Despite what I had acchieved, I don't for a moment think I am any braver or better than anyone else. This is how I attempt to explain what gives me the stregnth to do what I do; when that thunderbolt of an idea first hit me and inspired me to row across oceans, it filled me with a sense of purpose so strong that it overcame my fears. Even when boredom, frustration, fatigue or despair threatened to overwhelm me, it was that powerful sense of purpose that kept me going.

I have learned to acknowledge and appreciate the 98% that I have achieved instead of the 2% that I didn't.

I'm not claiming to be anything out of the ordinary. I am not especially big or strong or brave or intrepid.

Be mindful of the link between present action and desired future outcome. Ask yourself: if I repeat today’s actions 365 times, will I be where I want to be in a year?

Fall down nine times, get up ten.

My advice is don't keep asking yourself if you can do something. Just get out there and do it. You can really surprise yourself.

I just used to have a really normal life, working in an office.