This week I committed with a group of friends to climb Mt Kilimanjaro (at 5985m the highest peak in Africa) in January 2011- it all started a few months back over a glass of red wine and a discussion around having goals and challenges in life and actually doing things we enjoy. The challenge came up and we agreed to set up the climb. Having paid the deposits suddenly changes the position from idea to reality. From ‘what’s nice to take along’ to ‘have we got this or that piece of kit available’.
To me action is all about having the goal as well as some commitment or ‘skin in the game’. In fact I like to keep a folder with at least one trip or activity booked and committed (as well as a few pending maybe’s). It makes me focus on both looking ahead and thinking about the things I like to do, as well as actually getting out there and ‘doing life’.
So much these days goes around what others are doing - we seem to have a fascination with reality shows, social magazines, social media and often the negatives of crime - if you a SA DSTV watcher you will struggle to avoid watching cops and robbers programs and gratuitous violence. All of this is part of our modern lifestyle as we embrace technology and the global village, but as always keeping a balance is key and I find there is no substitute for getting out there in the outdoors with some friends and enjoy life by being active.
There are opportunities for all types and joining a gym or social circle like run/walk for life or other club is a great way to start. Having the right kit helps (the products in our web store are ones we like and have tested) but is not always essential. I like to get by using simple stuff like running shoes and a pathway, or my bike and a good route to ‘just do it’ - as Nike would say - and really just spend time in the great outdoors. It’s a wonderful feeling of relaxation to walk along a beach, stroll a mountain path, run on a trail or just chill in the sun in a garden. But the big thing is to make the time to do that.
Why not reward yourself with an hour or two each weekend where you do your thing - it need not be along, but should balance ‘me time’ with family or partner time. But the key is to ensure you plan ahead - think what it is you want to do and arrange it in advance. Get into the habit of booking your next special time for doing what you enjoy and as a bonus getting that extra sense of achievement from taking on new challenges. Who knows maybe you will be wanting to join us on Kili in January.......