as ambitious as anyone I know. I wake up each day driven by a deep desire to build something meaningful and chase the visions I believe I was made to pursue.

But recently, I’ve been reminding myself of something critical: Not all ladders lead to the right places.

You can spend years grinding, climbing rung after rung—only to reach the top and realize your ladder has been leaning against a wall you don’t even believe in. A wall built on pride, ego, and external validation rather than purpose, values, and real impact.

We see it all the time, especially in high-profile fields like politics, entertainment, and even business. People start with what they say are noble intentions—making a difference, creating change, serving others—but somewhere along the climb, the motive shifts. The mission becomes about them, not the people they set out to serve. What fuels their fire isn’t purpose anymore, but insecurity, fear of being forgotten, or an obsession with being recognized.

I’ve learned that unchecked ambition can lead you away from your calling just as fast as laziness can. The key is to pause and check your foundation. Ask yourself:

• Why do I really want this?

• Who do I want to become in the process?

• Is this journey developing my character or just feeding my ego?

At the end of the day, I don’t just want to reach the top. I want to reach it with integrity. I want to know the wall I’ve climbed has led me toward values I never compromised—humility, kindness, excellence, and genuine impact.

So here’s a question worth asking:

Are you climbing the right wall, or just climbing fast?

Slow down. Look around. Check your motives. Then keep climbing—with clarity, with purpose, and with a heart that’s aligned with something deeper than ambition.

Thank you for checking out this edition of the Big League Perspective Newsletter! Be sure to share with a friend, teammate, or kid who may benefit! In the meantime, be sure to connect on social media @billythebatboy. 🙌