29 Apr Life Lessons from Bear Grylls
“We should all strive to live lives that are bigger than our own little circles.” – Bear Grylls, GQ Magazine April 2016
“Adventure should be 80 percent ‘I think this is manageable,’ but it’s good to have that last 20 percent where you’re right outside your comfort zone. Still safe, but outside your comfort zone.”
Bear Grylls has become known around the world as one of the most recognized faces of survival and outdoor adventure. He rose to global fame on Discovery Channel’s Emmy nominated TV show Man Vs Wild (Born Survivor in the UK) which became one of the most watched shows on the planet, reaching an estimated 1.2 billion viewers in over 200 countries. His current UK television programmes The Island and Mission Survive inspire contestants from both the general public and celebrities to overcome obstacles far beyond their own comfort zones. The participants learn to solve problems, make decisions and consider risks, show courage, and above all learn to build trust in each other to work as a team.
“The difference between ordinary and extra-ordinary is so often just simply that little word – extra…..for me to learn that ordinary me can achieve something extra-ordinary by giving that little bit extra, when everyone else gives up, meant the world to me and I really clung to it…”
Bear has always been an adventurer, spending much of his childhood learning to sail and climb. He spent three years as a Special Forces soldier. Following a free-fall parachuting accident in Africa when he broke his back in three places, he endured eighteen months in military rehabilitation and then went on to become one of the youngest climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
Bear has led record-breaking expeditions, from Antarctica to the Arctic, including circumnavigating the British Isles on jet skis, achieving the longest Indoor Freefall Guinness World Record, and leading a team of five to take an ice-breaking rigid-inflatable boat (RIB) through 2,500 miles (4,000 km) of the ice-strewn Northwest Passage.
“Survival can be summed up in three words – never give up. That’s the heart of it really. Just keep trying.”
This motto sums up Bear’s attitude to life and adventure – never give up. His pursuit of adventure and Guinness World Records are inspirational to many, and he now actively encourages ordinary people to take on adventurous and survivalist goals.
“To me, adventure has always been the connections and bonds you create with people when you’re there. And you can have that anywhere.”
As Chief Scout in the UK, he is an inspiring spokesperson who also demonstrates, through action, the benefits of taking up goals in outdoor pursuits. He encourages children to discover the world of nature and learn about their landscape through their own skills and resilience. As he says:
“Whatever young people want to achieve in life, whether it’s reaching the summit of Everest or starting their own business, they can’t rely solely on pieces of paper to get them there. Teamwork, leadership, perseverance and good communication – these are the skills that will help them succeed. It’s time we recognise this and help children reach their potential by embracing adventure in every aspect of their lives.”
He now runs BG EPIC Training and BG KIDS Training, empowering adults and children to pursue fitness goals through daily workouts. He is an advocate of encouraging children to take time away from the barrage of modern technology and to take risks by experiencing adventures that push through learned beliefs.
Bear Grylls shows through his enthusiasm for adventure the importance of pushing ourselves to reach beyond our previous beliefs, to develop new skills, discover leadership and team work qualities, and build trust in our peers which can be transferred to our daily lives. He encourages everyone to live life to the full.
“You only get one chance at life and you have to grab it boldly.”
To learn more about the work of Bear Grylls, his survivaist academy, courses, and philanthropy, check his website www.beargrylls.com