Do you have a long standing dream, something you would like to do? And yet, somehow, find it easier to find reasons to dismiss your dream, rather than marshall energy towards it?

Here’s a story of how I turned around my negative self-talk, addressed my concerns, built a team and called on strengths, mine and those of others, to succeed with my dream of a ten-day trek to Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal last month.

Let’s start with the negative self-talk.

First of all, I told myself I was no good in groups. That I was too slow a walker and would hold everyone up. And after my trekking experience in Madagascar, where the group dynamics had been, let’s just say, interesting, I was cautious about finding myself in a similar situation again.

Next, I told myself that what I wanted to do was too hard and that I wouldn’t enjoy it. I was too old. This was reinforced by some of trekking companies I met at the Adventure Travel Show in London in January this year who, before really listening to me, veered me towards easier walks ☹

In addition to the negative self-talk, I also held a raft of concerns. The main one was that I was worried I was not fit enough. Fortunately, as a Gladiator and with personal training with Jo Slaughter, I had already taken action. However, the fear of inadequate fitness remained.

Finally, I moved to strengths. The main one was this. I know I am good at getting to the end of things. I might be slow, but I can be extremely persistent, and I knew I could apply this to a trek.

Another strength of mine is that I can, when I am comfortable, be clear in my communication. So when I was lucky enough to meet Bishnu from the Nepal Hiking Adventure company at the Travel Show, I was able to share with him my aspiration for a significant trek, not an easy one. From using his strength in attentive listening, Bishnu was able to suggest trekking as a solo, as a way to manage my comfort about speed.

Finally, I asked my younger son, Simon, if he would like to come with me. I was still nervous about going on my own, fearful it would be lonely, and was delighted (as well as surprised!) when he said yes!

There were also a number of practical hurdles to overcome, but when the day came when we were packed and ready to go. However, our flight was cancelled with the Heathrow fire!! Fortunately our airline and Bishnu were able to be flexible, everything quite simply got moved forward by two days!! And from this we arrived in Kathmandu!

The first two or three days of the trek we took our time getting into the swing of things. The Annapurna foothills could be steep but lovely, rhododendrons were in flower (red and pink!), and the weather warm but not too hot! We were lucky with our early morning walk up Poon Hill, with fantastic views of the mountains.

Then it got harder in a number of ways. We had been warned that the accommodation became more basic the higher we climbed. I had not realised quite how basic. I found it tough.

The food became less varied, with a high reliance on carbohydrate – less good for a Type 2 diabetic. Fortunately my blood sugar levels didn’t seem to go too high though, maybe all the walking helped!

As we neared Annapurna Base Camp at an altitude of 4130 metres, it got much colder! Our minus ten degree sleeping bags were essential!

I got sick, with a tummy bug. However, this was probably not altitude sickness, as I did not have a headache. I did need to concentrate much more though, putting one foot in front of the other.

Our sense of connection with our guide, Raaz, and porter, Kamal, made a huge difference to us. Raaz was always cheerful, clear and honest about the trek; how the terrain, elevation and walking each day would be. This really built trust in the relationship. Raaz and Kamal’s ability to eat “Dhal Bhat”, at any time of day, at least twice a day, also added to the sense of security and certainty each day!

I’d like to say it was totally exhilarating reaching Annapurna Base Camp! It was, but I was also tired! And I had a feeling of total relief that we had made it. Next came three days of walking downhill back to get back to Pokhara, which felt something of an anti-climax, as well as a slog!

Looking back now, what I would like to say is this. I have a great and enduring feeling inside, of accomplishment and satisfaction. My judgment and intuition told me that, with the right level of support and at a pace to suit me, I could do this. My judgement and intuition served me well.

And best of all? I have a huge number of funny moments, positive memories and wonderful experiences from having shared this challenge with Simon.

Coming back to you. Is there anything here which might help you turn round your thinking, find your supporters and call on your strengths to succeed with your dream as well?

Gill How is an internationally recognised speaker with her keynote “Switch On Your Strengths”, and a Leadership Developer designing and delivering programmes globally to enable senior managers, executives and professionals to step into their strategic leadership capability. If you would welcome an exploratory conversation to see how Gill can help you meet your goals, get in touch: 

“On International Women’s Day, I had the pleasure of meeting Gill, an international speaker and strengths expert. Gill’s presentation “Switch On Your Strengths” was a game-changer, sparking new ideas and perspectives. Her message resonated deeply, inspiring me to take action and pursue my passions. The presentation was a wake-up call, prompting me to re-evaluate my goals and aspirations. Gill’s guidance helped me uncover new strengths and abilities, boosting my confidence and self-awareness.”

Sara Alghunaimi, Operations Specialist, AJEX, Saudi Arabia