For this first writing assignment, please respond to the Expedition Log in the “Preface” to Leading at the Edge. My response is below:
I have been stretched to my limits numerous times: with relationships, with work, while traveling, etc.
But one situation in which I was absolutely stretched to my limits, both physically and mentally, was during a failed mountain climbing attempt in Antarctica (Nankyoku Tairiku). A team of three of us attempted to climb Mt. Erebus, which is about the same height as Mt. Fuji. Antarctica, however, is very remote, and an extremely cold place, so getting to the top of such a mountain in Antarctica is a great challenge. And we almost made it, but just before reaching the top a huge storm appeared out of nowhere and forced us to retreat to our tent lower on the mountain. This storm then raged for three days.
But one situation in which I was absolutely stretched to my limits, both physically and mentally, was during a failed mountain climbing attempt in Antarctica (Nankyoku Tairiku). A team of three of us attempted to climb Mt. Erebus, which is about the same height as Mt. Fuji. Antarctica, however, is very remote, and an extremely cold place, so getting to the top of such a mountain in Antarctica is a great challenge. And we almost made it, but just before reaching the top a huge storm appeared out of nowhere and forced us to retreat to our tent lower on the mountain. This storm then raged for three days.
It was extremely cold, -35 degrees Celsius or so, and we suffered greatly.
But we survived.
What saved us?
First, we worked hard to ensure our survival. We moved our tent, twice, due to dangerous conditions, even though each time the snow was blowing so hard we could barely see more than a couple of meters in front of us. We forced ourselves to eat and to drink, as our bodies needed massive calories and liquids to keep from freezing to death. And we constantly attended to our tent, our clothing, and our equipment to ensure that everything was working properly.
Secondly, we believed in ourselves. All of us were experienced, and we had been through tough situations before. We knew what we needed to do, and never for a moment did we doubt our own survival.
Finally, we kept our sense of humor. Our situation was serious, but we were still able to make jokes and to laugh. We kept up our spirits by enjoying each others company and not letting the seriousness of the situation weigh too heavily on our minds.
Because we survived, I continue to believe that working hard, believing in oneself, and maintaining a sense of humor are the keys to getting through any tough situation.
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