True Grit

Like Seligman’s dogs, Joe Simpson had no earthly reason to think he should or could keep fighting. But he did. How? In the most dangerous, high-stakes situation imaginable he did the craziest thing: he made it a game. He started setting goals: Can I make it to that glacier in twenty minutes? If he made it, he was ecstatic.

learned valuable lessons that day about staying more aware of my physical condition and my surroundings, about not taking anything for granted, and about remembering how unforgiving nature can be. When things get tough, courage is not necessarily the most important attribute. What’s important is being able to control your emotions and maintain a po

There was no escape. I found the prospect appallingly bleak. I felt very small. We were in this for the long haul now. But this also meant that the only thing we could do was keep rowing. Stroke after stroke, day after day, week after week. If we kept rowing and did the key things correctly (harnesses clipped on, avoid collisions, close hatches) th

you must think like an adventurer. You cannot be tempted by records, trophies and accolades and you cannot perform based on rules, regulations and metrics. Instead you must remain respectful (and adaptable) to Mother Nature whether you’re at sea, on a mountain or crossing a jungle. This is why I so often say: Resilience cannot be rushed, but quitti