"The true mark of confidence is when a person doesn’t feel the need to draw attention to himself but rather seeks out the less confident or novice in a group and lend gentle advice or give positive feedback."
No truer words were ever said.
Mentors earn their admiration, not the braggarts who seek to diminish others to make their insecure selves appear more competent.
Jason - I read all your stuff here, and sometimes scold myself for not commenting more often. But this one really resonated - in a way I could have written it myself in some overlapping activities and life experiences. For sure there’s an aspect of appreciating that humility and passing along experience is rewarding. But I think your point about accessible adventure is a subject unto itself. Our outdoorsy society, or at least the part which often speaks most loudly, celebrates everything extreme and leads to a broader public mindset (not only do the activities seem unreachable to the average person), but that perhaps the more accessible aspects aren’t even valued on their own merits. Here in Colorado, the hiking crowd can be scornful of those who only hike lower peaks, as if only the highest peaks have merit. I’ve baffled a few of those type-A peak baggers by stating I’m happier doing my own off-trail exploration (actual route finding) in untrampled areas, instead of always following crowded footpaths just to reach the same high point as the masses. So we can encourage others to have accessible adventures not just by sharing and encouraging, but also by simply valuing the importance of the concept.
My favourite post yet. I like your philosophy of finding adventure at your own pace, so to speak, and to inspire others through your passion and through support and encouragement. I look forward to my next adventure, wreck diving in Croatia in a few weeks, and the more I read your posts (or listen to TGN), the more I enjoy Eventserie planning and preparation for it.
Wonderful post! I will say that you (along with James) and your writing and experiences were the final nudge that I needed to get my scuba certification.
Couldn’t agree more with your conclusions- it’s much more impactful when someone is humble and supportive, rather than boastful and judgmental.
Great post, Jason. I recall fondly my summit of Mt Ranier with RMI many years ago. As a 15 year old lad at the time, I thought it would be the beginning of a lifetime of mountaineering. Alas, life had other plans--but no regrets.
Alan Mjust now
"The true mark of confidence is when a person doesn’t feel the need to draw attention to himself but rather seeks out the less confident or novice in a group and lend gentle advice or give positive feedback."
No truer words were ever said.
Mentors earn their admiration, not the braggarts who seek to diminish others to make their insecure selves appear more competent.
Excellent observations, Jason.
Jason - I read all your stuff here, and sometimes scold myself for not commenting more often. But this one really resonated - in a way I could have written it myself in some overlapping activities and life experiences. For sure there’s an aspect of appreciating that humility and passing along experience is rewarding. But I think your point about accessible adventure is a subject unto itself. Our outdoorsy society, or at least the part which often speaks most loudly, celebrates everything extreme and leads to a broader public mindset (not only do the activities seem unreachable to the average person), but that perhaps the more accessible aspects aren’t even valued on their own merits. Here in Colorado, the hiking crowd can be scornful of those who only hike lower peaks, as if only the highest peaks have merit. I’ve baffled a few of those type-A peak baggers by stating I’m happier doing my own off-trail exploration (actual route finding) in untrampled areas, instead of always following crowded footpaths just to reach the same high point as the masses. So we can encourage others to have accessible adventures not just by sharing and encouraging, but also by simply valuing the importance of the concept.
My favourite post yet. I like your philosophy of finding adventure at your own pace, so to speak, and to inspire others through your passion and through support and encouragement. I look forward to my next adventure, wreck diving in Croatia in a few weeks, and the more I read your posts (or listen to TGN), the more I enjoy Eventserie planning and preparation for it.
Wonderful post! I will say that you (along with James) and your writing and experiences were the final nudge that I needed to get my scuba certification.
Couldn’t agree more with your conclusions- it’s much more impactful when someone is humble and supportive, rather than boastful and judgmental.
Cheers!
Well said!
Thanks for sharing this learning. It inspires me to think better of myself. A true gift.
Well said. Good to have a reminder to always be humble, and ready to lend a hand.
Great post, Jason. I recall fondly my summit of Mt Ranier with RMI many years ago. As a 15 year old lad at the time, I thought it would be the beginning of a lifetime of mountaineering. Alas, life had other plans--but no regrets.