In climbing there is a lot of mental challenges... in fact, even though climbers are generally pretty strong physically, what sets a good climber apart from an average climber is their ability to control their mind. (Yay Yoga!) Of course, it is a daily practice jut like yoga. Perhaps some people are naturally clear headed, but for most of us each day is a new challenge. Each climb is a new quest. Success is not necessarily easily determined. It is not always about the summit or even the completion of a climb, sometimes its about the lessons learned. Lessons about what we are capable of, lessons about climbing technique perhaps, lessons about what our thoughts do when we are under stress... I think that is an interesting effort in self-study. When I am scared and hanging by a fingernail on the edge of a cliff, what am I telling myself? Is it "I can do this?" Or is it "I can't?"
Ok, I'll admit... my self-talk sucks sometimes! I got down off of my first lead in a long time and while I felt good from the successful climb, I noticed that I hadn't done myself any favors. Luckily for me, (or not) I happen to talk to myself out loud while I climb... so I have witnesses! Maybe that will help hold me accountable!
We think of a lot of excuses: I haven't done this in awhile, I am out of shape, I have the wrong pants, it's too hot, my feet hurt.... can I add "AND I can do it despite all that!" After all, I just did. Take one moment to stop making excuses and just climb.
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