There is no such thing as the dichotomy between “success” and “failure” on trail and I personally don’t think that’s a helpful framework in any context.
Encountering obstacles on trail is inherent. What determines “success” is how you confront them and in my opinion, this does NOT mean staying on trail or hiking every step at all costs. Sometimes taking a rest or even leaving a thru hike attempt are the most brave options.
Being flexible and adaptive are essential on trail. Hiking has taught me how to let go of expectations and relinquish control which has dramatically reduced my anxiety off trail as well.
Psychologist and academic Angela Duckworth has distilled one ingredient of successful people - grit - which she defines as passion and perseverance for long-term goals despite obstacles (though this concept is damaging when applied to structural obstacles and oppression!!!)
Overcoming obstacles on trail means creative problem solving, not just grinding through pain and risking injury. No surprise, “grit” has been conflated with toxic masculine ideals of ignoring physical, mental, and emotional signals to be “brave.” I don’t think of this approach as brave I think of it as stupid.
I perceive “grit” on trail as listening to my body and to nature and crafting creative solutions to do my best with whatever I have on that day. Long distance hiking is as much about sustainability and pacing as it is about strength. Grit means never giving up on the challenge of growth and walking a footpath is only one of many ways to do that.
To me a “successful” thru hike is one where you leave the land better than you found it and you leave the trail a better person than when you started.
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