Sometimes gains are pronounced, other times it's the old "two steps forward, one step back " (or something like that). Recently, I've been feeling my attitude about progress is all wrong... here are a few of my treasured misconceptions as a rock climber that I'm letting go of after this spring break trip
1st : Progress is linear
this is false. I'm in the paradoxical situation of feeling stronger than ever before without sends, reaching the next grade, nor with anything to add to the 8a.nu scorecard. There are many layers, dimensions, and contexts with growth and development as a rock climber... not to mention as a person.
2nd: I HAVE to send
not really. Well, (lol) okay who am I kidding! I want to be able to do climbs I aspire to, but if I don't, what's the real consequence? What really happens even if I am able to send? I've had projects that have lasted years, and the investment was real... and so was the bottom line. I want to be more skillful at onsighting, flashing, and just plain not taking as long as I do to figure things out. In the end, I don't always have what it takes to do a rock climb, nor do I have to. Your best effort isn't necessarily the one that will get you to the top of the wall. It's possible to extrapolate the same- possibly even more- meaning/lessons from a climb if you don't get the send.
3rd: I want to be better than you at rock climbing
this one is a little hard for me to talk (err, type) about. I've been thinking a lot recently, in the wake of a lot of doing- training, flailing, ego pumping, camera working (lol), and scavaging the web over the latest Adam Ondra feat. I thought about climbers at the professional level- say a climber in the mid 5.14, v13 range, and what their impression would be of his dominance ? Chances are they're not all that bothered by it- ...but I am ! lol. This childish part of me still holds onto wanting to be the best. The reality is that there will always be people warming up on rock climbs that I'll never be strong enough to project, there will always be distant, dreamy climbing locales that I'll never accrue enough sick days, nor money saved, to go visit, and you (the one reading this) will out-climb me someday... I am okay with all these things, because I need to continue to enjoy my experience, your company, and the blessing that climbing is in our lives at any level.
NM
