Challenge Accepted

One Step at a Time

Read time: Under 4 minutes

Hey! Happy Sunday,

Grab your cuppa. Lets dive in!

2025 is off to a flying start - no question. So far, I’ve gone from engaging with BT as a thought leader for their cybersecurity programme, to an invite to the London Stock Exchange, to having lunch with the Chief Investment Officer of Barclays, and even introducing some of the UK’s finest to government projects.

How did this all happen?

Simple. It took 10 years of pure determination, relentless self-belief, and setting challenges that pushed me beyond my comfort zone.

Speaking of challenges, let’s talk about them. I set them constantly. I’m a 1% improvement guy, (this also seems to be a theme atm on the internet!) as long as I can scratch that itch of progress every day, I’m a happy man.

This year, I laid out my challenges in my New Year's letter, but to recap, here are my big four:

  1. Consistent and disciplined exercise – Strength in body to match the mind.

  2. Better eating habits – Nourishment to fuel ambition.

  3. Launching my podcast, “The Mission Log” – Conversations that explore business, innovation, and human potential.

  4. Nailing my routines – Building a foundation for success, one habit at a time.

But let’s throw a wild card into the mix…

I’m going to penetrate Parliament and see just how far I can climb.

Why? A multitude of reasons, but mostly to prove (to myself and to you) that anything is possible when you take action.

Challenge accepted.

Now, for the first step.

MIND
Mastering the Mental Game

“As you think so shall you become”

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The mindset needed to set challenges and ACTUALLY achieve them.

Whether you succeed or not, it's all about the process and the attempt that gets you there. It's never a straight shot, right?
It takes effort, time, commitment, resilience - you name it.

The state of mind I use to achieve my objectives? Meditation and visualisation. I shit you not.

People always raise an eyebrow at this one, however, it is becoming less cliche and more accepted in mainstream (either way, whatever… I do it, I am doing it, I will continue to always do it!), the old school still think it’s a load of hippy dippy!

Anyway… I start by thinking about my thoughts; they start merging, an idea forms, and then I envision it. I visualise myself in it (doing it, feeling it, touching it) it becomes real. Then I meditate, playing it like a movie in my head. I do this for weeks, months, and even years.

If I told you certain things, I don’t think you would believe me. At times, I shock myself with the power of thought and visualisation. I once watched a movie about a soldier entering high society and he was rubbing shoulders with Royalty… I obsessively desired that same happening for me, years of visualising myself with the worlds royals… and eventually, there I was, at castle looking around and hanging out for a week with European royalty… not once or twice, this was every few months, I kept getting invited back… story for another time as I am still not sure how that story is panning out… mixed emotions with that one! (Some wild eye openers, that make you question a lot)

The biggest challenge I’ve set for myself now, the one I’ll probably always consider the biggest, started 18 months ago. I look back at my mental map of this concept I call "O," and day by day, it’s becoming reality. But let’s be honest, I know I’m probably 8.5 years away from the world truly recognising it.

You’ve got to have the mindset of a patient sapien to get there!

BODY
"Fueling the Machine"

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The body, as I always say, is essential for success. Without it being fit and able, you realise how lucky you were when you could have been! So it’s a priority.

I’ve been pushing forward with the goals I set earlier this year:

  1. Consistent exercise.

  2. Better eating habits.

  3. Launching my podcast.

  4. Nailing my routines.

So far, so good.

Remember, I used to drink a ton of tea every day, with sugar (guilty!). Cutting sugar out completely has been an eye-opener. At first, I felt the impact, but this past week? Even more. My face felt worn, almost like it wanted to fall off because I’d lost this weird external energy source. But now? My body is converting energy internally, and I feel stronger, more in control.

I can’t explain it just yet, but, I feel like ruling the world, thats how much energy I wake up and go to sleep with at the moment!

I love making decisions that demand change and experiencing the physical and psychological resistance my body throws at me. The cravings hit hard, but resisting them proves to me that I’m in control - not the other way around.

Anything that is difficult or offers resistance towards achieving it - I love!

Delusional self-belief.

Now, I have set the challenge for the next “cut it out”… (p.s. I have an addictive personality, I am aware, fully, believe me, hence why I stay clear of anything that can take too much control over me and disconnect my self-awareness…) that being said, I won’t declare what it is yet as it’s a big one for me and I need to test the reduction in it before I publicly say I am! Know what I mean? It’s one of those that if I slip and you don’t know, I won’t feel bad! Keep you posted 😉 

I challenge myself to push past those "holding-back" moments.

Challenge accepted.

EXPLORATION
The Next Big Adventure

I was literally freaking out this week… one of my brothers (best buds - Hi Max!) sent me a challenge he’s setting for us, no small feat, no messing around, an all-or-nothing adventure.

And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

He and I have hiked mountains, sailed between islands, stargazed in a million places, ridden our bikes across countries, scuba-dived, skydived, moto crossed, cliff-jumped… Last summer's cliff dive? Absolutely insane.

We live for those heart-pumping moments, and this one? This one’s next level.

We’re setting the challenge to be completed before 2030, with a cost of $500k each. “How the hell are you going to pay for that?” Well, he’s rich! Just kidding.
We’re mapping out ways to build credibility, secure sponsorships, and create a documentary around it.

Our Transglobe Expedition will take us from the Arctic to the Antarctic; covering the full Arctic and Antarctic Circles by surface, including reaching the North Pole and South Pole.

Here’s what it entails:

  • North Pole Expedition: Traveling to the North Pole by surface (skiing, dog sledding, or via icebreaker ships) can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the route and logistics. Covering the Arctic Circle across multiple countries adds significant transport, permits, and support crew costs. Expect an additional $50,000 to $100,000.

  • South Pole Expedition: Reaching the South Pole on foot or skis can cost $50,000 to $80,000. Covering the Antarctic Circle would require specialised logistics, guided tours, ships, and air-dropped supplies, which could add another $100,000 or more.

  • Total Budget: Including all gear, guides, permits, and support, we might need around $300,000 to $500,000 each. Costs can vary widely based on routes, duration, and the level of support needed.

So make sure you follow this newsletter for the next 5 years… ha! Gotcha. You’re stuck with me now… muahahha!

Anyway, here’s a little poster to get the adrenaline pumping!

(Keep you posted as we evolve) 

CHALLANGE
Your Turn

Do something each month, whether it’s pushing yourself physically to be healthier, exploring a new county, town, or city, or just taking a long walk today.

Get out, get moving, and get living.

And don’t forget to share your experience with me!

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FINAL THOUGHTS

Life’s greatest adventures are born from the challenges we dare to accept. Whether it’s stepping into unknown territory, testing your limits, or simply pushing for that 1% improvement every day, growth happens when you lean into the challenge.

So, what’s your next move?

TL;DR

  • 2025 is off to a strong start with new opportunities and challenges.

  • Mind: Meditation and visualisation are my secret weapons for long-term success.

  • Body: Cutting sugar has been a game-changer, reinforcing discipline and control.

  • Challenge: Get out and take action; whether big or small, movement matters!

Challenge accepted.

Let’s keep moving forward.

Yours in exploration,

Captain Sprigg

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts."

Winston Churchill