Lessons Learned through Discomfort and Struggle: My Journey to Everest base camp

Hiking has always held a special place in my heart, a passion passed to me by my father Tammam Nakkash . I can still recall our walks around the American University of Beirut, where he would introduce me to every tree sharing stories. As life took us to Rabat, Morocco, the diverse landscapes and cultural richness of the country further deepened my appreciation. However, it was a transformative 10-day trip hiking and camping organized by the American Boy Scouts of Rabat American School at the age of 13 along with my cousin Rami Rami Nakkash ; where we traveled through the captivating mini-Atlas Mountains, that my infatuation with hiking turned into love.

Thank you to Covid for Helping me Rediscover my Love for Hiking:

Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, when a sense of disconnection and isolation from others was the norm, I rediscovered my love for hiking. Seeking connection and an escape from virtual meetings, my friends and I formed a hiking group. During one of our trips, the idea of a boys' trip to Everest Base Camp emerged. This audacious goal not only required physical preparation but also promised personal transformation. Unfortunately, the trip was canceled due to the Covid Delta variant. Disappointed but still determined, I redirected my goals towards Kilimanjaro and embraced challenges like Spartan races and running to maintain discipline and fitness.

Fulfilling the Dream:

Finally, in May 2023, after nearly two years from the original plan, I embarked on a long-awaited trip to Nepal to fulfill my dream of reaching Everest Base Camp. The journey was not without its challenges. Enduring discomfort from the cold, sleep deprivation due to lack of oxygen, and adhering to a restricted diet of plain rice, pasta, and noodles without vegetables, or proteins like fish, chicken, or meat tested my physical and mental limits. Moreover, frequent trips to the toilet due to a high water intake aimed at preventing altitude sickness added to sleep deprivation. As we ascended higher into the mountains, finding comfort in such inhospitable surroundings became increasingly difficult. Yet, amidst these challenges, I was struck by the hospitality of the Nepalese people, their genuine warmth, honesty, and caring nature.

A Journey of Gratitude and Growth:

After covering 130 kilometers and ascending 6,500 meters, losing 6kg along the way, I stood at the foot of Everest Base Camp, overwhelmed with gratitude. I thanked this majestic mountain for inspiring me to pursue audacious goals, for pushing me to become fitter and stronger than ever before, and for teaching me to aspire for more in life. This journey also gave me a renewed appreciation for the simplicity of everyday comforts, like a hot shower, a clean meal, and air to breathe which I had taken for granted in the past.

?None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my wife, Claire, Claire Kanj who has always encouraged and stood by me in pursuing my hobbies and passions. I am also grateful for my daughter, who serves as a constant reminder that i should lead by example.

Lastly, I would like to end with a quote from Dr. Seuss's book, "Oh, the Places You'll Go," which my sister Rima Rima Nakkash gave me when I left home in Beirut to Dubai in 2001:

"KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!

So... Be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray Or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O'Shea,

You're off to Great Places!

Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting. So... get on your way."

Lessons in Leadership

So, what’s the point of sharing this with my professional network? For me, personally, the resilience, grit and discipline of setting and achieving an audacious goal in a different domain can translate into lessons in leadership. Some of them are:

1.????Change is the only constant and obstacles and challenges will always come your way.

Whether it’s twisting an ankle prior to the event it or a sudden switch of weather from sunny to snowing… to larger shifts, like a pandemic, economic crisis, or restructuring in the company – anything can happen. What’s important is reframing the situation as an opportunity to practice mental strength.

“Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens.” By Gibran Khalil Gibran.

?2.????“Associate with people who are likely to improve you.” ― Seneca.

Diversity is important but never compromise on attitude. Surround yourself by those who inspire and improve you.? (Thanks to best Travelmate (@mohannad Samman)

3.????Focus on helping and caring for others, helps you move away from dwelling and adding to your suffering via your imagination.

4.????The journey will have many failures along with way.?Growth is never linear and can oscillate up and down - as long as the curve is upward.?

5.????Start with WHY. Have a purpose. Mine is to set an example for my daughter to teach her that the only superpower out there is “trying”.

As Seneca said, “It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare that things are difficult.”

6.????Pick an audacious goal - something which is beyond your imagination to achieve, declare it to the world, and set out to achieve it. Thanks to Ivana Kolaric

7.????Be humble and don’t compare yourself with others… only compete with yourself… everybody has their own journeys… what is important? Am I a better human today than I was yesterday?

8.????Live the values and let your actions and way of life speak; through actions, not words

My journey to Everest Base Camp has been a life-changing experience, filled with challenges, gratitude, and personal growth. The awe-inspiring beauty of nature and the resilience it demands have left a mark on my soul. As I reflect on this journey, I am inspired to encourage others to embrace their own challenges, pursue their dreams, and discover the incredible growth that lies on the other side of fear. Just as EBC pushed me to reach new heights, may every individual find their own mountain and embark on a journey of self-discovery.