Blog
Thoughtful, exciting and insightful blog by alpinist and lecturer Fredrik Sträng that sets your sofa on fire and gives you the courage and inspiration to reach new heights.
What you didn’t know about motivation
Picture: Fredrik Sträng close to the summit of Broad Peak (8047 m) in Pakistan in 2018. By Fredrik Sträng Research shows that if we focus on how miserable our lives will be if we don’t reach our goal, it’s a more powerful driving force than if
When you rake, give it all you got!
By Fredrik Sträng Do you find yourself in situations where you give it your all but nothing seems to get done? It’s a myth that you can do several things at once. We can only switch between different tasks so quickly. And in this article, Sweden’s
When it rains half have already given up
By Fredrik Sträng The sun, summer, and warmth are coming to an end. Reality—filled with work, responsibilities, and schedules—takes over. Many are left wondering, “What happened?” Now a long winter awaits. Are you one of those who finds this sad? In this article, Sweden’s top high-altitude
The vital role of fuel and hydration in sustained exercise
In the world of endurance sports, be it marathon running, cycling, or long-distance swimming, the importance of proper fueling and hydration cannot be overstated. As we push our bodies to the limit, the need for energy and water becomes critical to maintain performance, prevent injuries, and
Honouring the centenary of Mallory and Irvines disappearance into legend
100 years ago, two audacious and formidable mountaineers, one iconic British climber, George Leigh Mallory, and one young promising engineer, Andrew “Sandy” Irvine, sat out on their last attempt aiming for the top of the world – Mount Everest. A century later the mystery surrounding their
What is the point if we are all going to die?
It was a sad day when I, as a kid, learned that my parents and I weren’t going to live forever, and later that, eventually, even the Universe would die. All our creations, memories, and remnants will one day cease to exist. The evanescence of life.
Every drop contributes to an ocean
Where there is a will, there is hope. In the autumn of 2015, Fredrik Sträng journeyed through his beloved Nepal. He found a country still scarred by the earthquake that claimed 9,000 lives and left 600,000 homeless. But he also found an inexhaustible determination to once
But the mountain remains, right?
One of the most misunderstood concepts in circulation is the belief that there exists a universal balance of power that entitles you to deserve and will give you the opportunity to make a new attempt. WRONG! In this article, which will open your eyes, Sweden’s foremost
It’s okay to fail!
Is there a risk that we become less resilient in handling setbacks if we embellish and trivialize our failures? In this article, Sweden’s foremost high-altitude climber and esteemed speaker Fredrik Sträng problematizes a phenomenon that can weaken your “mental fortitude” if you are not honest about
Walking the Talk: Conquer Mountains with the right attitude
In a world filled with procrastinators, nay-sayers, and negative people, it’s refreshing to come across individuals who not only talk the talk but also walk the walk, individuals who embodies the essence of living life with purpose and determination. Here is a powerful adage of mine
How to Dress Right in the Winter Cold
In the winter chill, choosing the right attire is crucial to outsmart nature’s icy grip. Mastering the cold requires more than just being savvy with layering. Drawing insights from challenging storms in Alaska and Antarctica, along with the experience of standing atop seven 8000-meter peaks, I’ve
Leadership Style from the World of Mountains
Raw and honest feedback is a powerful tool and crucial for success on an expedition. Read about the leadership and feedback skills on successful expeditions. I am at 8,250 meters high on Mount Everest. The climb is steep and rocky in the claustrophobic thin air. One
Sic Parvis Magna
The key to Superhuman strength is to take one step, then another, and another continuously. In this blog post, I dive into one of my favourite quotes of all time: Sic Parvis Magna – Greatness from small beginnings. Do you remember the first time you were
Test based training and nutrition
Do you believe in test-based training/nutrition, or do you prefer guessed-based training/nutrition? Test based can take you to the next level! Have you ever had that feeling where you’ve been doing something for ages (perhaps even defending it) and then realized that you’ve been doing wrong
Watch your thoughts
“Watch your thoughts; they become words” acts like a ripple effect on your life. So, be mindful of your thoughts because they manifest into your destiny. My fascination with mountains started as a child, when I was staring down at the world atlas at the school
Lasting motivation = repeat the New Year’s resolution every day!
Unrealistic goals can be what causes us to fail in our New Year’s resolution and finding your “why” can be the most important thing to succeed. In the UK, a study by Bupa.com found that around 80% of residents give up on their New Year’s resolutions
Rising Above: Don’t Let Others Bring You Down
Hey there, adventurers! Today, I want to share a personal mantra that has guided me through countless challenges on my journey towards achieving my dreams. It’s a simple yet powerful message: don’t let others bring you down. As an explorer, mountaineer, and seeker of new heights,
It doesn’t get any less steep just because you complain…
You overslept before an important meeting. You rush through the house with your heart in the pit of your throat. It’s snowy and the car is covered in a sheet of ice. You don’t know where the snow scraper is, and you forgot the computer in
What are some of my Success Factors for a healthy life?
1. Train every day. Eat healthily. Sleep at least eight hours a day. Repeat. 2. Intermitting fasting twice a month (I usually do three days of fasting/per month and 5-7 days twice a year). Check out Prof. David Sinclair for his seminal research on prolonging life.
Hosting Spöktimmen podcast
Listen to the latest interview with me in the podcast “Spöktimmen” (only in Swedish) where the skilled journalist’s Jenny Borg and Linn Ek dive deep into topics such as fear, driving forces, risks and what happened on K2 during the fateful summer of 2008 where 11
Today is my birthday!
In some spiritual traditions, birthdays are considered auspicious occasions that mark a person’s progress on the path to enlightenment. For example, in Buddhism, the birthday of the Buddha is celebrated as a holiday called Vesak, which is considered a time to reflect on the Buddha’s teachings
I love forests!
International Forest Day, also known as the International Day of Forests, is celebrated annually on March 21st. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 to raise awareness about the importance of all types of forests and trees outside forests. The day aims