Life is an adventure—a phrase that gets thrown around a lot, but what does it truly mean to live like one? In my latest episode of The Embodied Performance Podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Tom Benson, co-founder and CEO of WildPlay, mountain guide, and a man deeply rooted in purpose. Tom is a living example of someone who integrates adventure, spirituality, and high performance in a way that inspires action and reflection.
If you’re someone striving to uplevel your life—to get fitter, make more money, and create impact without losing touch with what matters most—this episode is for you. Let’s break down the key takeaways from our conversation and how you can apply them.
Key Lessons from Tom Benson
1. Fear and Love Are Life’s Fundamental Forces
Tom shared a powerful truth: every decision in life is driven by one of two forces—fear or love. Fear holds us back, keeps us stuck, and prevents us from taking risks. Love, on the other hand, opens us up to possibility, connection, and growth.
For Tom, his mission is to help people move through fear to create space for love. Whether it’s standing on the edge of a bungee platform or facing a tough decision in life, the key is to confront fear head-on.
Takeaway: Ask yourself, “Am I acting out of fear or love?” Let love lead your decisions, and you’ll naturally align with your purpose.
2. Purpose Comes from Clarity in Identity
Tom emphasized the importance of knowing who you are. Your identity isn’t a set of aspirational ideas—it’s defined by what you do. He challenges us to look at the consistent actions in our lives and ask:
- Are these actions aligned with the person I want to be?
- Am I living in a way that reflects my values?
Your identity forms the foundation of your purpose. Tom’s own journey—from a mountain guide to CEO—was guided by his unshakeable clarity about what matters most to him: helping others move past fear and embrace love.
Takeaway: Spend time reflecting on your actions, not just your aspirations. Build habits and systems that support the person you want to become.
3. Success Isn’t Measured by Ego or Finances
We live in a world where success is often defined by external metrics—wealth, status, or accolades. But Tom challenges this mindset. While financial security is important, he believes success is about staying true to your purpose.
He shared a story of turning down a massive business opportunity that could have brought financial gain but conflicted with the values of his company. By staying true to his mission, Tom continues to build a life and business that feels deeply aligned with his purpose.
Takeaway: Ask yourself, “Is my work serving my life, or am I serving my work?” If your goals are out of alignment with your values, it’s time to reassess.
4. The Importance of Forgiveness and Growth
In one of the most heartfelt moments of our conversation, Tom shared how forgiveness—both for others and himself—has been a critical part of his journey. Mistakes and regrets are inevitable, but they’re also opportunities to learn and grow.
Tom reminded us that regrets can be powerful teachers if we let them. Instead of holding on to shame, he chooses to use those moments as fuel to become a better man.
Takeaway: Reflect on your past with compassion. Forgive yourself for your missteps and use them as a guide to make better choices moving forward.
How to Apply These Lessons to Your Life
- Face Your Fears: Identify one fear holding you back and take a small step toward overcoming it. Whether it’s a tough conversation or trying something new, act with courage.
- Define Your Identity: Write down your top three values and list daily actions that align with them. Build systems to reinforce these habits.
- Reassess Your Goals: Look at your current ambitions and ask, “Are these in service of my purpose, or are they driven by ego?” Adjust as needed.
- Practice Forgiveness: Take time to reflect on regrets and decide how you’ll use those experiences to grow. Journaling can be a great tool for this.
Conclusion: The Adventure of Life
Living a purpose-driven life is an ongoing process. It requires constant reflection, courage to face fear, and the discipline to align your actions with your values. As Tom said, “Life is an adventure. Be clear about what you want, and live with intention.”
If this blog resonated with you, I encourage you to share it with someone who might benefit. And if you’re ready for a deeper dive into Tom’s insights, check out the full podcast episode here.
Now, it’s time to take action. Fear or love—what’s it going to be?
Let’s get to work.
