THE EXPLORERS MINDSET: SEEKING KNOWLEDGE

The first crossing of the "Desert of Death"

The idea of exploration and uncharted territory has been with me since childhood. When I was just three months old, my father led a team across the Taklamakan Desert in China. Over the course of 800 miles, with 13 individuals and 34 camels, they completed the first full crossing of the world’s second largest desert. They faced an endless sea of sand, periods without water, dysentery and searing temperatures. The crossing continues to inspire me – the planning, courage and ambition to embark on that journey is a lesson.

Over the past decade, I have pursued a career that takes me to new places, challenges me and provides opportunity for growth. Both within and beyond professional boundaries, I have sought to push my own limits, pursue interests, and embrace the unknown. This mindset – one of an explorer – has shaped the way I approach learning, experiences, and the pursuit of knowledge. The following was a reflection while working in India this year...  

---

Think of an ancient map with discoveries roughly sketched by intrepid sailors. The islands and continents drawn from first-hand experience will have more detail and accuracy than lands drawn on the basis of second-hand information. Over time, as more uncharted land is discovered, the map takes shape, growing in form and detail. It is a never-ending process of exploration and discovery which cannot be completed in a single human lifetime.

When we are born, our minds are like a blank canvas, untouched, but full of potential. Then, in time, we learn, discover and build the map of our mind. First-hand experience is the richest and most rewarding, providing vivid detail, but if we rely only on our own endeavours, the map will remain limited. By learning from others and layering second-hand knowledge onto our own discoveries, the map’s reach extends.

For some, the map remains geographically confined, in both size and detail. Others set out to understand and map the whole world so that at the end of life, there are few uncharted territories left to map. Over the course of our lives, learning and experiences should be approached in this way. Thereby expanding horizons and discovering the previously unknown. At life’s end, we should aim to have reduced both the known unknowns as well as the unknown unknowns.

With this mindset, we should remain hungry for knowledge, resilient in  trials, adaptable under pressure, disciplined and bold. Our state of mind will get us through adversity and into fairer winds. Armed with strength and knowledge, we can observe and overcome any obstacle in our path.

"If a man knows not which port he sails, no wind is favourable."— Seneca.

---

Thanks for reading. If it added value, please like, share and subscribe.

Keep moving forward.

Toby