Whether it’s a walk in the woods, a run along a mountain ridge, or a climb to a beautiful view - as humans we are wired to spend time outside.

So it’s only natural it makes us feel awesome!

We’ve both felt the life-changing effects that time spent in the natural world has to our well-being and our confidence - across all aspects of our lives.

When planning and carrying out big expeditions such as Due North Alaska, Due South Antarctica, Arctic Connections and right now, when planning some exciting upcoming journeys(!) we’ve learned a lot about ourselves. The mindsets you develop -often without even realising it - and which are always improving with every challenge you take on are life skills to stand you in good stead for whatever life throws at you.

You’re almost certainly developing them right now in whatever you’re doing - and perhaps just haven’t recognised it yet.

First comes a dose of creativity to come up with some inspiring vision of an expedition, of an idea that interests you enough, to devote months - or years - of your life planning this new passion. And if you make it something you’re passionate about, it does make it a whole lot easier. Something that you know will be worth all the the late nights, the early mornings and the lack of social events - and sleep!

Did I mention the late nights…?

Next, comes a pinch of boldness - to turn that vision into a plan, with short-term targets and bite-sized goals to lead you to the starting point. Dealing with the rejections of your plans, having that stubborn optimism to keep pushing, but also the ability to step back and sense check that you’re staying true to your dreams and your aims.

This part of the planning also involves lists and spreadsheets - but to keep you reading on - we’ll skip over those bits…

Then comes the expedition itself - what you’ve been waiting for! Here, adapting to change and dealing with disruption is key. Your plan may change - in fact, chances are that it will. So, when the going gets tough, having enough grit and motivation to keep on moving, helped by staying focused on the end goal and keep on taking that first step out of the tent every day is vital.

Then it’s time to reflect (and relax!) - you’ve earned it. What did you enjoy? What did you not? What have you learned? Specifically, what have you learned about yourself?

And if we think about it all of these mindsets (and more!), in reality, are used throughout not just the life-cycle of an expedition, but when faced with any challenge, large or small, planned or unplanned.

Finding resilience is the key thread that often holds it all together.

As motivational speakers and explorers, we love taking people on a journey, to share what we’ve learnt from brain surgery and hearty surgery, to carrying out human powered purpose-driven expeditions across the world.

We aim to make sure that we offer thought-provoking, entertaining and relatable stories, that motivate and inspire. Because if we’ve helped the mindset of only person - helping them realise what they can do, instead of what they can’t, and to stop underestimating themselves - then it has been so totally and utterly worth it.

Public speaking is an ancient art, wired deeply into our minds.

Archaeological discoveries dating back hundreds fo thousands of years have found community meeting sites where our ancestors gathered around fire.

In every culture on earth, as language developed, people learned to share their stories, hopes and dreams.

- Chris Anderson (Head of TedX)

Hazel Robertson and Luke Robertson are both explorers, adventurers and Scottish motivational speakers based in Edinburgh, Explorers in Residence for the RSGS and Arctic Guides for The Polar Academy. Find out more at www.everyday-exploring.com

Book Hazel and/or Luke for a talk

Sharing the exploring mindset as motivational speakers