4 Life Lessons From Endurance Adventurer Peter van Kets
Navigate the urban jungle by thinking like a survivalist

January 21, 2015

Peter van Kets

Peter van Kets, endurance adventurer, motivational speaker
 and author of The Eighth Summit, shares his close brushes with death – and how 
he survived.

Related: The 50 Best Adventures In The World To Tackle This Year

1. It’s Just Stuff

“During my solo row across the Atlantic, my most prized possession was an old cricket hat (it saved me from many a sunburn). One morning an unexpected gust blew the hat from my head into the ocean and, without thinking, I jumped overboard after it. As I hit the water I realised that I’d forgotten to attach the safety rope and, in a matter of minutes, I was swept a good 15 metres from my boat. It took every inch of my strength to swim against the current and when I clambered back on board I realised how close I came to paying the ultimate price,” says Peter van Kets.

Learn This Lesson: Rash decisions can cost you big time. If you’re 
going to play risk, make sure 
you’re not betting too big – not all 
victories are gains.

Related: Get The Core You’ve Always Wanted On This Kayak Adventure In Costa Rica

2. Laughter Really is the 
Best Medicine

As an adventurer you’re constantly faced with high-risk, high-stress situations. In order to cope, the body secretes adrenaline that, over the long term, can cause major health issues. That’s where the good ol’ fashioned laugh comes in. It causes more oxygen intake, triggers feel-good endorphins, regulates heartbeat and boosts immunity. “Laughter is an analgesic,” says Peter van Kets. “It improves pain tolerance. Laughing at a few bad jokes has lifted the mood on even my most intense treks.”

Learn This Lesson: Need a cure for the blues? Learn to laugh. Taking things too seriously can, literally, have a damaging effect on you. Laughter will clear your mind so you can tackle the problem with aplomb.

3. A Strong Mind Means
a Strong Everything Else

“The lowest point on my solo row was always around 4am. I was exhausted, slumped over the oars, unsure of myself and if I could endure another stroke. The only thoughts that got me through were of breakfast and the five-minute satellite phone call to my wife, Kim. After a good meal and the reassurance of my wife’s voice, I felt energised and able to tackle another shift.”

Learn This Lesson: Even though physically nothing had changed, 
Peter van Kets found himself able to carry on with renewed vigour. What gave? His negative mindset. “I was a 
completely different person – I 
went from thinking I couldn’t go on 
to rowing like a beast all because of 
the change in my head.”

Related: Ready For The Ultimate Adventure? Head To Cuba For Your Next Trip

4. Failure isn’t the End

“No story is without struggle,” says Van Kets. On one particular occasion (day 46 of his trans-Atlantic row) the reality of failure became all too clear to the adventurer. In a matter of moments a peaceful day turned into a vicious storm that left him fighting for his life for four whole days. “This was one of those moments I simply had to vasbyt and see it through.”

Learn This Lesson: “On every expedition I’ve ever embarked on, at some point, I stared failure in the face,” says Peter van Kets. “But survival demands that you banish those thoughts of uncertainty and fear of losing.” The key 
to success isn’t to not fail, it’s to 
keep going through the failure 
and hardship to the well deserved victory at the end.