Being alone for 54 days in the harshest and coldest environment on earth is both a physical and a mental challenge. My wife, Jenna, and, I titled my quest to cross Antarctica, 'The Impossible First.' A solo, unsupported, and unassisted expedition. Meaning no resupplies of food and fuel and completely human powered. On previous attempts, people had run out of food, run low on supplies, gotten sick, and unfortunately, one person actually died attempting this crossing. The crossing had never been completed before, and when I made it, it was a world first. To succeed, I had to get everything right.

I started the journey with a 375-pound sled carrying all my gear, food, and fuel. To pull that amount of weight, I knew I had to be in peak physical condition. I added about 15 pounds of muscles to account for the projected weight loss, and to have enough strength to pull the sled. It was a detailed math equation, to carry enough supplies, without having too much in a sled that I couldn't move. I was pretty close to my last bite of food when I crossed the continent, it was down to a razor-thin margin of error. If I neglected the mental training and preparation, then the physical training wouldn't have mattered. The deep solitude and the risks involved meant I needed to stay focused the entire time. If not, it could have led to tragic consequences.

At times, I was able to reach Jenna on the satellite phone, which definitely helped my mindset. But I still had to get my mind stronger and find a daily practice. I love mantras, and I'm a big believer that we are the stories that we tell ourselves. As humans, we're kind of oriented to tell ourselves negative and limiting mantras. Things like; I can't do that, I'm not strong enough, or I'm not smart enough. I'm guilty of that as well! Trust me, dragging a sled across Antarctica, there were many negative moments. I'm also hyper-aware of it and can recognize when it's creeping in. Every morning of my journey, I'd sit up straight and say to myself.

"Colin, you are strong, you are capable, you are strong, you are capable."

It was what got me through the frostbite issues, the weight loss, the loneliness. Using that mantra was such a great way to start the day.

FootNotes

I'm Here To Win

The Humble Son

My Incredible Journey

The Most Interesting Man In The World

Season 3

My Desire To Be Better