The risks and rewards of climbing higher

The risks and rewards of climbing higher.

Often, the higher we go the more we fear falling.

Over the weekend we took our kids to a local climbing gym.

My son Ethan has a clear passion for the sport and this shows in his mindset approach to each different pitch he takes on.

Every time we go to the local gym he always attempts new routes that are beyond his current perception of his capability.

Until he realises they’re not.

Sometimes he makes it to the top the first time, other times it takes him a few attempts.

What never changes however is how he recovers each time he doesn’t make it.

He steps back from the wall, looks for different options and goes again.

Yet, its not until he’s climbing that he’s able to work through the different sequence of hand and foot holds that take him higher.

He’s learning that his success is often a matter of perspective, not actually a reflection of his ability.

When I’m belaying, he now knows I can see things that he can’t.  So long as he asks and only if it’s helpful, I love providing him with gentle guidance and support on his next possible move.

Normally, I can see moves that are bold as well as other smaller micro adjustments, but it’s always up to him to choose and make the move when he feels ready and able.

Climbing is a challenging sport and a great metaphor for life, leadership and performance.

Often, the higher we go the more we fear falling.

The reality is, more often than not, that we have the capability, it’s simply our perception of risk and a fear of not executing a move successfully first time that keeps us holding on tightly to exactly where we don’t want to be.

And that impacts our capacity and our conviction.

Losing momentum whilst climbing is one of the hardest things to recover from because being stuck wastes valuable physical, mental and emotional energy.

The truth is, whatever level you’re at and whatever metaphorical grade of pitch you’re currently climbing, it’s really easy to get stuck. And being stuck can manifest in many different ways.

The biggest risk we all face on our life, leadership and performance journey is losing momentum and not adjusting routes quickly when we do.

Identifying this early and finding an alternative, smoother route to the top of your current pitch, will save huge amounts of time and reduce the unnecessary expenditure of your physical, mental and emotional energies.

It doesn’t have to be a bold risky move, it could simply be a micro adjustment, but whatever change you make needs to be executed with conviction and belief.

That’s why having someone to guide you up each pitch, to support and encourage you to make your moves and to be there when you temporarily lose your footing cannot be understated.

You just need to find a person you can trust to be your belay and ask them to help you to explore other ways, so you can find the route that works for you.

Just be aware that you are the climber. They can’t and shouldn’t pull you to the top.

You need honour yourself for the effort you put in to truly feel the impact of the rewards you receive in whatever form they emerge.

To find out more about one on one mentoring please follow the link below.

If you’d like to set up a discovery session please don’t hesitate to get in contact.

I’d love to support you on your life, leadership and performance journey.

In your service.