On March 9, 2022, the news broke of the discovery of the ship named Endurance. After more than 100 years, it was discovered in the Weddell Sea about 4 miles from where it was abandoned in 1915. As with many others familiar with the story, my interest and fascination with Sir Ernest Shackleton was rekindled. His incomprehensible story of triumph and survival in Antarctica was a gift.

Briefly, here is the story:

Ernest Shackleton was attempting to be the first man to cross Antarctica. He engaged a team of 27 men along with over 50 dogs and a ship specifically outfitted to sail in the harsh waters of the South Pole and Antarctic region. The 300-ton ship ended up getting stuck in the ice. Originally, the captain and crew believed they simply had to wait a few months for the ice to melt. However, the ice not only thickened, but it was constantly shifting due to the ocean currents below the surface of the ice pack. Eventually, the ice crushed the Endurance, and it had to be abandoned.

The crew was able to retrieve most of their belongings, the most important being three lifeboats. But the food eventually ran out and conditions continued to be harsh. After a year, Shackleton and his 27 sailors first made their way to Elephant Island, roughly 100 miles away. However, this island was barren and not inhabited. So, while they were safe for the moment, they still needed to get back to civilization. Shackleton, his navigator, and 4 others made their way for South Georgia Island—another 800 miles away. They sailed in stormy seas with minimal food and fresh water for 16 days. The six arrived, but they landed on the wrong side of the mountainous island. Three of the crew stayed where they landed.  However, Shackleton and two others proceeded to go over the 9000-foot-high ice- and snow-covered mountain range to get to the whaling station. This final 3-day stretch was perhaps the most miraculous of all. But they finally made it, against all odds. At the whaling station, they were able to arrange for a rescue operation for the rest of the crew.  It took over 3 months, but eventually, all crew members were rescued—alive. 

Three key characteristics of Ernest Shackleton

If you have a chance to watch any documentaries on Ernest Shackleton, look for these three elements:

1. His Leadership: Shackleton had a reputation for extraordinary courage, discipline, and the ability to overcome obstacles. 
2. His Passion and Motivation: As goal oriented and competitive as he was, he never achieved his goal of being the first person to cross Antarctica. Oddly enough, he is immortalized now because of his leadership and determination to save his crew in the face of impossible odds of success with this fatal expedition.
3. His Transcendent Journey: The details of his voyage and land journey are well documented and breathtaking. Many scientists, explorers, and adventurers have tried to re-create the epic events surrounding the trek, but no one has even come close, even with modern equipment. 

One of the most enjoyable resources is the movie titled Shackleton, (Sturridge, Charles, 2012, Lionsgate studio) starring Kenneth Branagh as Sir Ernest Shackleton. YouTube has numerous videos, but a good one to start with is a 26-minute video produced by National Geographic (2014, May 10) titled Survival! The Shackleton Story.  

By endurance we conquer

The ship’s name came from the Shackleton family motto “by endurance we conquer.” The MVP (Most Valuable Person) on the ship was the Navigator, a sailor named Frank Worsley. While Shackleton was the creative thinker and team leader, Worsley was the one that made it all happen. With a sextant and his mastery of navigation, he was continually recalculating and evaluating their plans, options, and risks. While one could say the whole adventure was ill-conceived to begin with, how these leaders dealt with their circumstances offers guidance for us today—especially with life planning and financial issues.

What we can learn from their experience:

1. Their plans (for survival and rescue) were constantly being updated and evaluated.
2. Their allocation of resources was perpetually adjusted downward, as they were forced to consume or use less and less.
3. Their creative solutions were noteworthy, including how they kept themselves mentally sane in desperate situations.

So, if you need a burst of inspiration this weekend, or you would just like to be entertained by commentary on a marvelous piece of history (with a happy ending), brush up on the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton and the crew of the Endurance.

Kristina Bolhouse, CPA/PFS, CFP®

Vice President/Shareholder

© 2022 The Arkansas Financial Group, Inc., All rights reserved.

Please remember that past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product (including the investments and/or investment strategies recommended or undertaken by The Arkansas Financial Group, Inc. [“AFG]), or any non-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in this commentary will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions or positions. Moreover, you should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this commentary serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from AFG. AFG is neither a law firm, nor a certified public accounting firm, and no portion of the commentary content should be construed as legal or accounting advice. A copy of the AFG’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees continues to remain available upon request or at www.arfinancial.com.

Please Remember: If you are a AFG client, please contact AFG, in writing, if there are any changes in your personal/financial situation or investment objectives for the purpose of reviewing/evaluating/revising our previous recommendations and/or services, or if you would like to impose, add, or to modify any reasonable restrictions to our investment advisory services. Unless, and until, you notify us, in writing, to the contrary, we shall continue to provide services as we do currently. Please Also Remember to advise us if you have not been receiving account statements (at least quarterly) from the account custodian.