Helen Thayer had dreams of surviving in extreme conditions. In March 1988, this then 50-year-old New Zealander ventured out from Resolute, NW Territories, Canada, to ski alone to the North Magnetic Pole, located just south of King Christian Island. She planned to pull her supplies (160 lbs.) on a sled. Three days before departure, a local hunter gave her a black husky, named Charlie, as protection against polar bears. Many people thought she was out of her mind to undertake this solitary journey. What kinds of advice would she offer to anyone considering a harrolding undertaking or facing major life change?

1) Take a companion. Thayer admits that taking a companion on a long trip gave her someone to talk to, helped her put things in perspective, and keep her sanity in check. It was a grueling journey where she and her dog fought off polar bears, barely escaped drowning, and survived storms. Yet, whenever an obstacle arose, they faced it head-on, and triumphed. They learned to believe in themselves by believing in each other. No matter who you are, you can also do this.

2) Adapt to life's curves. During her journey, Thayer found inspiration to write a book entitled, Polar Dream. She detailed how she coped with unexpected hardships by learning to anticipate, tolerate and grow from harsh conditions. She chose to nurture confidence and esteem so she felt stronger and more capable. When things don't go your way, do you bounce back or do you fall apart? Resilient people harness inner strengths and tend to rebound more quickly from a setback or challenge. Adapting won't necessarily erase problems. Yet, you can develop the ability to see past them, to savor challenges and handle future stressors better.

3) Keep faith. Close to the end of her gruelling journey, a gale blew away most of Thayer's remaining food supplies. As the result, during the final week of her journey, her daily ration was only a handful of walnuts and a pint of water. Nonetheless, she tended best she could to her own needs and feelings, both physically and emotionally. She demonstrated determination to grow. She suggests that when you're in the middle of a crisis, regardless of where, it only seems as though things will never improve. Although you can't change events, you can look hopeful toward the future. Believing things happen for a reason may also help sustain you.

4) Work toward goals. After 364 miles, 27 days, Thayer and Charlie were picked up as frozen snowballs at their destination. Being results-oriented, they endured hardship, loss and stress. They also learned to trust each other to solve problems, make sound decisions and manage situations with renewed optimism. In your case, evolve to do things daily that give you a sense of accomplishment. Recognize you change throughout your journey to a given destination. You are stronger than you think. Goal-setting and taking steps forward will invite progress and gratitude.