Do I need to hike a mountain to become a better speaker or a better CEO?

No, you don’t have to. But overcoming tough physical challenges will teach you to get better in other challenging activities! Our last trip to Yosemite and the Half Dome hike experience made me wonder again – what makes us do such exhausting things and push ourselves to the limit? Why do people torture themselves by hiking for many hours to the top of the mountain? I bet it’s not just for the views!

I am really curious about what motivates people to do these one-time activities, even more so than committing to the big physical activity events, like marathons or triathlons. From my runner friends I know that running a marathon takes months of preparation. Besides the feeling of huge accomplishment at the end, runners also get their regular workout out of their marathon prep. And I know a number of people who commit to that to get in shape or to get into regular exercising. But when you do a 1-time challenging hike, what do you get out of it?

Being in control

I believe that a big part of it is the feeling of being in control. It's not our bodies that decide what our limits are. It is you and your mind that can push your body to do more. Some people even say this, ‘If I can't push myself to do a challenging physical activity, how can I overcome some bigger issues I'm facing, such as launching a company or speaking in front of thousands of people and empowering them?' Others, though, would argue that hiking for 10 hours doesn't make you a better speaker or a better CEO.

Here is how I see it. While pushing yourself physically doesn't directly make you better in some other skill or undertaking, it trains your will and endurance and, therefore, makes you and your mind stronger when facing other challenges.

My top 5 motivational drivers for physical challenges

Whether it is a tough hike, a killer workout or a strict fitness or nutritional challenge, here is what drives me to do such things:

1. A feeling of accomplishment

A feeling that you are stronger than you think is a huge motivator for me. It is especially true about mental strength, as most of the pain and struggle during the process is mental.

2. Empowerment to do other challenging things

If I can climb the mountain for 9 hours, I know I can do other seemingly challenging or even unrealistic things! Such long stretches of physically exhausting activities really teach me how to handle ‘pain’. During the process you learn that it’s okay to pause for a moment, take a breath and then pick up again. With these short recharge moments you’ll get through anything.

3. Mind clarity

One of the biggest discoveries for me during our 9-hour Half Dome hike was that I didn’t think about too many things. I actually didn’t think much at all. As someone who can’t stop thinking about million things even during yoga or exercising, I was very surprised by this observation. But with a really challenging hike, it’s a lot about focusing on your breath, in and out, stepping with your right foot and then left foot, just like meditation (which I would love to learn doing.)

4. Building strength and endurance

It’s like exercising in the gym for many hours in a row. But instead, you do it outdoors, surrounded by beautiful nature and wildlife. No fancy equipment can beat that!

5. Memorable experience

Some of my most memorable moments from travels are those from challenging activities I did. And when I look back at those activities, I don’t think about the struggles I had, but rather about the stunning nature, views, breath-taking experiences and feeling of accomplishment. I guess, it’s just like labor - you quickly forget all the pain and only remember the joy of seeing and holding your baby for the first time!

What about you? Why do you challenge yourself physically and push your limits? I would love to know what motivates you!