Danger is an innate part of any backcountry endeavor. I am often asked, "Is it worth the risk? Are you scared? Isn't it too dangerous?" To those who ask that, I like to answer their question with a different question that I came across that really impacted me:

Is danger the acknowledgment of risk or the illusion of safety?

Danger is constantly around us, no matter how "safe" we think we are. Every decision we make is fraught with risk and uncertainty. So what do we do?

Push harder! Challenge yourself! Being safe keeps you in the same place - stepping into risk brings progress.

Local Danger Man: Alax

Keep grinding team, that light at the end of the tunnel is near!!!!

 Happy Tuesday! 
  

We have 18 more days left until the New Year is upon us. It's that time of year to start thinking about all the changes we want to make in our lives. New Year’s is a time to reflect and assess where we are and look forward to the New Year to come. Below are some tips from Psychology professor John Norcross, Author of Changeology to help you follow through on your resolutions.

1)   Make changes to your behavior. Changing your routine can bring different results. Instead of trying the same thing over and over again, expecting a different outcome, people need to modify their behaviors. 
  
2)   Define SMART goals. When setting targets, use the SMART acronym: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-specific. Norcross says that individuals must go further than simply saying, "I want to lose weight." "Specifically, what are you going to do so that you can measure and track [your weight] over time, for say, the next three to four months?". 
  
3)   Track your progress. Norcross calls this technique self-monitoring. A calendar, or a calendar app, is a handy tool you can use to track your goals. 
  
4)   Reward small achievements. When you reach a portion of your goal, recognize the accomplishment and perhaps do something nice for yourself. This will help keep you focused and excited about the overall goal. 
  
5)  Make it public. When individuals announce their goals on social media, to their families or in the workplace, they are being held accountable by those closest to them. 
  
6)   You are human. Chances are you may slip up once or twice during this process. It's OK. Norcross says it is important to deal with failures by getting back on track and continuing along your journey. Seventy percent of successful goal-setters said that their first slip actually strengthened their resolutions. Norcross says to adopt the outlook, "I'm human. Let me learn from it, and let me keep going."