With a Peak Mindset Anything is Possible
Following our 2022 theme of ‘Inspiration', this next article proves that with a peak mindset, anything is possible. This article takes a look at mountaineering which has a number of lessons that can be applied to business.
To succeed in conditions that humans are not meant to survive is down to optimal mindset and massive action. It also shows that any naturally gifted talent is frankly pointless unless powered by a positive and action-oriented mindset.
For example, an athlete must have the necessary physical attributes to succeed. But without courage, commitment, action, practice, grit, and determination, this potential is not realised. Unused, it remains a huge potential squandered. Mindset, therefore, is such a critical factor.
Anyone interested in inspiration and human achievement must watch the Netflix documentary 14 Peaks and/or read ‘Beyond Possible’ which both cover the challenges tackled by Nims Parjau to climb the 14 highest peaks in the world above 8,000 metres. In less than 7 months.
Climbing just one of these peaks in any lifetime is a superhuman amazing achievement. Humans are not meant to exist at this altitude. This is a story of triumph over hardship and a tale of endeavour underpinned by a unique mix of huge self-belief and inspiring humility.
POTENTIAL
It should be noted that Nims Parjaul is far from what one could call average in terms of physiology. He has an amazing lung capacity and Vo2 max. He is in the top 1% of athletic performance potential in terms of what his body is capable of. However, he still has to endure huge hardship, in order to beat the previous record-holder whose time of 7 years is in itself an outstanding feat of endurance, courage, and commitment.
What is so impressive is Parjaul’s ‘peak’ mindset. He is not some kind of superhuman in spite of his genetic advantages. First off, there is the not insignificant fact that Nims came from a very humble background. He was not given any financial advantage but came from a healthy, stable, and loving family. Nims is originally from Nepal, and served for many years in the Gurkha regiment, before then joining the special forces SBS. A dream of his was to become a Gurkha, just like his brothers. His next dream was joining the elite SBS. Although from Nepal, he had never set foot in the Himalayan mountains. The cost of doing so is prohibitive for many local Nepalese people, they do not get the opportunity. However, on a special anniversary Everest expedition made by the Gurkha regiment, he then sampled the experience of climbing in the high Himalayas. And was immediately hooked.
PURPOSE
With his world record attempt, his goal was to prove to himself and everyone else that anything is possible with the right mindset. He wanted to demonstrate that nothing is impossible. This genuinely does not appear at all to be a vanity project or some kind of ego trip. ‘Project Possible’ quite simply attempted the unthinkable. Most, if not all, of the global climbing community, thought it was simply not permissible to think this big. It was beyond the potential of a human. Nims didn’t subscribe to this thinking and he shattered a paradigm into a number of pieces.
Additionally, and equally, as important, Nims noticed that Sherpas got little to no recognition of their role and ability in helping western climbers achieve the summit. It is not uncommon for Sherpas to do all of the hard work, at times literally lifting all the heavy gear while the western climber makes it to the top, and gains all the plaudits. Nims gave his team massive amounts of respect and recognition which in turn inspired them all.
Massive Action!!
He found that his physical attributes gave him advantages, but this is not enough. He then took huge action - and he decided to challenge himself further than he had to. He took himself well out of his and the climbing communities comfort zone. We should also bear in mind that he has only started climbing two years before! He went straight to the top, 14 times in 7 months! And challenged himself beyond the limits of human endurance, not just a little bit, but a gargantuan amount. This is very impressive stuff.
But before he had even set foot on a mountain there was the little but nonetheless vital need for funds to finance the challenge. Again, he achieves this, through inspiring sponsors to buy into his belief and into his vision.
Leadership & Courage
Ascending all of these peaks means that at times you pass other climbers on the way. And some get into trouble. Discovering that a climber was in trouble, and likely to die, Nims and fellow Sherpa decide to help at huge danger to themselves. The special forces and military have a principle that nobody is left behind so Nims and his team makes a daring rescue via helicopter to bring a climber down the mountain who had reached exhaustion and was likely to die given the fact he had run out of oxygen and soon his body would literally give in.
All in all, this story is beyond inspiring, Nims is humble and fun, for one of his peaks he and his team actually make a successful ascent while enduring a hangover. I am particularly impressed by this, although of course drinking is not to be encouraged, he has a strong sense of fun too. Another important part of growth and development is also knowing when to have fun and allow oneself to celebrate.
This is well worth a watch for anyone looking for inspiration on a cold and grey winters day!
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