WHEN YOUR LIFE DEPENDS On IT: Extreme Decision Making Lessons from the Antarctic by Brad Borkan & David Hirzel – Travel & Exploration History, Personal Transformation, Antarctic Expeditions

When Your Life Depends on It by Brad Borkan and David Hirzel is a mosaic of incredible factual stories from the “heroic age” of South Polar expeditions, reviving timeless lessons of tactical decision-making for the present world.

Six vital polar expeditions between 1901 and 1917 catalyzed some of the most difficult and tough judgments in history – choices teetering on the border between life and death. The alluring fascination of Antarctica’s mysteries drew the heroes of this era, even while the continent’s frontier remained dangerous and unyielding. These journeys are treasured records of ambition, teamwork, sheer determination, and sacrifice. With a storytelling-driven approach to learning, When Your Life Depends on It contains a striking collection of true heroic tales from these six expeditions, imparting lessons about goal-setting, overcoming challenges, and approaching adversity with grit.

The thrilling and momentous stories, coming from over a century ago, nimbly flow through each of the book’s twelve chapters. Each story serves as an object lesson for dealing with modern-day personal and business dilemmas. The reader is placed in the role of judge, evaluator, and student as they reflect on various sensible, selfless, and steadfast choices made along the polar journeys.

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn” (Benjamin Franklin) – this quote holds the core purpose of this book.

The expedition stories immerse readers, drawing parallels between historical expedition conditions and contemporary challenges. The question “What would you have done?” at the end of each chapter and story engages and interests the reader.

The objective third-person narration pairs with a second-person point of view in these stories. The accounts of the dangerous and uncertain winter journeys –be it for national pride, scientific discovery, or personal goals– are not limited to the narratives of the authors. A recommended reading section at the end of the book contains diaries and accounts written by the expedition leaders, as well as pictures for curious readers. The authors offer links to several books and DVDs that they recommend for a continued Antarctic journey.

Bringing together motivation and history, When Your Life Depends on It pays homage to the pioneers who spearheaded great scientific and geographic endeavors and inspired later explorers with their camaraderie and passion.

This book offers stirring adventure with historical significance and valuable lessons on self-development. Its lessons are true to the quote – “It is the way you deal with and react to adversity that defines your life story” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf) – no matter what the terrain is, whether it’s chilly polar regions or your personal and business spaces.

When Your Life Depends on It by Brad Borkan & David Hirzel won First Place in the 2019 CIBA I&I Book Awards for Non-Fiction Guides and How-To Books.