When I worked with Jess in 2011, she suggested goal setting. She recognised it as a weakness in my climbing and saw it as a clear, measurable way to improve my ability. Although I had used goals previously, my perception of setting goals took on a more structured stance. The Acronym SMART was used to guide me through these sessions: Specific Measurable Attainable Realistic and Timely.
Here's what I've learnt.
1) Setting a personal goal, such as a route. I set myself a main goal (such as a target route or grade) that I wish to reach. I usually research it carefully, picking out the most suitable objective. In the broadest sense, it could be reaching the summit or the top of a route. I'll write this main goal down: 'climb Route X by the end of August 2014.' I'll also choose smaller, more specific 'sub-goals' that will act as stepping stones along the way. This ensures my ability gradually improves, measurably and realistically. You can even plan the sub-goals for each week or month. For example: 'climb Route A in June. Climb Route B in July.'
2) On-route goal setting. Again, the main objective is to reach the top of the route without falling off. But you can break down the climb into smaller, bite-size chunks that are more manageable. This is a great way to avoid becoming 'overwhelmed' by the daunting challenge. Gather as much information as you can before you leave the ground, and keep focussed of the next opportunity - be it gear, rests or obvious cruxes. For example: Section 1: easy climbing to a good rest. Be sure to put lots of good gear in before leaving the rest. Section 2: the crux. Maintain a steady, focussed flow and have confidence in your gear below. Section 3: focus on reaching what looks like a good rest just above. Section 4: keep it together and remain calm as you reach the top.
3) Goal setting in other aspects. Thankfully, I can use goal setting in my training program and for the other sports I enjoy. Training is both measurable and specific - ensure that you build up your ability slowly and carefully, always paying attention to the task in hand. Every so often, allow yourself to concentrate on the 'main goal', and track your progress towards it. Fell running is often goal-orientated, and racing against the clock is a good way to push yourself. A 'real-world' example: I wanted to climb the classic E5 test piece 'Right Wall' on Dinas Cromlech. The previous year, I climbed the other, easier Cromlech routes and ensured I was comfortable with the style of climbing. After a month's trad climbing on a road trip round the UK, I was able to consistently onsight several E4s in a day and had even onsighted a couple of E5s. Once comfortable with this new grade, I climbed Right Wall. Thanks to goal setting, I was able to work towards this target gradually, slowly building up my ability. If I had tried this route before I was ready, I'm not sure I would have been successful.
For more on Tom's adventures, please follow at www.tomlivingstone.co.uk
Here's what I've learnt.
1) Setting a personal goal, such as a route. I set myself a main goal (such as a target route or grade) that I wish to reach. I usually research it carefully, picking out the most suitable objective. In the broadest sense, it could be reaching the summit or the top of a route. I'll write this main goal down: 'climb Route X by the end of August 2014.' I'll also choose smaller, more specific 'sub-goals' that will act as stepping stones along the way. This ensures my ability gradually improves, measurably and realistically. You can even plan the sub-goals for each week or month. For example: 'climb Route A in June. Climb Route B in July.'
2) On-route goal setting. Again, the main objective is to reach the top of the route without falling off. But you can break down the climb into smaller, bite-size chunks that are more manageable. This is a great way to avoid becoming 'overwhelmed' by the daunting challenge. Gather as much information as you can before you leave the ground, and keep focussed of the next opportunity - be it gear, rests or obvious cruxes. For example: Section 1: easy climbing to a good rest. Be sure to put lots of good gear in before leaving the rest. Section 2: the crux. Maintain a steady, focussed flow and have confidence in your gear below. Section 3: focus on reaching what looks like a good rest just above. Section 4: keep it together and remain calm as you reach the top.
3) Goal setting in other aspects. Thankfully, I can use goal setting in my training program and for the other sports I enjoy. Training is both measurable and specific - ensure that you build up your ability slowly and carefully, always paying attention to the task in hand. Every so often, allow yourself to concentrate on the 'main goal', and track your progress towards it. Fell running is often goal-orientated, and racing against the clock is a good way to push yourself. A 'real-world' example: I wanted to climb the classic E5 test piece 'Right Wall' on Dinas Cromlech. The previous year, I climbed the other, easier Cromlech routes and ensured I was comfortable with the style of climbing. After a month's trad climbing on a road trip round the UK, I was able to consistently onsight several E4s in a day and had even onsighted a couple of E5s. Once comfortable with this new grade, I climbed Right Wall. Thanks to goal setting, I was able to work towards this target gradually, slowly building up my ability. If I had tried this route before I was ready, I'm not sure I would have been successful.
For more on Tom's adventures, please follow at www.tomlivingstone.co.uk