The short answer: Nick Allen went from a mobility scooter to climbing a 6,000-meter Himalayan peak. His story shows that progress, not perfection, rebuilds strength, and that God meets us in hard places.
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What we cover
Matthew sits down with Nick Allen, a New Zealand writer, climber, and founder of Mastering Mountains, to talk about perseverance, rehabilitation, habits, faith, and what hope looks like when plans change.
How a neurological illness changed everything for Nick
The climb from rehabilitation to a 6,000-meter Himalayan peak
Why the goal isn't perfection, it's progress
The habits and perseverance that rebuild strength over time
How to find hope when plans change
Mastering Mountains and helping others with neurological conditions
Why the outdoors can be a place to draw near to God
What faith and leadership look like in suffering
Lines worth remembering
"The goal isn't perfection, it's progress."
"Success is boring, progress is boring."
"I feel very close to God in the outdoors."
Take the next step
Take one small step of progress today, then do it again tomorrow.
Pick one habit to build this week: movement, rest, or time outdoors.
Read Philippians 3:12-14 and ask God for your next faithful step.
Invite a friend, mentor, or family member to walk with you through a hard season.
Watch the full episode and share it with someone whose plans have changed.
Common questions
How do you keep going when your plans change? Take the next small step of progress, rely on God, and let others walk with you.
Does progress matter more than perfection? Yes. The goal isn't perfection, it's progress, and small steps over time rebuild strength.
Can time outdoors help us draw near to God? It can. Nick says he feels very close to God in the outdoors, where creation points us to the Creator.
What is Mastering Mountains? It is Nick's mission to help people with neurological conditions rebuild strength and community.
