Going solo either on a trek, climbs or on a bicycle has always been a turn on. But the inertia to leave all comforts of group / friends meant, I had to gain the much needed confidence & trust in my own skills & abilities. These traits can’t be developed overnight; rather have to be built up over time. Solo treks & short distance cycling outside city limits are in my opinion a good way to assess one’s strengths & weaknesses.
The book “Into the Wild” by John Krauckier has also played a vital part in the scheme of things. Sometimes, books can manage to have a profound impact on people as I was soon to find out. Though I may disagree with the philosophy as preached by the protagonist in the book; what endeared to me was the thought about taking off on short trips without the need for a companion, being self sufficient & also be adept @ understanding situations, taking rational decisions based on both instinct & analysis. I am of the view; a solo trip helps develop gut instinct & ability to make decisions based on minimum information & eventually back those decisions. These are traits which are extremely vital in today’s rapidly evolving business environment.
Apart from self development, it provides one with a wonderful opportunity to interact with the locals & also be receptable to the environment around you.
A lot of noble thoughts & ideas can come to naught if not put into practice & that was the most worrying & harrowing part. Didn’t wasn’t to end up with my ass stuck to a philosophers chair for good.
The desire, passion & energy was all in place & building up to a crescendo. Now, there was no stopping. Whatever reservations folks had @ home were put on the backburner, probably because I am not the conformist of individuals to have popped out in the clan. The reservations on the home front were soon replaced by a good deal of +ve energy & encouragement; thank heavens for that.
With exams all but over, it was time to put the best laid plans to test & see where I stood with regards to ability, endurance & commitment.
