Confidence can transform pre-climb nerves into a super power; channelling the nervous energy into additional effort rather than a distraction and hindrance!

Going into your project with greater confidence will help you get the most out of the months of hard work training.

Confidence is more than just naively believing you can do it. It is about understanding your capabilities.

Here are some tips to improve your confidence: 

1. Achieving goals!

This is one of the most effective ways to develop confidence. However, the type of achievements we choose to measure makes all the difference.

Measure success through mastery rather than just the send. Celebrate successes like developing greater control on steep climbing, or recovering quicker on marginal rests. Keep coming back to these as you prepare for your project.

2. Visualise success!

Visualise yourself climbing the route or problem successfully!

But also try visualising yourself dealing with situations where things don’t go perfectly! For example, fluffing a clip. Imagine yourself staying calm, keeping a loose grip.

3. Positive self-talk!

Use positive and motivational self talk – what you say is what you believe! Remind yourself of the mastery goals you have previously achieved.

Use positive and motivational self talk – what you say is what you believe! Remind yourself of the mastery goals you have previously achieved.

4. Good vibes!

Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your abilities. Their positive energy can help you feel more confident and motivated.

Confidence vs. Expectations

We don’t want to confuse confidence with unhelpful expectations.

You might think to yourself: “I can climb all 7As” and perceive this as confidence in your ability.

However, this belief is outcome oriented, and can be unhelpful.

For example, if you find yourself unable to climb a 7A, this may be perceived as a ‘failure’ – “I should be able to do this”.

With this mindset, it’s harder to see the big picture, where your progress and development is the success. We only see the failure.

It’s also harder to recognise the elements that are out of our control, like the conditions or our levels of fatigue.

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