Preparation can get you to the start of an expedition, but how do you keep going when conditions change, confidence slips and the challenge lasts for weeks?
In this session recorded at WEM24, Paula Reid combines her experience of endurance expeditions with her background in applied positive psychology to explore how we sustain performance and wellbeing in uncertain environments.
Using her 46-day ski expedition to the South Pole as a backdrop, Paula shares the psychological challenges of injury, difficult conditions and unhelpful self-talk. She discusses practical approaches to maintaining motivation, breaking demanding tasks into manageable stages and recognising when you are surviving, coping or thriving.
For those supporting expeditions or working in challenging settings, the session offers useful perspectives on communication, team dynamics and looking after yourself during an experience and after returning home.