(photo courtesy of nicros.com)
Mental training is an aspect of climbing that can be easy to overlook and one that is hard to train. Being really strong and having good technique doesn’t mean quite as much if you are lacking the mental confidence to approach a new boulder problem or attack a redpoint burn or handle a tough training session.
One mental block that can get in the way of climbing success is the fear of failure. It is one of those ironic situations where often times it is the fear of failing that leads to the failure. This article from nicros.com offers three strategies on how to mentally train yourself to get over this fear…
“In climbing, a try-not-to-fail “prevent defense” results in tentative movement and a trepidation in making tenuous or dynamic moves. Furthermore, the fear of failure leads to second-guessing sequences, doubting your ability, and focusing on the possibility of failure. This mental tension manifests itself as shallow breathing, overgripping of holds, jitters, and tense, inefficient movement. Before long, the very thing you are trying to avoid finds you.
Since this fear is completely self-imposed, however, it can be eliminated. Following are three strategies for killing this fear at its roots.”…..-Eric Hörst
Read the three strategies HERE: Overcoming the Fear of Failure
