Stay present, keep moving forward

Fun Fact: Ever been a fan of throwing the Frisbee around? I have. Well it was first invented by a guy named Walter Morrison in 1937 and he first called it the ‘Pluto Platter’. Walter passed away in 2010 and, at his very specific request, his ashes were moulded into a limited number of Frisbees and distributed to his family! His family now have a flying piece of his legacy to remember him by. 🥏

👇 Watch: Last week’s video

OVERCOMING DOUBTS ON THE TRAIL

Every adventurer, no matter their level of experience, has encountered that unsettling moment when doubt creeps in. I find myself there often—whether it's when the trail seems endless, my legs feel heavy, or the skies threaten with storms. In these moments, the mind starts its relentless questioning. "Why did I embark on this journey?" "Do I have the strength to continue?" "What have I gotten myself into?"

If you've ever faced this crossroads, know you're not alone. Navigating nature's rugged paths, is not just a test of physical stamina—it's a profound mental challenge. When doubt arises, the best strategy is simple: stay present and remember the passion that sparked your journey.

Here's how to turn each step into a confident stride forward.

Why Doubts Creep In

Doubt is often born from discomfort, exhaustion, or a sudden realisation of the enormity of the challenge ahead. The physical strain of hiking—burning legs, sore muscles, heavy breathing—can amplify the mental hurdles.

Additionally, factors like bad weather, tough terrain, or isolation can trigger thoughts of quitting. This internal struggle is normal, and overcoming it is key to progressing on any trail.

Now, obviously we are talking here about the mental battle - If it is seriously unsafe to continue due to physical risk then you should reassess and consider your options but if the barriers that you face a mental… read on.

Stay in the Moment

To effectively combat feelings of doubt, focus on the present moment. When your mind races ahead to the remaining kilometres or fixates on the distance left, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Instead, anchor yourself in the here and now.

Engage your senses: feel the ground beneath your feet, listen to the wind through the trees, and notice the rhythm of your breath.

Observe the landscape around you—the rustling leaves, distant peaks, or birdsong overhead. In tough moments, I often find myself lingering at the back of the group. During these times, I stop, take a few deep breaths, and admire my surroundings. Regardless of the weather, taking in the scenery always makes a difference.

Staying present quiets the mental chatter and allows you to appreciate the hike, moment by moment. This simple practice can make even the toughest stretches of trail more manageable.

Focus on Why You Started

When doubt threatens to turn into defeat, it’s crucial to remind yourself of why you embarked on this journey in the first place. What motivated you to lace up your boots and hit the trail? Was it the desire to disconnect from daily life, push your limits, or experience the thrill of the adventure? Maybe it’s the promise of reaching a stunning peak or just the love of being out in nature.

Reconnecting with your “why” not only grounds you but reignites the passion that got you moving in the first place. It helps shift your mindset from focusing on discomfort to rediscovering your purpose. And that purpose is what fuels you to keep going. Purpose is powerful.

Each Step Is Progress

When the doubts feel heavy, remember this simple truth: every single step you take is progress. No matter how slow or laboured, each step brings you closer to your goal. Acknowledge that forward movement, however small, is still movement. Progress on the trail isn’t measured by how fast you’re going, but by the fact that you’re still going.

I love to break the hike down into smaller, more manageable segments—just focus on reaching the next bend in the trail, the next ridge, or even just the next few meters.

I love these micro goals and am constantly using them on any walk no matter how long.

By narrowing your focus, you make the journey less daunting and easier to tackle one step at a time. Each small victory is a reminder that you're capable of more than you think.

Celebrate the Struggle

There’s a strange beauty in struggle. The hardest hikes often leave the most lasting impressions. When a walk tests your mental and physical limits, those moments of doubt and discomfort ultimately contribute to the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel at the end. In hindsight, the struggles become part of the adventure story, something to look back on with pride. How many such stories do I have? Countless.

So, the next time doubt creeps in, embrace it. Know that the struggle is temporary and that pushing through will make the summit that much sweeter.

Stay in the Moment and Focus on Why You Started

Doubt is a part of every challenging journey, whether on the trail or in life. But by staying in the moment and focusing on why you started, you can quiet those doubts and keep moving forward. Each step, no matter how small, is a step toward your goal. The progress might feel slow, but as long as you keep going, you’re on the path to success.

Remember: every hiker faces moments of doubt, but it’s your ability to push through that defines the adventure. So, take a deep breath, feel the earth beneath your feet, and remind yourself—you started this journey for a reason. Keep going.

THAT’S ALL FOR THIS WEEK

Thank you for reading Mowser’s Musings. I hope you found it helpful.

And don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel if this gave you any value.

Until next week.

Stay well,

Mowser

Helping hiking enthusiasts explore the great outdoors

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