Mind over matter. I love the saying and find it spot on for climbing. When you have reached certain level of climbing physique, the mental element becomes a huge part of a climb. Often times you fail a climb in your mind long before your body gives up due to lack of strength or endurance.
Here you'll find a list of techniques you can use to enhance your mental strength.
Build confidence, erase doubt
When you know you can do a route the climb feels easier, even though you really haven't ever done the route. For example if you know a friend, a lesser climber of course, has done the ascent, you find the climb easier. And that's because of
confidence. Doubt makes weak. When not in doubt, you climb relaxed and in optimal mode for peak performance.
Here's my list for you to build confidence and erase doubt:
- Train hard (surprise! )
- Read inspiring Climbing Books
- Build mental imagery of a successful climb
- Become accustomed to falling (especially important in the beginning)
- Develop a climbing attitude
(This is an article in progress, so more tips will be added shortly. I will also link the tips to relevant articles.)
