Point of the Mountain

Point of the Mountain is an invitation to embrace adversity, navigate your unique path, and unlock the strength to become the best version of yourself.

In a world that celebrates outward success, the importance of personal character development is often overlooked. Yet, just as crucial as the heights people attain in their lives is who they are becoming in the process. Fulfillment lies not just in accomplishment, but in the integrity, compassion, and resilience that define an individual. By focusing on self-awareness and growth, people discover how to maximize the contribution they make to the world around them.

True character is the inner strength to live in alignment with one’s values, especially when faced with adversity. While it’s tempting to avoid the difficult path, it is in the struggle that the greatest rewards life. Nothing of value comes easily, and developing personal character strengths is no exception. Often, it is life’s toughest challenges that spark the most profound personal growth.

Discover the power of growth, self-reflection, and transformation. With each page, you’ll uncover the keys to developing character strengths, while finding joy and meaning in your personal journey up the mountain.

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Praise for Point of the Mountain

In this powerful and thought-provoking book, we learn how true character development emerges, not in the comfort of easy victories, but through the struggle and perseverance required by meaningful, difficult challenges. As we navigate hardship, whether personal, professional, or relational, we are forced to confront our limitations, expand our capacities, and evolve in ways that would be impossible without such trials. The narrative beautifully demonstrates that it is in the process of grappling with adversity and staying committed despite setbacks that our most profound growth occurs, shaping us into stronger, more resilient versions of ourselves. Point of the Mountain is a reminder that the hard things are often the ones that transform us the most.

–Rulon F. Stacey, Ph.D., FACHE, director, University of Colorado, Denver; former chairman of the Board at American College of Healthcare Executives; honorary member of International Hospital Federation and recipient of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Aware

Point of the Mountain poses an interesting and complex paradigm: How do we embrace change and adversity as the “norm,” using character to power us through those circumstances? So much of our culture emphasizes the attainment of results and not the achievement of personal growth and character development. We award trophies for participation and judge people and products by how many “likes” or stars they have. The coin of the realm has become an enumeration of social media following, not whether someone is generating goodwill for society. All these conditions have inspired Chris to look beyond the “false summits” and begin laying the foundation for self-reflection and introspection. He acknowledges that these journeys can be daunting but encourages us to take one step at a time, making progress while enjoying the journey. What an important message for us all!

–Dr. Leroy Nunery, president at Evolution Advisors

Reading Chris Hiller’s Point of the Mountain feels like sitting down with a good friend who’s not afraid to tell it like it is. Life will knock you down— probably more than once—but this book is a reminder that the climb is what makes you stronger. With the kind of wisdom that feels earned, not borrowed, it shows that real success isn’t about what you’ve got but how you handle the tough times. We have a saying in Texas that “the roughest roads lead to the best views,” and every reader will appreciate Chris’s take on how to get there. 

–T. Dupree Scovell, managing partner at Woodbine Development Corporation

I’ve known Chris Hillier for nearly two decades, and he’s always been someone I’ve admired for his integrity, kindness, and genuine approach to life. In Point of the Mountain, Chris doesn’t offer the superficial “feel-good” messages we’ve all become accustomed to. Instead, he gives something far more valuable—an honest and insightful look into how adversity, struggle, and setbacks can become catalysts for personal growth. Having experienced my own share of highs and gut-wrenching lows, I resonated deeply with his metaphor of climbing mountains—not just for the view at the top, but for who you become along the way. If you’re someone who, like me, has experienced setbacks and challenges (and who hasn’t?), and you’re looking to turn those moments into meaningful growth, you’ll want to read this book. Chris writes with authenticity, humility, and practicality— rare qualities that make Point of the Mountain a must-read.

–Nikolas Hulewsky, host of Nikonomics Podcast, entrepreneur

Point of the  Mountain is an insightful and empowering read that offers practical wisdom for anyone seeking to strengthen their personal character. Through relatable stories and actionable suggestions, Chris guides readers on a transformative journey toward greater self-awareness, resilience, and integrity. 

–Mitch Davis, award-winning film director, producer, and writer

Point of the Mountain provides us with a simple formula for finding true happiness in life. Through his universal insights into finding joy, Chris has articulated ways to inspire readers to harness their talents and energize their inspirations, leading them to a more happy and productive life. Point of the Mountain is truly a masterful guide to living a fulfilled life

–C. David Kikumoto, healthcare operational and finance executive/board director

We have control over what should be the most important aspect of our lives: our character. What an inspiring thought in today’s world where so many feel powerless and lack control over the direction of their lives! Hillier reminds us about the strength of character and how it can change the direction of our lives at a time when we need it the most. No claim of magic formulas or easy fixes, just a commitment to be your best self. What a refreshing and inspiring book that takes you back to focusing on your most basic instincts; do the right thing, take care of others, strengthen your character and your success will be lasting and true.

–Kim DeVore, president/CEO at Jonah Bank

In a culture that often equates success with status, wealth, or accolades, the quite work of building character can be forgotten. Yet true fulfillment isn’t found at the summit—its’s forged in the climb.

Through inspiring examples, practical insights, and thought-provoking questions, Christopher Hillier invites us to embrace struggle, walk our unique path, and grow into the best version of ourselves. He challenges readers to see adversity not as a setback but as the very terrain that develops integrity, resilience, and strength.

True greatness is character developed and demonstrated over a lifetime. Point of the Mountain is a powerful invitation to cultivate self-awareness, embrace growth, and unlock your capacity to contribute meaningfully to the world.

DEVELOPING CHARACTER WITH EVERY STEP—IT’S THE CLIMBING THAT SHAPES US