In today's corporate and fast moving business environment, we have to travel routes not previously explored, we have to create solutions not previously known, we have to be bold and believe in our own capabilities - we have to foster an adventurous spirit !

The GPS Waypoint Register came across a piece of wisdom (from M. Harvey) , adapted it slightly and voila!  - good stuff for those wanting to enjoy corporate teambuilding in the outdoors and looking for a good teambuilding theme ! 

Adventure is a journey on a trail created by nature. There are dry riverbeds, deserts and gently sloping hills alongside rugged mountain ranges and roaring rapids. A study of the wonderful twisted rock formations and deep cut river ravines shows you that any proposed adventure route will be treacherous and tough at times. Forget the concrete highways for they don't exist in adventure country! Yes there are some much easier paths to travel but if you want to reach the 'promised land', experience the joy of adventure, then there are the Drakensberg mountains, the Kalahari and the Namib desert to contend with first. It depends on how far you want to travel. There are no short cuts! However, there are ways to make the journey a little easier.

1. Consult the wise old man first

Seek advice and guidance from other 'successful' people. You might pick up some valuable tips along the way that could save you from a few of the pitfalls you may otherwise have to take! One thing to remember is to weight up any advice you are given, take the appropriate points and drop the rest.

Who do you consult for advice ?

2. Plan your route

Preparation is the key. Don't go towards your dream destination without planning. There may be old route maps in existence that you could consult or biographies of people who have trod the road before you could read. There might be some waypoints that you could use to guide you on your journey.

You must have some idea about which direction you are headed otherwise you might wander in a big circle and find yourself back where you started !

How do you plan your route ?

3. Learn the art of navigation

Explorers and adventurers of long ago didn't have the luxury of satellite navigation systems; they relied totally on the stars and other natural things. Now we have GPS.  Don't depend on technology; instead learn to consult it, Rely on yourself to navigate. A GPS and technology can assist wherever you're going, only yourself can determine where you would like to end-up and which route you would like to take. Navigate by gut, experience and consult assisting technology.

How do you navigate through the jungle or the the desert ?

4. Make sure you have the right equipment

It is no good setting out on a long journey with only a tee shirt and shorts! When you want to cross deserts or climb mountains there is a whole mass of equipment you will need. Equipment such as:

*Knowledge - You do need to acquire basic information about the terrain you are heading in and the best methods of survival appropriate to the conditions. However don't think that you have to know everything before setting out. Experience is properly the best teacher.

*Commitment - to the destination. There is no point if you turn back after only a few steps.

*Perseverance - to keep going despite what you feel. I'm not talking about stubbornness though, you must be aware of changing circumstances and new routes opening up, however don't use your 'new perception' as an excuse for backtracking.

DO you have the right equipment ? How do you maintain, improve and enhance your equipment ?

5. Pack enough provisions.

Throw away that which will be a burden, acquire what would be required, not to much, not to little to run out - pack ENOUGH

You will need all the energy you can muster. Ensure that you load up with:

*Self-belief - I know that this is something that will develop over your journey but you do need to start with at least a basic self-belief that you can make it, otherwise you will make a half-hearted attempt and flee at the first sign of trouble.

*Desire - This is the fuel that will keep driving you on.

*Passion - Learn to 'live with passion'. Really get excited, after all you are finally going to do what you always wanted to do.

How do you acquire your provisions ? 

6. Gather together a group of companions

It can be a lonely road to your success. Form a mastermind group of like-minded individuals that you can share moments of triumph or despair with, people whom you trust and admire. They don't have to be actually with you on your journey, they can even be in your secret place where you retreat to, i.e. your mind!

How do you select your companions, consortium members, joint venture partners ?

7. Let the 4x4s roll

Start out on the journey. Hook up your jerry cans and get going. It's amazing how many people get stuck in the planning stage and never actually 'do' anything!

Do you have the right vehicle for your journey ?

8. Send out a recce party

Whenever a new route opens up to you, carefully check it out remembering your ultimate goal. If it doesn't fit into your immediate plan then don't purse it.

How do you explore different alternatives, finding those difficult pathways ?

9. Beware of the snakes

There are plenty of people who would like to stop you in your tracks, even if it is in your 'best' interest. Avoid these snakes if you can, but if you come across one, stand as still as you can and let the snake pass by. Or back away slowly, smiling, admiring the beauty of the natural creature whilst being aware of the venom.

How do you recognise and identify snakes and other dangerous creatures ?

10. Burn your bridges

Don't look back! When you make the decision to move, make the decision permanent by cutting loose and embrace the road ahead.

How do you burn your bridges in a constructive manner ?????

11. Learn to recognise the natural signs and resources.

Develop your 'sixth sense'. Become open minded to the infinite possibilities and try not to 'pigeon hole' anything. Be in awe and wonder at the immensity and power of the universe.

Do you know how to build a sixth sense ? Do you know how to exploit it ?

12. Tackle each obstacle as it appears

You can spend a lot of wasted time on the 'what if?' question. The best way to learn how to tackle obstacles is to have a go as they appear, not worry about something that 'might' happen. The mind always tricks us into thinking that the problem is bigger than it really is.

Easy-but-purposefully-does-it.

When you tackle the obstacle with small bites you may find that it will resolve itself. However don't keep hitting the thing with your head! It might be trying to tell you that it's not the right direction for you to go in! 

How do you tackle obstacles ahead? Do you know when to go over it, go around it, go under it, go through it ?

13. Help your fellow traveler

A most important law of success is to help others without expecting a reward. Don't help others only for their sake, help them in order to improve yourself.  Your reward will come from within yourself. It builds self-confidence and self-worth, the greatest assets on your journey.

Where do you find opportunities to help others in order to improve yourself ?

14. Give thanks for each step achieved

Travel your road to success with gratitude in your heart, for all the experiences good or bad are serving to bring you closer to the ultimate goal. Remember that success and enjoyment is in the journey, not the destination! A destination is only appreciated when thinking of the journey that led to it.

How do you turn bad experiences into gratitude ?

15. Keep the ultimate destination in your mind

Along the road there will be beautiful places where you might like to build your farm. Examine them, with one eye on those Drakensberg Mountains ahead, and the promises on the 'other side'. It might be that you find a destination that is better than the one you think you are headed for. However, if you feel the yearning for more travel, don't abandon your ultimate dreams for you might feel some regret for not continuing on your way.

How do you determine your ultimate destination? How do you avoid side tracks ?

Cultivate an adventurous spirit and head towards rough country !

With apologies and acknowledgement to :    M. Harvey