Our Spirit Content - Keynote Speaking

when exercise moves too far beyond current capability, it can stop being adaptive stress and start becoming neurological threat.

The Kokoda Track is not just a walk — it is a sustained physiological and psychological stress test.

Heat. Humidity. Elevation. Continuous load. Limited recovery.

And under those conditions, electrolyte balance becomes mission-critical

Is your life everything that you have always wanted it to be? Are you the person you want to be? Are you where you thought you would be in your career and in your relationships?

If you’re anything like most people, then the answer to these questions will be a resounding no. Even those of us who are generally happy for the most part will often find that our lives never panned out quite the way we thought they would, or that we aren’t quite as accomplished as some of our friends.

The Way of The Samurai is quite well known compared to the many warrior codes out there, due to its practice of self-disembowelment (Seppuku)(切腹) and the belief that honor was more important than life. It has also received much attention in recent times due to its portrayal in Hollywood movies such as The Last Samurai or 47 Ronin, with Bushido being the central theme of both movies.

So, what does this have to do with our lives?

Have you heard other people talking about Optimal Living and are wondering what it is and whether it could help you to achieve more of your goals in life? In this guide, we take a closer look at what optimal living is all about and how you can make changes to your life to exploit its full potential.

In today’s 24/7 connected, digital world, we see people who seem to accomplish their achievements quickly. Everyone, it seems, is on social media, showing off what they have and how they got it. But, have you ever wondered how they really accomplished what they set out to do? Do you wonder if they put in any effort to achieve their success, or was it pure luck that they were able to accomplish their goals so quickly?

Experience is the best teacher; adversity is the most accomplished trainer. No one really ever wants to face misfortune. We would all have preferred to go through life, enjoying the ride without bumps. However, things are not always as planned and life is not a bed of roses and chocolates, there are always thorns somewhere. In this chapter, we’ll explore how the troubles that come our way have come to make us and not break us.

Focus is integral to accomplishment. It may actually fall in the same category as ambition, motivation, leadership and other driving forces behind becoming successful, but does not necessarily get the attention that it deserves. Often downplayed, the role of focus cannot be sabotaged in an individual’s ability to be productive. What all this basically means is that you need to be focused in order to achieve something or become successful in your endeavors.

Morality is not a word we hear often in everyday conversation, yet it shapes everything about the society we live in. It is the silent compass that points us toward fairness, respect, and dignity. For generations, Australians understood morality not as something dictated by politicians, but as something lived out in the everyday actions of ordinary people—neighbours helping neighbours, communities rallying around those in need, and a shared sense of what was “the right thing to do.”

This blog looks at the 5 key indicators of success as identified by successful and experienced trekkers. When applied it makes sense to a wide variety of challenges where mental abilities are needed to be at their best.

In part 4 some of the Diggers really let loose with their views.... in regards to what a true leader is to them.. and Blamey gets a mention... interesting

The Diggers of Kokoda when interviewed about leadership, offered their well thought out views as to what are the key components of great Leadership. Having risked their all in so many theatres of war they offered some good old fashioned down to earth advice on how to be good leader

The Diggers of Kokoda when interviewed about leadership, offered their well thought out views as to what are the key components of great Leadership. Having risked their all in so many theatres of war they offered some good old fashioned down to earth advice on how to be good leader.

Often people forget the reach of influence they have on others, and this story proves that point. When an isolated village in PNG can put a game of Rugby League on and rollout "Darren Lockyer" imagine the influence on Australian kids, who follow these icon types closest movements.

Aidan had the great opportunity of walking the Kokoda Track with a great group of Indigenous people, who shared their culture and learnings with him, as they followed in the footsteps of lesser known Indigenous soldiers who fought on the Kokoda Track. It was part of a Leadership course that has gone on to make a huge positive contribution to making this country great. One of the requests at the end was to see the Flag fly at arguably one of Australia's most important battle sites.

At a time when we are all concerned about what we term "leadership values" and the need to develop them. The Diggers of Kokoda were asked the question: what makes a good Leader? here are their collectives answers.

One of the greatest accomplishments is to learn what you can from the past and how to apply those lessons to the future which represents possibility. As part of this focus an understanding that a difficult past can make a successful future even more rewarding.

Learning to deal with and overcoming adversity is what builds character and resilience. Every challenge and every difficulty we successfully confront in life serves to strengthen our will, confidence and ability to conquer future obstacles.

Aidan Grimes was the guest speaker at the Northern Territory Duke of Edinburgh's Award Ceremony held at NT Parliament House on 18 November 2015.

Photo by: Shane Eecen, Creative Light Studios

Here is an excerpt from his interview with event's coordinator, Joelene Dukes.

Aidan visited Darwin schools and government agencies to present the Kokoda Track history as well as some of the learnings he has discovered from walking the Kokoda Track over the past 21 years.