Not Base Camp Again!

What is all the repetition for?

Have you ever been in a kind of DejaVu, where it feels like you're back in the same place again? Repeating the same pattern over and over can feel like a real let down. If you're like me, you might get impatient, feel stuck or assume you're failing. Allow me to share about the revelation that hit me from climbing big mountains.

Let me begin by saying that – as a speaker who has shared my story with audiences from all over the world for more than 30 years – it surprises me that what I'm about to share is still, well – a surprise!

1. The thing about Base Camp

Every big mountain I've ever climbed has a base camp. This is basically the bottom of the mountain. It functions as a 'home' to return to during and after expedition time. The bigger the mountain, the more you're going to return to Base Camp. For instance, on Mt Aconcagua [the highest mountain in South America], you have a two-week-long expedition and will likely return to BC two to three times. On Mt Everest (the highest mountain in the world), you're likely to double the amount of BC returns. Sounds crazy, right? But why? Why do climbers have to return so many times? This is the most asked question when I do a talk. The answer is simple to address, but difficult to execute.

Climbers return to BC for 3 main reasons:

1. To acclimatise. Due to the mountain's significant height, humans cannot ascend it directly in a linear fashion. Therefore, to adapt to the decreasing oxygen levels as they climb higher, a climber must restore their strength and oxygen metabolism by returning to base camp in rotation.

2. To stock high camps. Everest is really big and requires a lot of temporary infrastructure. On my second attempt in 2003, we were 6 climbers and nine Sherpas with 920 kg of gear! It takes many repeat visits to BC to get everything up to the high camps.

3. In the event of crisis. This can be anything: a storm, a sick or injured teammate, or a section of a compromised route. This unforeseen event can happen at any time during the expedition. One cannot assume that, because things are going well, you will not need Base Camp.

2. What to do when you find yourself in Base Camp?

   
   

Well, when mountaineers find themselves in BC, they know exactly what to do: "sharpen tools". This is a sharpening of all tools. Physical ones, like climbing tools (crampons and ice axes); mental tools (like minding your thinking and speaking); and emotional tools (like minding your feelings). It is also a time to see to the 5 R's. Rest, Recover, Replenish, Resource and Recalibrate.

I've also noticed that, while in BC, I find it helpful to forget about the mountain. This mental break is one of the best things one can do in your climbing strategy. It sounds crazy, but it works. Visiting other teams and socialising helps to gain a break from climbing. It doesn't mean that you're abdicating from the goal. In fact, it helps to feel refreshed once you start climbing again.

3. What does this mean for you?

I recently experienced a six-month-long downturn in business. Suffice to say, it was devastating to me and my family. My goal has not changed. My ambition has not changed. I was simply in BC due to an unforeseen "event" – a market downturn. You could think of it as a storm on the mountain. The only way to survive is not to panic. Thankfully, I've already experienced this on a mountain, so I knew how to respond.

1. Get quieter in your head and "sharpen your tools". Breathe.

2. Recovery - Use existing resources to ride out the storm. This includes getting support like mentors, coaches or counsellors.

3. Replenish - Take some time to rest and recover. You'll need your strength to get going again. Read, meditate, groom.

4. Resource - Check that you will have the correct resources to get going again. Gain a new skill and learn something new.

5. Recalibrate – Ensure that your goal still aligns with the big idea and purpose of your life.

"I find that having consistent quiet time with my Creator helps me to find balance and perspective."

It is very important to note that a return to BC does not have to feel like failure. Although it can seem daunting, with a little perspective you will see that it's a position of strength. This approach works as well for teams as it does for individuals.

If you want to achieve high performance for yourself or your team. Book me for your next team engagement to build stronger resilience or strengthen your business strategy.