What I Realized about How We Change by Going Rock Climbing

I definitely did not look like this guy yesterday. But I had great fun and enjoyed being with other climbers.
Right around St. Patrick’s Day this year, I was preparing to return to rock climbing, a favorite pastime in college. I dug out my climbing shoes and dusted off my harness. I double-checked my belay device (and that I still knew how to use it). I scrolled through the Ventura climbing gym’s hours and planned my visit.
And then the world shut down.
I’d not climbed in about 17 years. Even though I was long overdue, I figured I could wait a little longer.
Last week, Ventura County moved into California’s Red Tier classification for managing the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant that the local gym could reopen.
So yesterday, I booked my two-hour, socially-distanced slot and climbed for two hours. I realized two things:
- I’m definitely not 22 anymore, and
- The secret to being a good climber is being able to visualize your moves before you do them, which is a lot like how we change our behavior.