"Life is not a popularity contest. Take the hill, but first answer the question: What is my hill?"

The heart of the quote is about knowing what truly matters to you before charging ahead with your goals. It reminds us that life isn't about pleasing others or seeking approval, but about understanding our personal mission and pursuing it with intention. Before you set out to "take the hill," or achieve something significant, you need to identify what that hill is for you personally.

So, what's the backstory here? This idea can be traced back to countless historical figures and events where people had to decide what battles to fight. Think about Martin Luther King Jr. He didn't fight for fame; he fought for civil rights because he identified that as his hill. His focus wasn't on becoming popular but on achieving meaningful change. The same goes for anyone who's made a real difference—they knew what their "hill" was and went after it with everything they had.

Let's look at a vivid real-life example. Imagine someone in the corporate world, say, a young woman named Sarah. She's climbing the corporate ladder, but she feels unfulfilled. Everyone tells her she's doing great—she's got the promotions, the recognition. But then Sarah takes a step back and realizes her passion lies in working with non-profits. Her "hill" isn't the next promotion; it's helping communities. Once she identifies her true goal, she makes a courageous shift. She leaves her high-paying job to work for a cause she believes in. Now, she's not just successful by society's standards; she's fulfilled.

If you're trying to apply this wisdom, start by asking yourself what really matters to you. Take some time to reflect on your passions, values, and what you want your legacy to be. Don’t rush it. Write it down, talk to friends and mentors, and be honest with yourself. It’s okay if your hill isn’t what others expect—it’s your life, after all. Once you know your hill, map out a plan to reach it. This might mean making some tough decisions or even facing criticism. But remember, it’s better to climb your hill than to be stuck on someone else’s mountain.

Now, let’s bring it all together with a relatable story. Picture this: You’re at a family gathering, and your cousin Jake is bragging about his latest promotion and new car. Everyone’s impressed. You’ve been working hard too, but your achievements aren’t as flashy—maybe you’ve been volunteering at a local shelter, or working on a passion project that doesn’t come with a big paycheck. It’s easy to feel like you’re behind. But then you remember your hill. You’re not here to win a popularity contest; you’re here to make a difference in a way that matters to you. So, you smile and share your latest project update, feeling proud of your path.

Life isn’t about being popular or meeting everyone else’s expectations. It’s about finding what’s important to you and going after it with all you’ve got. So, what’s your hill? Take the time to find out, and then start climbing.