Wednesday, November 3, 2010

It's All In The Decision

Doing something extraordinary is much simpler than you think

When you want to do something different in your life or if you want to do something extraordinary, it's actually much simpler than you think! All you need to do is decide. There is great power in the act of making the decision. Time and again, I have found that if I am willing to make a decision, things actually will fall into place.


Climbing Mount Kinabalu East

Mount Kinabalu East is a serious mountain climb where you  have to use ropes and ladders to make the climb. The trail follows the same West trail (where most people make their climb) until you trek past Gunting Lagadan and almost hit the ropes. That's when you turn right and past some waterways and ravines. Then it's a straight-up climb which stretches for almost 2 000 feet.




Never thought I could do it

Although I love adventure, I am not an out-and-out Adventurer. When the suggestion of climbing Mount Kinabalu East came to me, I dismissed the though, thinking it was crazy for me to even consider it. Still, the thought won't go away and it became a small obsession for me.



"What if I trained hard for the climb; what if i did regular work-outs to build my strength; what if I focused on getting assistance on rock-climbing techniques" were some of the thoughts that stayed. The "WHAT IFS" came fast and frequent. If I had dwelled on the what ifs, I would probably have never climbed Mount Kinabalu East.


Just make up the mind

As with every other major undertaking I have taken on in life, I knew I had to just make a decision. And thet's what I did!! I told everyone I knew that I was going to climb Mount Kinabalu East. It was a blind and crazy decision and that's how it's done. I JUST MADE THE DECISION!

Everything else follows the decision

Everything else did follow the decision and the plans started taking form and format. Even though the planned trip was 6 months away, I started moving. The plans, the preparation, the training, the focus, the determination all came together. Theexcitement soon followed and although there were plenty of doubts, there was no turning back.


And there will be doubts

Everytime, we make a decision to do something that seems somewhat crazy, there will be plenty of doubts that will follow us. I had my fair share of doubts but because tere was now also purpose in the whole scheme of things, every doubt I had was quickly deal with. As the vision of reaching Mount Kinabalu East grew stronger, the resolve and the dedication grew bigger.

That's what life is all about.. Willingness to pay the price for excellence

Success is all about making clear commitments and then when the decision has been made, we should be willing to pay the price required for that success. Those of you who have made that decision to climb Mount Kinabalu with me will understand what I am talking about (after the climb has been made). I have no doubts that all of you will make the climb successfully!!! The lessons for life that we will learn will help fortify us for the future. WE will learn that with faith, hope, courage and resolve, we will be able to tackle most things that come our way.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Dress Code (For 3 Climb Days)

Day 1 of Climb (which is Day 2 of trip)

Wear : Shorts and a good T-shirt (will sweat)
Carry : Raincoat (must bring), Wind breaker, Small torchlight, Water bottle, Fruits, Munchies

Bring also a plastic bag to put stuff in case it rains.

Day 2 of Climb (which is Day 3 of trip)

Wear : Long tracksuit and a good T-shirt that won't itch (will sweat), Wind breaker, Rain coat, Hat, Good gloves, Gardening gloves
Carry : Water bottle, Fruits, Munchies (in a small bag or carry a rucksack.)

Bring enough water as you will get thirsty. Suntan lotion is useful as sun rays can be strong.

Day 3 of Climb (which is Day 4 of trip)

Wear : Shorts or long tracksuits (your choice), a good T-shirt (will sweat but can be quite cold0)
Carry : Raincoat (must bring), Wind breaker & Water bottle (pack rest of things for porters)