How do we keep going when we can't see the top?

I wish I had the answer. Even as a motivational speaker, my own positivity levels have dwindled like supermarket shelves recently. Perhaps the scariest thing is that nobody really knows the answer. When we’re worried, we usually have somebody who’s been there to lead us. Right now, society is facing an unclimbed mountain. Nobody else has climbed it – yet.

If we haven’t dealt with something before then we have no reference point, and our natural instinct is to assume the worst. Media scaremongering has only added to our fear of the unknown. Watching the recent news unfold has felt uncomfortably alike the disaster movies we binge on Netflix. We’re hooked – longing for Chuck Norris to rock up, kick Boris off the lectern and save the day. Instead, each update feels like another round with Mike Tyson.

It’s not the first time we’ve dealt with pandemics. Older generations have experienced wars, rationing and recessions, which perhaps explain the stoic ‘business as usual’ attitude. For my generation it’s the first time we’ve seen society starting to shut down around us. Thousands of lives lost, jobs cut, schools closed, exams cancelled, entertainment called off and being effectively quarantined in our own homes is frankly terrifying for the ‘entitled’ generation, accustomed to the world being more connected and accessible than ever.

People have been forced to work from home and become productivity gurus before realising the liberty of working in pyjamas wears off fast. Towards the end of my Climb The UK challenge I had cycled over 4,000 miles and started craving the simplest comforts of doing nothing, watching TV, or simply watching the world go by. These basic comforts turned out to be a disappointment – as most things do, when we have full control of them.

One thing I do know – in my fairly short life so far – is that mountains are either a problem, or a challenge. The choice is ours. We might be dealing with something bigger than us. Thousands of lives have been lost. But it makes sense to take the same approach here:

1) Focus on what we can control

We’re allowed to feel frustrated and angry. But the longer we focus on things outside our circle of influence then we become reactive – stressed, anxious, depressed, and even hopeless. It’s a waste of energy. If we spend our time on the things in our circle of control/influence then we become proactive, stay focused and distract ourselves from the worries. Many of our short-term goals and targets will have changed and been thrown into uncertainty. Whilst waiting for more information, we have to adjust our goals, look for opportunities and stick to routines as best we can. I’ve started my third book earlier than planned and will be trying virtual speaking/seminars for the first time!

2) Support each other

Now isn’t the time to compete on who has it worse. Some people are more resilient due to their life experiences. Others will be overwhelmed by the change. This is the time to reach out to friends who might be vulnerable or at risk, to help elderly with shopping, keep in regular contact, and share humour. Adversity breeds innovation and brings out the best of humanity. Being selfish is a human survival mechanism - selflessness helps everyone survive.

3) Attitude of gratitude

I’ve lost most of my speaking engagements until June, the first Mind Over Mountains event we’ve spent months putting together has been postponed, as has my 3 Peaks record attempt. But I’m incredibly lucky right now. Being self-employed is a challenge for anyone and I'm grateful to have Westgrove's support too. Make a list of all the things that you’re grateful for. They could be eclipsed by worries, but there’s always something, however small, working on our side. Most of the things we've lost can be replaced - lives cannot.

4) Switch off

Two weeks ago, the news began to get overwhelming, so I packed the tent and headed to the fells above Coniston. It’s the first time I’ve wild camped for over a year (thanks Coronavirus) – I’d forgotten how fantastic it was to chat to sit with hot chocolate and biscuits, switch off from the news, and watch sunrise in the mountains. It was hard to believe so much could be going wrong in the world.

5) Stay active

One good thing is that people have rediscovered the importance of time in nature to find calm and escape from our stressful modern lives. That’s why we set up our new charity Mind Over Mountains. Outdoor exercise alone isn’t currently restricted in the UK - unless showing symptoms, at high-risk, and when avoiding contact with others.

It’s sad to see sporting events and marathons cancelled after months of preparation and dedication. But it's a good opportunity to get even more prepared, or equally revive the joy of simply being outside without chasing goals. When all this settles down, people will need Mind Over Mountains more than ever and we're determined to be there for all who need us.

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We're all in the same boat. That only means we can come together to share the load, be creative, and find the best route up. We’ve done it many times before and we can do it again. The only way to fight bad news is to spread good news, and all of us have a part to play.

Need to keep your team positively focused during uncertain times? I'm able to deliver my usual keynotes and Q&A sessions virtually in the time-being. Please drop me a line.

Stay safe folks. P.S. British Summer Time has begun!