The Mountaineering Mindset: Lessons from an Army Veteran
Authored by Lt Col Romil Barthwal, CEO (Boots & Crampons)
Mountaineering is not just a physical endeavor; it’s a mental journey that tests your limits, challenges your resolve, and rewards your spirit with breathtaking vistas and unparalleled adventures. Many times people ask me who are the people who are successful in climbing or staying positive during the climb? As an Army veteran and the CEO of B&C, I’ve had the privilege of scaling peaks around the world, and I can tell you with certainty that your mindset is the key to conquering the world’s highest summits. In this article, we explore the mountaineering mindset and how it plays a pivotal role in your journey to the top.
1: Resilience Amidst Challenges
Mountaineering is a pursuit filled with uncertainties, from rapidly changing weather to unexpected technical obstacles. Your ability to adapt and remain resilient is crucial. The team had to face constant setbacks as the flight from Kathmandu-Lukla was getting cancelled, repeatedly due to bad weather. Soldiers and mountaineers share this common trait: they don’t back down when challenges arise. As they say, “In the mountains, adaptability is the hallmark of a true climber.”
Lessons from the Army: In the military, we’re trained to face adversity head-on, develop solutions on the fly, and never give up. Similarly, in mountaineering, adaptability is key. When storms hit or routes change, your resilience ensures you stay on course. I remember during Op Vijay our post got attacked at 1 am during the Kargil war along the LoC but the training of our men ensured we fought back hard and thwarted any mishaps.
2: Goal-Oriented Focus
Mountaineers often set their sights on specific summits, and reaching these goals requires an unwavering focus. It’s not just about getting to the top; it’s about staying determined throughout the journey. Its a long process something like an Everest takes full 2 months and its easy to loose focus, the WHY, has to be strong enough to get one going. As they say, “In the mountains, the summit is just the punctuation mark; the real story is in the climb.”
Lessons from the Army: The military emphasizes the importance of mission accomplishment. Soldiers are trained to set objectives, make plans, and see them through. In mountaineering, having clear goals and unwavering determination ensures success. For one year we trained for Everest in one of the most difficult places in the world, our Goal was clear, if we have to reach the highest place in the world we bloody well train accordingly.
3: The Power of Positivity
A positive attitude can be your best friend in the mountains. Maintaining optimism in the face of adversity can boost your morale and those around you. Its very easy for the moral to go down and negativity to sink in. the weather, lack of oxygen, loss of appetite, health issues can bring the best of people to their knees, the only thing which helps is the attitude. As they say, “In the mountains, positivity is the sunlight that melts away the challenges.”
Lessons from the Army: In the military, a positive attitude can be the difference between success and failure, especially in high-pressure situations. In mountaineering, staying positive is equally vital. A can-do attitude helps you push through challenging moments and motivate your team. It’s easier in the army to handle attitude with the right team leader and comrades, but the chemistry has to be perfect once a person is in a bunker away from civilization and absolutely no resources.
4: Respecting Mother Nature
Mountaineers have a deep respect for the natural world and understand that the mountains are forces to be reckoned with. This reverence keeps you safe and ensures the protection of these fragile environments. As they say, “In the mountains, nature is the teacher and the protector.”
Lessons from the Army: Soldiers are taught to respect nature and use its resources judiciously. In mountaineering, respecting the environment is not just ethical but also ensures that future generations can enjoy these pristine landscapes.
5: Embracing Teamwork
No climber stands alone on the summit. Mountaineering is a team sport, and collaboration is essential. Effective communication and a cohesive team are the bedrock of success. In the end, it’s never about me but . As they say, “In the mountains, the summit belongs to the team, not the individual.”
Lessons from the Army: The military thrives on teamwork, where everyone plays a vital role. In mountaineering, teamwork is equally crucial. Your team is your lifeline in the mountains, and each member’s contribution is invaluable.
Conclusion:
The mountaineering mindset is a fusion of determination, resilience, optimism, respect, and TEAMWORK. It’s the mindset that enables soldiers to conquer new heights and reach the summits they’ve dreamed of. So, as you embark on your own mountaineering adventures, remember that it’s not just about reaching the top; it’s about the journey, the lessons learned, and the incredible landscapes you encounter. The mountains are waiting for you—embrace the challenge and let your mindset guide you to the summits of your dreams.
As they say, “In the mountains, the journey is the destination.”
