Tomorrow, May 16th 2019, I’m driving from New York City to Colorado, to climb my first 14er. All being well weather wise, I’m hoping to get to the summit of Mount Elbert, which at 14,439 feet, is the highest peak in Colorado. It’s the highest, but by no means the most difficult, hence it’s popularity as a first 14er. The drive alone should be interesting; a 3,800 mile round trip, retracing much of the route I used while cycling across America in 2016. As for Mount Elbert itself, that part represents something of a step into the unknown. Thats where the adventure challenge kicks in.
The drive from New York City to Leadville, CO.
The Colorado 14er’s
There are 58 mountain peaks in Colorado at over 14,000 feet elevation. Collectively, they are referred to as The 14er’s, and the adventure challenge of climbing them all has become something of an obsession to many. I don’t know how many I’ll end up climbing in the long term (some are technical and dangerous), but I’ll start with Elbert and take it from there.
Why Solo Adventure Challenges?
A solo adventure challenge into the wilderness conjures up therapeutic benefits which are difficult to explain. Maybe because we are far removed from the noise and stress of our regular lives, we are forced to look at ourselves, and the beauty of nature around us. There is a feeling of oneness with the world, especially in the mountains. I prefer to go solo, for a variety of reasons. Firstly, I love the beautiful silence when high altitude hiking. Secondly, I like to be focused. Taking on a solo adventure challenge, negates the need for nagging thoughts of keeping up with or impressing others. Instead, it’s a journey of self-discovery, of learning and of self-leadership.
The main reason I like to go solo on an adventure challenge is because I think if I want to achieve something, I should be the one to put in the hard work. My Inca Trail adventure challenge in December 2018 for example, was a lot of fun, but it bothered me that I had a guide, and had to rely on porters to carry my tent. That didn’t sit well with me, and definitely took away from the feeling of accomplishment when I finally reached Machu Picchu. I prefer the feeling that I am relying on myself, and that I have to motivate and encourage myself. That way, I know if I make progress, it’s because I worked hard for it. Conversely, if I get sluggish or feel like quitting, then I know there is something I need to work on.
Solo Adventures and Mindfulness
The principles that drive self-motivation and self-leadership on solo adventures are as applicable in our careers and lives in general. They form the basis of the mindfulness and motivation workshops I deliver. Mindfulness is essentially focused attention on the present. Being in the present moment means we can focus on the specific task at hand at any given moment. We are able to shut out the unnecessary negative thoughts. On a mountain, as with riding across America, hiking the Inca Trail or on any other adventure challenge, we don’t need to complete the entire challenge all at once. Our best performance comes when we focus on completing a task one moment at a time. One step at a time. One tiny piece at a time. Often, while discouraged, looking at the enormity of the overall challenge can trigger negative and stressful thoughts, which ironically further hinder our progress. Mindfulness in the wilderness is a beautiful thing, but also an amazing way to understand ourselves, and what drives us forward in our careers and lives.
Mindful motivation and leadership is as applicable in the office as it is on a solo adventure. Focused attention improves performance, increases confidence and reduces stress.
Adventure Dedicated to…
Previously, I used an adventure to fundraise for a charity. Thats not something I will be doing again. Money does not solve all problems.
Despite sharing an enormous amount of personal experience and emotion about adventure challenges on this blog, I haven’t as yet touched on the important core reasons for doing what I do. That will come later. My book, which has the working title Falling Up will hopefully go to print in late 2019 or early 2020. The philosophy behind falling up is essentially a lesson in self help, self-motivation and the power of mindful positivity.
Not having direction or focus can happen to any of us, at any time. Despite how it may feel, we are not alone, and we are not a lost cause. In fact, we can not only come back from our downs, but turn our downs into ups. There is no more solid foundation on which to build from than rock bottom. The greatest adventure challenge we can embark on is awareness and improvement of self, and it starts with mindfulness and meditation.
We all experience hardship or suffering at some point. It is temporary, it is not our reality, and there is a way through it. Life can deal us tough hands. It can happen because of depression or anxiety, following an accident, while grieving, from the despair of addiction, from relationship problems or from body related self-conscious issues such as weight etc. Sometimes it can simply happen by trying to keep up with the pace and expectation of life itself.
To anyone affected by any of those issues, I hope that by going on adventure challenges, and sharing my experiences, I can be of some small help in showing that there is a greater perspective. It IS possible to regroup, recover and refocus; and when we do, we can achieve things far beyond what we ever thought possible. I’m going up this mountain as much for you as I am for me.