Lots of Things in Life Require Endurance.

“Endurance” is a word that I see most often used for athletics and not celebrated enough across the full spectrum of life.

Yet, it is often the difference maker in achievement, a sense of personal accomplishment, and even in pride and happiness.

The ability to stay the course when faced with obstacles, sacrifice, discomfort, naysayers, or even self-doubt is regularly at the core of great moments big and small. Those who can train themselves to endure have a skill in their tool kit that will serve them forever.

And that’s the great thing about endurance: ever single person can learn to do it.

It’s no secret that I love solo mountaineering. I love it for many reasons, but one clear reason is that it requires me to endure.

I put myself in situations where I know I will be tested - higher, further, under tougher circumstances, with obstacles I may never have faced before. Often in a state of constant discomfort, mentally and physically. I practice pushing and strengthening my endurance - which then translates into all parts of my life.

I have a big weekend of mountaineering ahead and I cannot wait for what will inevitably be hard. Why?

Because we never remember the things we do in life that are easy or mundane. But things in life that cause us to rise to the challenge, to suffer and to endure, stay with us forever; forming both a memory of accomplishment and achievement, and the confidence and strength to know that we can go again.