Morad El Mazyani, co-founder of AI Crafters, recently shared an inspiring story of his journey through Indonesia, the 27th country he has visited. His adventure included climbing Mount Batur, an active volcano known for its breathtaking views and challenging terrain. At 1,717 meters above sea level, the climb pushed Morad El Mazyani to his physical and mental limits, yet it also left him with valuable insights that he generously shared with his network. In his reflection, Morad El Mazyani offers 10 key takeaways from this unforgettable experience, each filled with lessons about perseverance, growth, and the importance of surrounding oneself with the right people.
Morad El Mazyani begins his post by describing the climb itself. The journey up Mount Batur was steep and slippery, a difficult path that required focus and determination. He didn’t reach the summit in one giant leap—rather, he accomplished the feat by focusing on and celebrating each milestone along the way. This first takeaway serves as a powerful metaphor for life: big goals are not achieved overnight, but through small, deliberate steps. Morad El Mazyani reminds us to celebrate those small victories, as they are the building blocks to achieving larger ambitions.
Momentum is another theme Morad El Mazyani emphasizes in his reflections. He encourages us to seize opportunities as they arise because we may not get the chance again. In his words, “Timing is everything.” This advice speaks to the importance of pushing beyond comfort zones and taking bold steps when the moment is right. Just like his climb up the volcano, life presents us with opportunities that may not always come back around, and we must capitalize on them when they appear.
In addition to momentum, Morad El Mazyani underscores the importance of the people we choose to surround ourselves with. Whether it’s a spouse, close friends, or loved ones, the individuals in our lives can either lift us up or bring us down. In his post, Morad El Mazyani highlights how meaningful relationships are key to reaching our highest potential. The climb up Mount Batur was not just about physical endurance, but also about the support and encouragement he received from others along the way. This takeaway serves as a reminder that while personal resilience is essential, the company we keep plays a critical role in shaping our success.
However, Morad El Mazyani also emphasizes the need to go at your own pace. Life is not a race, and we shouldn’t feel compelled to match the rhythm of others. In climbing the volcano, he learned to listen to his own body, take breaks when needed, and push forward when he was ready. This lesson is a valuable one: everyone has their own journey, and it’s important to honor our individual paths rather than trying to keep up with others. Morad El Mazyani’s message here is clear—your pace is your own, and it’s okay to move at a speed that feels right for you.
Physical activity is another vital lesson that emerged from Morad El Mazyani’s adventure. He reflects on how our bodies are built for movement, not for sitting behind desks all day. The climb up Mount Batur served as a reminder that staying active keeps both the body and mind strong. Regular exercise, he notes, helps us stay energized, focused, and resilient. In a world where sedentary lifestyles have become the norm, Morad El Mazyani’s experience is a call to action: keep moving, and you’ll find greater vitality in both your personal and professional life.
One of the most profound insights Morad El Mazyani shares is the importance of learning by doing. While watching videos or reading about experiences can offer some knowledge, nothing compares to firsthand encounters. His travels through Indonesia reminded him of the value of touching, experimenting, and learning from real-life experiences. This takeaway encourages us to step out of our comfort zones and explore the world directly, rather than relying on secondhand information. Morad El Mazyani’s climb up Mount Batur serves as a perfect example of the richness that comes from embracing new and challenging experiences.
Unlearning is just as important as learning, according to Morad El Mazyani. As he traveled through Indonesia, he discovered that learning about new cultures often requires letting go of preconceived notions. This continuous process of learning and unlearning is essential for growth. In Morad El Mazyani’s case, it was the act of traveling and immersing himself in different cultures that expanded his understanding and enriched his perspective.
After such a demanding climb, rest became even more rewarding. Morad El Mazyani’s eighth takeaway is that rest after effort is a thousand times more satisfying than rest without it. The struggle of the climb made the reward of reaching the top—and the subsequent rest—all the more fulfilling. This lesson speaks to the value of hard work and perseverance. The greater the effort, the more satisfying the reward, whether in physical challenges or in life’s broader pursuits.
Morad El Mazyani also touches on the importance of finding balance in life. He reflects on how chasing after money and material success can sometimes distract us from what truly matters—peace, spirituality, and connection with others. In today’s fast-paced, industrialized world, it’s easy to lose sight of these values. For Morad El Mazyani, the climb up Mount Batur was a reminder to stay grounded and remember what is truly important.
Finally, Morad El Mazyani closes his reflection with a lesson about the power of nature. Our true essence, he argues, is found in nature, not in the crowded cities or concrete buildings where we often find ourselves. His connection with the environment during the climb reinforced the importance of stepping away from the hustle of daily life to reconnect with the natural world. This final takeaway reminds us that, at our core, we are part of something much bigger than ourselves.
Morad El Mazyani’s journey through Indonesia and his climb up Mount Batur offer powerful lessons on life, growth, and perseverance. From celebrating milestones to surrounding ourselves with the right people, and from learning through experience to finding balance and peace, Morad El Mazyani’s reflections provide a roadmap for navigating both personal and professional challenges. His story is a testament to the transformative power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone and embracing the journey—one milestone at a time.
