Going from overnight hikes and multiday tramps to expedition-length trips takes a mindset able to push through the inevitable challenges. Josh Gale discovers the mental powers required to be an adventurer.
Kiwi mountaineer Ben Dare was barely 100m from the summit of his dreams when a chunk of falling ice smashed into his hand. On a 60-degree ice slope at 6100m and with the weather deteriorating, it was a less than ideal position to be in. Physically, it was a blow – with his badly bruised hand Dare could barely grip his ice axe, let alone finish the climb. Psychologically, though, it was devastating. Months of planning, dreaming, finding sponsors and saving for the climb of a lifetime with two friends seemed to be slipping from his grasp. With their options limited, Dare and his teammates were forced to abandon their attempt. They were nearly halfway through a 33-day climbing expedition in Nepal and reaching the summit of Kayjo Ri (6186m) by three different routes was the main objective. Unfortunately for Dare, it wasn’t to be. Two days later it was time to make another attempt on the summit, this time up the north-east face. But Dare was forced to withdraw yet again because of his hand injury. He also had a toothache and severe migraines. It was another crushing blow to the 27-year-old. "The fact that I couldn't take part in the attempt on the north-east face left me feeling extremely demoralised," says Dare. "It was incredibly disheartening to have done all the hard work building up for the expedition and then ultimately having to face the reality that all of the effort may have been in vain. Dare’s demoralisation was compounded by the pressure of expectation he felt from sponsors and supporters. "It created a feeling of self-doubt and a questioning of my own personal ability to contribute to the expedition,” he adds. “This low period lasted for a number of days and didn't really abate until later in the expedition.” Heading into the wilderness on a six week expedition or even a multiday tramp – when weather, terrain, gear and the body conspire against you – is a sure-fire way to find out what lurks in the depths of your mind. From the earliest expeditions, such as the journey of Alexander the Great, to recent closer-to-home examples like Tim Taylor's attempt to kayak around New Zealand, expedition-length adventures have always tested the limits of human endurance. [caption id="attachment_32378" align="aligncenter" width="1280"]


- Have a ‘continual growth mindset’: “Set goals to be better today than you were yesterday,” says Corban.
- Keep a diary. This is a great way to check-in with yourself on a long, challenging trip, but it needs structure so write according to this question: What went well for me today, what didn’t go well for me today, what did I learn to do better tomorrow?
- Music: If you feel tired, pull out your iPod to keep your spirits up and fatigue at bay. No country music allowed.
- In daily life, practise observing sensations without judging or labelling them.
- When feeling fatigue or discomfort, bring your awareness to your breath and inhale and exhale into the sensation.
- Notice five things: When you feel anxious or uncomfortable, notice five things you can see, hear and feel to become more grounded.
- When you notice negative self-talk, reconnect to the underlying values of why you’re doing what you’re doing.
- Hit a low? Then ask yourself, what’s important right now to help me to achieve my goal?
- Have a clear goal of what you’re trying to achieve
- Connect to the underlying values of why you’re trying to achieve it
- Make a clear plan about how you’re going to achieve it
- Have confidence in the plan and that you have the skills to perform the task
- Focus on the moment and enjoy yourself