Nature in itself has a lot to teach mankind. Be it the calm or gushing waters of a river, the vastness of an ocean, or the wilderness around; nature never fails to teach us. Likewise, mountains have a lot in store for the humans. These solid rock pieces symbolise determination, endurance, and patience, spiritual and mental rising, overcoming obstacles and have a lot of stories to tell etc.

I once wondered how it would feel to climb up a mountain and what sense of completion it can bring to me.  Hence, it took me just a few summers to decide to go on a trek with my friends. Having professional hikers and trail-goers as your buddies can be beneficial. This breed of people is positive, strong, and confident if you ever notice. Hence, I thought of exploring the mountains with them and believe me, there wasn’t one moment when I didn’t learn anything new. What I learnt from this experience was enriching and fulfilling. Below are a few points I would like to share with all those mountain climber enthusiasts who have a trek in mind.

Dream Big and Never Listen to Naysayers

There is no limit to what you can accomplish in your life. Belittling your ambitions and believing that modesty should be associated with virtue is stupidity. Climbing mountains involve stepping on difficult tracks. During this time, instead of allowing you to be fenced with doubts, you should dream big and commit yourself to the task. Feeling overwhelmed by the difficulty is not the right thing. You might hit the hard patches in life, but giving up on your dreams and listening to the naysayers can destroy your dream to reach the heights.

Communicate, Work Hard, and Set Realistic Long-Term Goals

Planning for the journey ahead can be a worthwhile thing to do. Working as a team and with the help of others, you can create a game plan. Sticking to this plan can help you achieve the toughest of journeys. Communication can be the barrier to your success. Hence, while you are out on such ventures, it is wise to keep interacting with people around along with just pushing yourself too hard.

Sacrificing on your short-term success for long-term gains is another lesson the mountains teach you. For instance, I hated going to the gym and gruelling myself with 2 hours of hard-core workout. However, I knew that this pain can be the key to my future gain. In fact, working out majorly contributed in reaching the summit.

Mental Strength

Positive mental strength can make you past the tough times. Setting up big goals and accomplishing them is possible only when you commit yourself to success. Cultivating mental strength includes visualising success before you tread the path. I remember this one incident when I had to prepare myself to cross this tough path with ridges being 10,000 feet. I cleared my minds of all thoughts and trained it to think that it is going to be a safe and a successful crossing.  Hence, whenever the fear of failure strikes, try to overcome it by keeping a positive attitude.

Patience, Persistence, Endurance and Gratitude

Covering the long stretches and continually climbing can be exhausting. Not only does mountain climbing leave you physically wearied, but it also tests your mental abilities. Hence, not giving up is one major lesson to be learnt, as you know that the reward will be worth the risks you take. It may take you months and several attempts, but if you have your mind set to your goal, then nothing in the world can stop you from achieving the dream.  This feeling can only be felt and explained. Hence, savour what the journey brings and endure the hardships along the way. We all know there is no journey that comes easy. Finding the best in every situation and holding on the memories is what counts.

Be Prepared for Changes

It is nothing surprising to know that climate change is one major concern of mountain climbers. This can lead to sudden changes in routes too. Every mountain is different and there is never one way up a mountain. Hence, be prepared for changes- big or small. Accept them and never try escaping. Instead, look for alternative ways and tactics to overcome these changes.

Tenacity and strength with the sense of achievement are far more prominent than those sore and stiff feet and hip joints. The satisfaction of completing the task is one of a kind and words can never express the gratitude you feel towards those majestic gems of nature which teach you a lifelong lesson. Hence, don’t wait for an opportunity, pave your way and keep treading into unexplored lands.