Kevin Strauss:
Beyond the Summit
A three-week NOLS expedition across Washington’s rugged landscapes gave Kevin the challenge of a lifetime. What he learned on this trip was more than just wilderness survival – it was about expanding his boundaries and discovering a new level of confidence.
Bio
Kevin R. Strauss, M.E. is an innovator, emotional health & wellness expert, and CEO of Uchi, a social app dedicated to strengthening relationships and improving behaviors. As a trained biomedical engineer with more than 75 patents, a book titled Innovate The 1%, and numerous peer-reviewed publications in spine, psychology, and human behavior, Kevin’s career has fueled his passion for understanding people and “why we behave the way we do.”
Kevin’s mission is simple: to make life easier and happier for everyone by supporting Formula 4 Wellness—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. When he’s not developing solutions for balanced well-being, Kevin enjoys expedition backpacking, ballroom dancing, and is a 23-year, injury-free Ironman Triathlete and Coach.
Topics
- The concept of the comfort, stretch, and panic zones.
- Overcoming the urge to quit in extreme situations.
- Lessons learned from wilderness survival.
- The mental strength required for extreme outdoor adventures.
- How physical endurance tests can reshape one’s mindset.
- Applying lessons from NOLS to everyday life challenges.
- The role of goal-setting in personal growth and endurance.
- The power of discomfort in expanding personal limits.
- How being uncomfortable in nature can lead to confidence.
- The psychological journey of mountaineering and extreme outdoor expeditions.
Guiding Questions
- What was going through your mind when you wanted to quit on day three?
- Can you explain what the comfort, stretch, and panic zones are and how they played a role in your experience?
- How did the conditions of the expedition push you mentally and physically?
- What was your biggest takeaway from your experience at NOLS?
- How did your perspective on personal limits change during the course?
- What kept you going when it felt like you couldn’t take another step?
- How did the concept of expanding your comfort zone apply to your life after the trip?
- What was the most memorable moment of your NOLS journey, and why?
- How did the physical challenges on the course translate to a mental shift in your everyday life?
- What advice would you give to someone facing a challenge that seems too big to overcome?