More opportunities exist for personal accomplishment than what I can deal with. Life is a journey, not a destination, so let's take the scenic route. You cannot go on a weeklong backpacking trip without revealing your true inner nature. If you are contemplating marriage, take him or her backpacking. Suffering is fun because it feels so good when you stop.
Physical conditioning is important, but so is mental conditioning.
Attaining the summit does not conquer a mountain. And the mountain does not care if you make it home again. He who turns back will live to climb another day. It's better to be tagged as a troublemaker than to be a dead sheep. Expect the best and plan for the worst.