Andy Cutler: Big Goals

"Set a Goal so big that you can't achieve it until you grow into the person who can."

This has recently become my mantra in approaching difficult routes. Early on, I fed into the notion that we are all just superficially obsessed with rock climbs. And, although that may be true to some degree, we tend to put the route itself on a pedestal.

For me, sending is only secondary to self-transformation. As much as I want to achieve the task at hand, I am more infatuated with the protagonist. What is required of me? Who do I have to become?

A cumulative effect is mandatory for this pursuit, the culmination of all past experiences that creates a perfect storm for success. Every move, every foot placement, every anchor clipped is a tool vital to a climber’s portfolio. Physical preparation is just the tip of the iceberg and tactics, the cherry on top. Self doubt and uncertainty regarding the integrity of your gear has no place in this complex equation.

Next time you tie in, ask yourself: What thoughts fill your head? What stories do you repeatedly tell yourself? What is your internal dialog? Do you have the freedom to focus?