What are you actually chasing?

In Episode 39 of Summit After the Storm, Bart Wilbanks reflects on a powerful realization that came from standing at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

At 19,341 feet, the climb was complete. The accomplishment was real. But the mountain revealed something unexpected: the pursuit had been focused on accomplishments, milestones, and résumé-building summits rather than deeper internal transformation.

Anchored in 1 Samuel 16:7, this episode explores the difference between external success and internal alignment and why many leaders find themselves restless even after achieving impressive goals.

In this conversation, Bart reflects on:

• Why accomplishments and peace are not the same pursuit
• The difference between achievement and character formation
• Leadership lessons revealed through the climb of Kilimanjaro
• Why résumé bullets don’t always produce fulfillment
• The importance of examining our motives in leadership, business, and life
• Coaching youth sports and leading with the right priorities

We live in a culture that celebrates visible success: promotions, milestones, summits, and recognition. But the deeper question is not what you accomplish — it’s why you pursue it.

The mountain revealed a hard truth: you can reach impressive summits and still discover you were chasing the wrong things.

For leaders, parents, entrepreneurs, and anyone striving for growth, this episode invites you to examine your motives and redefine success beyond achievements.

Because the summit may reveal something uncomfortable:

You might not be chasing peace.

You might be chasing accomplishments.