It’s never too late to pursue your dreams. Jimmy Munro  has proved that. At 71 years of age, Jimmy climbed Mt. Aconcagua. It’s an amazing feat that, ironically, Jimmy makes light of.  

For some reason, Mt. Aconcagua likes to turn back everyone who tries to climb it. It took me three tries to finally reach the summit. I tried three seasons in a row (February 2006, January 2007, and January 2008) before I finally reached the summit. 

Apparently, it was no different for Jimmy.  

Five of the 14 in his party had to turn back, and the rest were advised to turn back, but this spirited man and the rest of his companions decided they were going to continue to the summit.  

They made it to the summit, but Aconcagua put up quite a fuss about them being there. Jimmy said the winds were atrocious and the static electricity in the air was enough to make a girl’s hair stand on end.  

One of the things I enjoyed most in reading about Jimmy and his conquest of Mt. Aconcagua was that when he returned he announced that his mountain climbing days were definitely not over. He now has his sights set on standing atop Mt. Denali.  

There are two things I learned from Jimmy. First, it’s never too late in life to chase big goals. At 71 years old, most people would give up on any goal as strenuous as climbing Aconcagua. But, not Jimmy. 

Second, I learned to follow up the accomplishment of a goal with the setting of another goal. No sooner had Jimmy gotten down from the mountain than he announced his next goal. Goals keep us going and help us enjoy life. There should always be another goal. 

This month, I expect to top Mt Everest, completing my goal of being the first Chinese woman toclimb the seven summits and ski to the poles. What will my next goal be? Hmm. Let’s see...