💡Mindset Issues Stemming from Climbing Culture, And How To Solve Them

My name is Crystal, and welcome back to Attention Climbers. This episode may pique some heated discussion, and I'd love to hear from you if you either resonate or disagree! 

Nearly every climber wanting to improve - struggles with "mindset issues" - some form of negativity or inner resistance arising from their experience or perception of their climbing experience, ability or learning curve. 

That said, mindset issues are unlikely to be a personal failure or shortcoming. 

I assert that the following 10 aspects of climbing culture may systemically lead to our collective experience of mindset challenges, and suggest interventions - most are painfully simple - but not necessarily easy. I love climbing and don't want to "change" or "fix" these aspects - instead, I wish to shed light on them so we as climbers can individually respond. 

1. Climbing is primarily seen as a "sport". 
2. Climbing primarily values "ascension".
3. There is no concept of "dismounting" in climbing, so "falling" is constructed as separate from the "climb". 
4. Modern sport climbing and gym culture overexposes us to "concentric" upward movement and underexposes us to "eccentric" downward movement. 
5. The ratio of deliberate practice to level of skill is low in climbing compared to other disciplines. 
6. A graded system of routes and boulders outside our control makes it challenging to establish and train from our own internal sense of what needs improvement 
7. Language used in climbing contexts describe external rather than internal phenomena, whereas climbing is experienced from within. 
8. Popular conceptions of "climbing" exclude those with injuries, illnesses, or those otherwise unable to perform at their best, from "real climbing". 
9. Social performativity of bravery and risk taking (see (2)) triggers overvaluing of others' opinions compared to one's own climbing experience. 
10. The obsession with regular observable improvement works against our ability to work on our deepest cruxes. 

Designed for any climber, at any point on your journey, to listen to and follow along with anytime and anywhere.

Rest day? Check. 
Injured but want to still be climbing"? Check. 
Pre-climb tune-in? Check. 
Mid-session rest-and mental reset? Check. 
Post-climb cool down? Check. 
Stressy, messy, pressy life moments where you'd rather be climbing? CHECK! 
 
Having a body, a mind, and an attentive state of presence - are all you need. 

As always, climb well, be well, and thanks for listening!