Exercise

How Bouldering Taught Me To Embrace Fear And Free My Mind

Sean Selby

06 Feb 2024 — 1 min read

In 2023, I tried bouldering for the first time.

My younger brother was going slow and teaching me climbing basics. Despite this, climbing felt foreign to me, as I hadn't climbed since I was a kid.

My journey in bouldering began not out of strength, but from a place of vulnerability.

I Felt Like A Fish Out Of Water

There was a moment halfway up a beginner route when my body froze, and I couldn't move my legs.

I didn't think I could go higher. I didn't think I could climb down. I was starting to panic.

Why was I climbing up this wall?

Fear Took Hold Of Me

My sweaty palms and racing heart reminded me I was in danger.

I knew that fear was a normal physical reaction. It's an adaptive emotion. I just needed to find a way to harness it.

Was I going to fall off the wall?

I Took 3 Deep Breaths

I felt my body relax slightly.

I took 3 more deep breaths. I was starting to feel more in control. Maybe this wasn't so bad after all.

Maybe I could make it down to the ground.

Embracing Fear Helped Free My Mind

As in life, the most efficient path in bouldering often involves embracing fear rather than fighting it.

Once I acknowledged my fear and accepted it, I started moving with confidence. I reached the top of the climb and came down. I conquered more than the wall that day.

I also conquered my fear.

💡

Embracing fear instead of avoiding or fighting is the fastest way to overcome it and start moving forwards.

Cameron Smith, Take2 CEO speaking at the Aotearoa Youth Justice Summit

The Power of a Single Step: Transforming Youth Justice Landscapes

There is no ambulance waiting at the bottom of the cliff. Only rolling hills that remind us change starts with one decisive step 🤔 Yesterday, I was inspired at the Youth Justice in Aotearoa Summit hosted by Foundation North, where a dedicated delegation from California gathered to explore New Zealand'

3 books to improve your negotiation and communication skills and build stronger relationships.

3 Books That Fundamentally Shifted My Ability To Negotiate, Communicate, And Build Relationships

Over the past 3 years, I have read 12 books on the subject of negotiation. Unfortunately, most of them were a waste of time. They could have easily been blog posts or even newsletter emails. These three books are the keys to authentic communication and relationship building. Book #1: Never

How adopting a growth mindset helps you succeed

Afraid Of Failing As A Part-Time Student When You're Working A 40-Hour Week? Discover How Mindset Expert Matthew Syed Views Failure, So You Can Learn New Skills, Pass Your Exams, And Earn As You Learn

In his book Bounce, Mindset Expert Matthew Syed outlines the difference between two mindsets: Fixed Mindset A fixed mindset is where you believe that success is all about talent. * You believe talent is a gift or trait you were born with. * If you think you're talented, you think

Balancing work, rest and play is hard, especially when your a part time student.

How I Learned The Art Of Focus By Balancing Full-Time Work With Part-Time Study In My 30s, And How It Almost Burnt Me Out

Self-growth is a marathon, not a sprint, especially when juggling full-time work and part-time study. It's great to strive for hard goals and push yourself in the process. But it's important to keep tabs on your capacity and how you're coping with your workload.