Obsession
-The domination of one's thoughts or feelings by a
persistent idea, image, or desire.
Obsession comes in many shapes and sizes. As climbers, we are fortunate to share the obsessive need to climb. Climbing enables us to be unique in comparison to our peers, families, and society in general. When climbing trips come to an abrupt end, we all obsess over the climbs we finished, tried, and wish we would have tried. How could I have climbed better? What could I have done differently? Obsessing over climbs is what fuels all climbers to train harder and stay motivated to accomplish the goals we set for ourselves. Without obsession, how serious would we take climbing? If we didn’t obsess over climbs, there would be no desire to finish our projects or establish new ones, let alone go climbing at all.
Obsession comes in many shapes and sizes. As climbers, we are fortunate to share the obsessive need to climb. Climbing enables us to be unique in comparison to our peers, families, and society in general. When climbing trips come to an abrupt end, we all obsess over the climbs we finished, tried, and wish we would have tried. How could I have climbed better? What could I have done differently? Obsessing over climbs is what fuels all climbers to train harder and stay motivated to accomplish the goals we set for ourselves. Without obsession, how serious would we take climbing? If we didn’t obsess over climbs, there would be no desire to finish our projects or establish new ones, let alone go climbing at all.
Expectations
-The act or state of looking forward or anticipating.
Whether you’re hoping to complete a new line or finish current projects, do expectations really help us? More often than not expecting to finish climbs is not the best method of mental or physical preparation. Sure, expectations fuel motivation. However, often times it clouds your thought process inevitably forcing you to climb for the wrong reason(s). Expecting to flash or finish a climb in a low number of attempts can be poison to your mind. It’s great to be confident in your abilities. However, with expectations aside, focusing on progression and individual movement can be much more beneficial and a very rewarding process. Expect to do your best; don’t expect to be the best.
-The act or state of looking forward or anticipating.
Whether you’re hoping to complete a new line or finish current projects, do expectations really help us? More often than not expecting to finish climbs is not the best method of mental or physical preparation. Sure, expectations fuel motivation. However, often times it clouds your thought process inevitably forcing you to climb for the wrong reason(s). Expecting to flash or finish a climb in a low number of attempts can be poison to your mind. It’s great to be confident in your abilities. However, with expectations aside, focusing on progression and individual movement can be much more beneficial and a very rewarding process. Expect to do your best; don’t expect to be the best.
Simon Parton throwing for the lip on Iron Fly, v9
Success - Failure
-The favorable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors.
-The favorable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors.
-An act or instance of failing or proving unsuccessful; lack of success.
How should we measure success? Should it be measured by ascents? It’s a matter of opinion, of course, but a success should not be measured by completion of a climb. Quite simply, progression and overcoming obstacles that have hindered past performances are the two best forms of success. Before accepting failure, evaluate your climbing and acknowledge all accomplishments big and small. Even the most meager achievements should always be awarded as success.
How should we measure success? Should it be measured by ascents? It’s a matter of opinion, of course, but a success should not be measured by completion of a climb. Quite simply, progression and overcoming obstacles that have hindered past performances are the two best forms of success. Before accepting failure, evaluate your climbing and acknowledge all accomplishments big and small. Even the most meager achievements should always be awarded as success.
Jacob Padilla on Acid Wash, v10
Learning
-The act or process of acquiring knowledge or skill.
Whether you're creating a new line, or repeating an old one, climbing is and will always be a learning process. No matter what the outcome, all climbs should be valued as a learning experience. Harnessing the ability to control your every thought, emotion while utilizing your physical attributes and developing a clearer understanding of your body, soul, and mind. It’s important to take advantage of every climbing experience we encounter. As climbers, we educate ourselves every day. Every day will not be perfect. Some days will be great, some will be terrible. There is always a lesson to be learned.
Whether you're creating a new line, or repeating an old one, climbing is and will always be a learning process. No matter what the outcome, all climbs should be valued as a learning experience. Harnessing the ability to control your every thought, emotion while utilizing your physical attributes and developing a clearer understanding of your body, soul, and mind. It’s important to take advantage of every climbing experience we encounter. As climbers, we educate ourselves every day. Every day will not be perfect. Some days will be great, some will be terrible. There is always a lesson to be learned.
Photos courtesy of:
Matt Haig
Instagram - nervousone
Email - matthew.j.haig@gmail.com
Please note
that I am not a writer, photographer, or professional climber. I’m the average climber with an opinion, like you. All
feedback, questions, and comments are greatly appreciated. Thanks for your
time.
-Jacob
Padilla
padillajkub@gmail.com
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