The Climb to Success: How to Find Personal Fulfillment Beyond the Ladder

Personal Reflection: The Ladder Against the Wrong Wall

This week’s parable, The Ladder Against the Wrong Wall, deeply resonates with me. It’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of success—climbing ladder after ladder, chasing the next promotion, title, or material milestone. We live in a society that celebrates achievement: the bigger title, the better car, the dream home, the vacation property. But where does it end? At what point do we pause at the top of that climb and say, Yes, this is it. I’ve made it.

For some, that summit might be satisfying. But I believe very few reach the top feeling truly fulfilled—feeling like they made a meaningful impact along the way. Instead, the climb can feel hollow if it's not aligned with purpose.

I see parts of myself in this parable—not necessarily in the traditional order of success markers, but in the desire to advance in my career, to earn recognition, and to achieve financial goals. Growing up in an Italian household, hard work and financial independence were ingrained values. I got my first job at twelve. It didn’t last long, but I never stopped working after that—every year, through school, and full-time by twenty. My parents were driven and entrepreneurial. My mom was fearless in trying new things—real estate, hairdressing, high-end retail. She taught me resilience. My dad often said, “It’s not as good at the top as you think.” His favorite analogy was: “The higher the monkey climbs, the more you see its behind.” Funny, but true—because the higher you go, the more exposed and unstable it can feel.

Even now, as Vice President of Marketing & Communications for a global women’s organization, I feel that vulnerability. I carry stress—for my team and myself—and at times I’m not living fully aligned with my heart. I’ve asked myself: Is my ladder against the right wall? And I’ve asked it more than once.

What keeps me grounded is my inner compass—my faith, my moments of stillness, the mentors and coaches who help me recalibrate. It’s never too late to pause, to get off the ladder, and to take stock of where you are. And it’s never too late to begin a new climb—one with a view that promises more peace, more purpose, more alignment.

The climb is part of the experience. And while it can be steep, uncertain, and uncomfortable, it can also lead to breathtaking views. When your journey is guided by what makes you feel whole and worthy, even a challenging ascent can bring clarity, peace, and the promise of something more meaningful.

Listen to the full parable at: https://anitabooth.substack.com/