Gyms opening and closing and restrictions on travel, it is no wonder our climbing goals may seem further out of reach than they have before. But that’s ok.
In The Send Is Important , we spoke about goal setting, how to build a pyramid, having multiple goals as well as dealing with failure.
Right now, I want to take a step back and look at the holistic goal of Health and Fitness. Having both a healthy, fit body and mind. Your own reasons as to why this is important and how reaching this goal will filter down into your climbing.
Health and fitness is the aspect of our life that we are going to look at, and the category which climbing falls under in this important aspect of our lives.
We are going to look at 4 different categories of Health and Fitness to see what we believe about our health and fitness, what our vision is, the big ‘’why’’, and what strategies can we implement to make our vision come to life.
I will give a description of each subheading and an example. I encourage you to write down at least 4 points on each heading.
“When health is absent, wisdom cannot reveal itself, art cannot manifest, strength cannot fight, wealth becomes useless, and intelligence cannot be applied.” -Herophilus
Your Premise refers to the foundational beliefs you hold about health and fitness.
What do you believe? What deeply held beliefs are shaping your life? Are your beliefs empowering? Do they move you at a deep level or are they holding you back? What is your Premise for this area of your life, or what would you like it to be?
- I believe that nothing is more important than my health and fitness. Every other category in my life is anchored to this.
- My body was designed to be well and energy giving. My body, by nature, is full of energy and self-healing powers.
Your Vision refers to the ideal state you would like to achieve for your health and fitness.
Ask yourself: How do you want this area of your life to feel? What do you want it to look like? What do you want to be doing on a consistent basis? Clearly describe your ideal Vision.
- I will be a strong, fit, energetic athlete for the rest of my life.
- My health and fitness allow my body to enter into a flow state. A state of ease and perfection where I am able to express myself organically and be truly free.
Your Purpose refers to the compelling reasons behind what you want in for your health and fitness.
What energizes you? What empowers you to take action? What motivates you to achieve your Vision? Describe WHY you want to make the most out of this area of your life.
- The freedom to do all the things I love, climbing, skiing, slacklining, running, yoga, juggling…
- I want to create the energy I need to achieve my goals.
Your Strategy refers to the specific actions that will get you from where you are now to where you want to be in terms of your health and fitness.
How will you bring your vision into reality? Ask yourself what kind of positive habits, attitudes and action steps you can implement. What’s the RECIPE for the Vision you want to create?
- I will be mindful and grateful regarding food and exercise. I will honor my body and my commitment to it.
- I will create an ideal training/meal plan.
That's about it...
This is big, holistic, deep stuff guys, which many of us have never really thought about. Be flexible with what you have written down in these four categories as they will change over time.
When I first did this exercise my vision was to have a dreamy beach body. Over time I have matured ever so slightly to something more like, I want to be an energetic athlete for the rest of my life.
Take a step back and let these marinate for a while. Apply these same principles to your climbing goals. Long, Medium and Short term goals. Use whatever way you set your goals and get specific, but always with the bigger long-term health and fitness image in mind.
