One Rock at a Time

Over the years, I have heard people say, "It's about the process, not the outcome." And I refused that idea to my very core. If I couldn't produce a positive outcome, what good was I? What could I possibly be worth? Consequently, if I found there was something I couldn't naturally succeed in, I would lock myself in a closet to practice and perfect. No one was allowed in until it was near flawless.

I preferred to struggle alone. Fail alone.

Stuck Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Indoor rock climbing didn't grant me that privacy. Fellow climbers were always watching to see how you were able to climb a route. It's never malicious, but the thought was still extremely uncomfortable.

This discomfort made me dread going to the climbing gym. That, in combination with my lack of upper body strength, meant I was always flailing for my life on the wall. Or at least that’s what it felt like.

How embarrassing.

Anyone who isn't embarrassed of who they were last year probably isn't learning enough." - Alain de Botton

But I kept at it at the encouragement of friends and family. I grew in strength and started to learn basic techniques.

As for the onlookers in the gym? I still shudder inside at the thought of my failures being witnessed, but I'm hoping to normalize showing the process. The trial and error.

Isn't that more representative of a success story?

Progress Turned Success

After months of being stuck on Basic (beginner) climbing routes, I finally reached V0/V1 (slightly less beginner). Below is a compilation of videos of me trying to send a green V1. It took me three weeks and many failed attempts, but I did it. Things can only look up from here.