Post by Martina Witter

Last weekend I climbed Mam Tor in Peak District National Park for my sister’s Ni-Cola Scott birthday 🥾⛰️ The things you do for love, eh? Its not something that I would choose for myself as I do love to walk and be in nature but not climbing uphill and hiking. im not that kind of girl. I do love a challenge but this was another level for me personally. I started with a strong mindset last saturday totally determined, optimistic and with a “I’ve got this” mindset but all for the love of my sis I was all prepared with my hiking boots that I bought during covid, 20 minutes in reality hit me on the shoulder and I wanted to turn back and give in I just wasn't enjoying like everyone else, and my coat was really heavy . I’d walked too far to quit so I had to really talk to myself as my internal narrative tried to take over. I was in a mental battle.. all over the place I had no clear markers. No sense of “how long left.” It felt unfamiliar and directionless, and honestly… I didn’t enjoy it . I needed clarity. I needed to know when we’d stop for breaks. I needed something to anchor me. So I did what I coach leaders to do every day: I talked to myself (out loud at points 🙃) I reframed (“this is hard, but I can do it”) I used affirmations to stay present and Georgena Adesida Clarke was motivating me I let the ladies encourage me when my mindset dipped I hadn’t eaten properly beforehand and that didn't help. 🤦🏾‍♀️ It was reminded that resilience isn’t just mental it’s physical too. Your mindset and your fuel work together. I was so proud that i made it eventually and began enjoying the adventure especially on the descent Mam Tor reminded me that : 1) You can’t lead well without clarity. When you don’t know the route, every step feels heavier. In leadership, uncertainty without direction creates unnecessary stress. Clarity is a performance tool not a “nice to have.” 2) Resilience isn’t motivation it’s micro-decisions. I didn’t “feel” strong the whole way. I just kept making small choices: one more step, one more breath, one more minute. That’s what resilience looks like in real life not hype, but follow-through and consistency 3) Your nervous system needs support, not shame. When I felt overwhelmed, encouragement worked better than criticism. Leaders thrive when they feel psychologically safe and yes, that includes how you speak to yourself. The inner voice sets the culture before you ever open your mouth. And the biggest reminder of all? Keep going when it’s tough but don’t do it alone. Every leader needs a circle of cheerleaders. People who remind you who you are when you forget. People who speak life into your tired moments. People who help you finish. If you’re leading through a tough or steep season right now… Who’s in your “Mam Tor group chat”? 👀💬 lol 😅 👇🏾Tell me: what’s one challenge you’ve pushed through recently and what did it teach you about yourself? #resilience #leadership #mindset #mamtor