He is one of the most celebrated and respected adventure photographers and filmmakers on the planet. If you’ve seen the nail-biting, Oscar-winning documentary Free Solo, you’ve witnessed his masterful storytelling. But Jimmy Chin is more than just the guy behind the camera; he’s a world-class mountaineer, a National Geographic photographer, and a constant source of inspiration for anyone looking to merge their passion with their profession.
Jimmy’s story is a powerful lesson in following an unconventional path. He grew up in the flatlands of Minnesota, the son of Chinese immigrants who hoped he would pursue a traditional career. Instead, after college, he moved to Yosemite, lived out of the back of his car, and dedicated his life to climbing. It was there, amidst the granite walls and the tight-knit community of fellow “misfits,” that he picked up a camera. His ability to capture stunning images in the most extreme, high-stakes environments set him apart, launching a career that has taken him to the highest peaks on every continent. You can explore his incredible body of work on his website, jimmychin.com, or follow his adventures on Instagram.
I’ve been fortunate to run in the same circles as Jimmy for more than 15 years, and I’ve long admired his commitment to the craft and his thoughtful approach to life and work. We’ve shared many friends and experiences over the years, but one of my favorite collaborations was when he joined me for a deep-dive conversation on Chase Jarvis LIVE. We explored everything from taking the leap into a creative career to managing fear and finding motivation during the long grind. It was a conversation between peers who took the road less traveled, and the insights he shared were too good not to pass along to our creative community.
Here are a few of my favorite ideas from Jimmy that you can apply to your own creative journey.
Follow Your Heart, Even When It’s Hard
One of the biggest takeaways from Jimmy’s story is the courage it took to choose his passion over expectation. He calls the decision to move to Yosemite and live out of his car “the most pivotal decision I ever made in my life,” but he’s quick to point out that it wasn’t easy. It was filled with years of doubt, guilt, and the feeling that he was letting his family down. The greatest risk he ever took wasn’t climbing a dangerous mountain; it was betting on himself. That initial leap is often the hardest part, but it’s the only way to build a life that is truly your own.
- Define Your “Why”: Get clear on what you truly love to do. For Jimmy, it was the profound experience of being in the mountains. What is the feeling or activity you can’t live without? Write it down.
- Embrace the Doubt: Understand that feeling uncertain or questioning your path is normal. Instead of letting it stop you, view it as part of the process of carving out a unique space for yourself.
- Find Your Tribe: Jimmy found his community in Yosemite among other climbers and “misfits.” Surround yourself with people who understand and support your vision, even if the rest of the world doesn’t get it yet.
Commit to the Craft, Not the Applause
In an age of external validation, Jimmy’s focus has always been on the process, not the prize. He was completely committed to the craft of climbing, photography, and expedition planning long before he gained any recognition. He believes that if you are doing something for external reasons, like fame or followers, you’re thinking about it backwards. True fulfillment and, ironically, true success come from a deep obsession with the work itself. When you are fully present and dedicated to making something you care about, the rest will follow.
- Focus on Daily Progress: Instead of fixating on a huge, distant goal, ask yourself: What can I do today to get better? Jimmy focused on the small things that moved him forward every single day.
- Shut Out the Noise: You have to ignore the voices of people who don’t understand your vision. Put your head down and do the work. The external validation may come eventually, but it cannot be the primary motivation.
- Fall in Love with the Grind: Every creative career has a long period of grinding. Jimmy says you have to “embrace the grind.” Learn to love the daily practice, the problem solving, and the slow, steady improvement.
Achieve the Impossible One Step at a Time
When you’re facing a huge objective, whether it’s climbing a remote mountain or launching a new business, it can feel overwhelming. Drawing from his experience on expeditions, Jimmy explains that you don’t achieve extraordinary things by doing one extraordinary thing. You achieve them by doing a lot of small, simple things, one after another. By breaking down a seemingly impossible goal into a series of manageable steps, you can make consistent progress and eventually find yourself at the summit.
- Set Your Objective: Have a clear vision of what you want to achieve. This is your north star, the thing that inspires and motivates you.
- Focus on the Next Three Feet: Don’t get paralyzed by the scale of the goal. Concentrate on what is directly in front of you. What is the very next step you need to take? Do that.
- Check In with Your Path: While you focus on the small steps, it’s important to occasionally look up and make sure you’re still heading in the right direction. Ask yourself, “Is this still where I want to go?” This balance keeps you grounded in the present while staying true to your long term vision.
PS – If you’re looking for a guide to help you build the life and career you’ve always wanted, the Seven Levers for Life is a free 7-day email course on just that.
