19 Life Lessons from 81km Across the Arctic.

I've just returned from competing in one of the toughest endurance tests: the Arctic Circle Rat Race.

81 kilometres across deep snow in northern Finland and Norway by fatbike, cross-country skis and snowshoes.

I learned so many lessons about myself and life in general; here are some reflections, I hope you find them helpful:

1. Preparation is everything

In business, as in extreme adventures, it pays to spend the time and effort to be as prepared as possible. 

Do your research, take your time, and leave nothing to chance.

2. Doing hard things builds your resilience

I’ve climbed many mountains, including Kilimanjaro, but this was by far the toughest physical experience of my life.

But I did it, and I know that I could do it again. 

Challenges are an inevitable part of life, and you need to be able to rely on your determination and resilience.

3. Grind it Out

I spent hours on end making slow progress across sometimes knee-deep snow. It was a huge effort to take a few steps; however, slowly but surely, one small step at a time, I made progress.

Sometimes, small, mundane, repetitive tasks seem pointless, but they compound over time.

Keep moving forward.

4. 90% of stuff doesn’t matter

Sleeping in a tiny tent on the snow at minus 18 degrees tends to focus one's mind on what's truly important!

Social media, 'likes', tweets, trolls, and insults - none of it matters in the end.

Think about how you spend your time, and aim to focus on what really matters.

5. People are more alike than they are different

Our group comprised a diverse bunch from across the world - USA, Australia, Europe, and the UK.

I'd never met most of them before, yet we all formed strong bonds, helped each other, and formed lasting friendships.

Despite what you read in the media, it’s in our DNA to be kind and help our fellow humans.

6. Mind the Gap

When you’ve done 21 km across the snow and know you still have 10km to go before you stop for the day, it’s easy to feel despondent.

In those moments, I’d turn around, see my footsteps stretching back as far as I could, and remind myself of how far I’d already come.

Look back on the last few years and remind yourself how far you've already come.

7. Fit for Life

In business and in life, your health and fitness are vital. Things come at you fast, and you’ll need plenty of energy to handle the inevitable challenges.

‘If you don’t make time for wellness, you may have to make time for sickness’

8. Enjoy the journey

When I crossed the finishing line, I received a heavy bronze medal with ‘Arctic Circle Rat Race Finisher’ on it. It felt great to receive it, but I knew it was mainly symbolic.

The real prize was the experience itself.

In our rush to reach the finish line, we should remember to stop and ‘smell the roses’.

Life is a journey that should be savoured one day at a time.

9. Break it down.

If you’re ever faced with a huge, seemingly impossible task, break it down into small steps.

Setting off on a fatbike through deep snow early on Saturday morning, with so much ahead of me, felt overwhelming. But I knew if I made it to the first pitstop in 11km, I could take a break and prepare for the next stage.

A journey of 1,000 miles begins with one step

10. Teamwork makes the dream work

The Rat Race support crew was world-class and was there to help and support us on every step of the journey. Sometimes, I needed them to fix a broken ski or grab a hot drink to warm me up, and they never let me down.

Surround yourself with the best people you can find - you will need them from time to time.

11. You’re never too old.

The group ranged from people in their twenties to some well into advanced middle age! I was the race's oldest finisher, which gave me a sense of quiet satisfaction.

Never think you’re too old to start a business, learn a new skill, or embark on a huge challenge. Age is just a number.

12. True Grit

I was certainly not the fittest, best equipped, or most experienced of the group. The only way I was going to complete the race was through sheer tenacity and determination.

I knew that if I avoided injury, I would grit my teeth and keep moving toward the finish.

In life, having grit will get you anywhere you need to go.

‘Hard times create strong men. And women’

13. Appreciate the small things in life.

When you’re trying to sleep in a tiny tent at -18 degrees and a gale blowing outside, you tend to appreciate the small things we often take for granted.

A hot drink, a warm meal and a good night’s sleep will solve most of your ‘problems’.

14. Family is everything

I couldn’t really articulate why I signed up for the Race, but I knew that deep down, I wanted to make my children proud of their Dad.

When I returned and hugged them tightly, the look on their faces was worth every step I took across the ice.

15. Just Do It

Whatever you want to achieve in life - commit to it.

Your actions should drive your goals, and anything you want to achieve demands that you take action. Stop overthinking; just do it.

An ounce of action is worth a ton of intention

16. You are Your Competition

I was never going to win the race; my goal was to finish it safely and in one piece!

Social media makes it easy to compare ourselves with others who claim to be 'smashing it’!

Ignore them and consider whether you’re smarter, fitter, or more experienced than you were a year ago. That person is your only competition.

17. Take a Break

There were pit stops along the way where you could rest and refuel with food and a hot drink. They were a vital part of the journey and reminded me of the importance of taking time out to recover.

Family, business, career, and life can be frenetic. Don’t forget to look after yourself and schedule your downtime—it’s an essential part of a successful journey.

18. Laughter is the Best Medicine.

Despite the conditions and exhaustion, we found plenty of time for some real belly laughs. As I listened to some of my fellow Racers' exploits over the years, I learned that I'm not the only person who can tell long stories!

Look for the humour in your situation and spend time with people who make you laugh.

19. Keep Your Eyes on the Prize

Now and again, I stopped to think about how I would feel to cross the finish line and what it meant to me. That gave me a renewed sense of vision and purpose. And then I got my head down and ploughed on.

From time to time, take a moment to reflect and think about the bigger prize.

Consider your ultimate vision or goal and what it will mean to you when you get there.

And finally, remember, you only live once, and you're capable of far more than you think.

Enjoy the journey...