Attempt on the Summit : Grit vs Quit

 5 January 2023


While almost failing to complete my trek (described here), what went on in my head on whether I should persist trying to reach the summit or if I should just quit?  

According to Annie Duke (Author of the famous books Grit and its successor Quit), the decision should be simple if you focus on rewards/penalties and consequences of either action.  

But is it actually so simple?  Some of the thoughts that went on in my head were really emotional aspects that touched on what defines "me". 

(Pls read the table in horizontal view on your phone due to the small font size)

As evident I was battling very strong emotional aspects that pushed me towards a GRIT strategy.

In the end I set a very simple decision standard.  I will trudge along at a pace that I can comfortably manage, and then halt wherever I am at 06.10 a.m (as the sunrise is at 6.10 a.m).  If I reach the summit by 06.10 a.m then I will consider myself lucky.  And if I don't reach the summit by 06.10 I will say it is no longer worth reaching the summit, and I will start on my descent.

I guess I was just lucky I just about made it.

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