Do you struggle with your mindset when projecting?

Now that bouldering season is here in the UK, we’re all excited to jump back on the proj. But do you ever find the pressure to send in the ever shrinking weather window a bit overwhelming? Perhaps, even detrimental to your performance?

You have your sights firmly set on a project. The feeling of topping out or clipping the chains fills you with anticipation of the exaltation to come. However, along with the incredible highs associated with trying something near your physical and technical ability, it also comes with some additional stressors and hardships.

So here are coach Matt’s tips for keeping a cool head:

1. Set Realistic Goals For Each Session

Break down your project into smaller, manageable steps and focus on improving one aspect at a time. This will help you stay motivated and build confidence as you progress. It could be something as big as linking large sections of your climb or simply trying to better learn the subtleties of individual moves.

2. Celebrate Small Victories

Acknowledge and celebrate your progress along the way. Even if you haven’t completed the entire climb or boulder problem, take pride in the improvements you’ve made. Recognizing your achievements, no matter how small, is a great way to take positive lessons from each session.

3. Take Breaks And Rest

It’s important to give your body and mind sufficient rest. Overtraining can lead to fatigue and decreased performance. Listen to your body and take rest days when needed. This could mean having smaller sessions on the project to minimise cumulative fatigue.

Another great approach is to have one or two side projects that can keep your climbing fresh and help build confidence and momentum for the sessions dedicated to the main project.

4. There Is No Such Thing As Failure (If You Learn From the Experience)

As the sessions start to stack up, that initial progress that felt so rapid can start to feel like it is slowing or coming to a stop. Look at each session and attempt as an opportunity to learn more about yourself and the climb.

How many quality attempts can you have in a day? Is your performance being affected by the shoes, chalk, conditions, skin, time of day, diet, or mental approach?

Understanding more about how these and other variables affect your performance will help you create more quality sessions and increase your chances of continuing progression on your project.

5. Get By With a Little Help From Your Friends

Surround yourself with supportive friends or mentors who understand the challenges of your climb and projecting. Their encouragement and constructive feedback can help you stay motivated, maintain a positive mindset, and find the positives in every session and attempt.

6. Enjoy The Process

Remember why you started climbing in the first place – for the joy, challenge, and personal growth it offers. Embrace the process of pushing your limits and savour the moments on the wall, at the crag, or on the project. As long as you are sending, training, learning, or having fun, you are not wasting your time.

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