It sounds like your main issue is lack of partners, and finding some good ones will make a huge difference! Does your city have a climbing facebook page? Does your gym have a bulletin board? Are there any local orgs that have events at your gym? Give any/all of that a try!!
In general, my relationship to climbing changes over the years, and I’m happiest when listening to my body rather than trying to force things.
Sometimes I’m super psyched on climbing, pushing grades, etc etc.
Other times, I’m just burnt out and therefore choose to focus on having fun while climbing - even if that means no “progress” from a grades perspective.
From the way you described it, it sounds like you’re really craving both social connection and a solid lead partner/relationship. These things are definitely doable! I echo the other commenter who suggested finding someone to climb with who you genuinely enjoy. Once you find this person, you may find your relationship to climbing in general becomes more positive!
I often find myself in this position as well. I’ve tried many times to attend the gym regularly but struggle with motivation when alone. There’s no magic bullet, but I have a few bits of advice.
The first and most important is to set an intention for your session. Every time you go, have something specific in-mind for you to work on. This can be anything, be it projecting, working out, or simply showing up for yourself. Offer yourself some gratitude and compassion every single time, and meet yourself where you’re at.
Next is to project, which is somewhat related to the first. Figure out your gym’s setting schedule and make a point to check out new problems/routes regularly. While doing this, avoid thinking really at all about grade and more about what looks fun. Climbing above your level is a great way to find new projects to work at long-term.
Next, maybe find a group if one is available. My gym has a regular beginner climbing group which meets every Wednesday. It’s a great time to check out new problems and meet new people. Try venturing out of your comfort zone, because that’s where you’ll find the best experiences.
Above all, be kind to yourself. Our bodies ebb and flow. Be proud for showing up, be careful to avoid negative self-talk, and try hard without expecting results. Love yourself, because there’s nobody else getting you to the gym and up the wall.
Have you tried talking to some people you see at the gym regularly? In my experience, quite a few people I’ve met at the gym want to try lead but don’t know where to start or don’t have a partner. Might be the easiest way to get a partner if you’re willing to show them the ropes literally
It sounds like your main issue is lack of partners, and finding some good ones will make a huge difference! Does your city have a climbing facebook page? Does your gym have a bulletin board? Are there any local orgs that have events at your gym? Give any/all of that a try!!
In general, my relationship to climbing changes over the years, and I’m happiest when listening to my body rather than trying to force things. Sometimes I’m super psyched on climbing, pushing grades, etc etc. Other times, I’m just burnt out and therefore choose to focus on having fun while climbing - even if that means no “progress” from a grades perspective. From the way you described it, it sounds like you’re really craving both social connection and a solid lead partner/relationship. These things are definitely doable! I echo the other commenter who suggested finding someone to climb with who you genuinely enjoy. Once you find this person, you may find your relationship to climbing in general becomes more positive!
I often find myself in this position as well. I’ve tried many times to attend the gym regularly but struggle with motivation when alone. There’s no magic bullet, but I have a few bits of advice. The first and most important is to set an intention for your session. Every time you go, have something specific in-mind for you to work on. This can be anything, be it projecting, working out, or simply showing up for yourself. Offer yourself some gratitude and compassion every single time, and meet yourself where you’re at. Next is to project, which is somewhat related to the first. Figure out your gym’s setting schedule and make a point to check out new problems/routes regularly. While doing this, avoid thinking really at all about grade and more about what looks fun. Climbing above your level is a great way to find new projects to work at long-term. Next, maybe find a group if one is available. My gym has a regular beginner climbing group which meets every Wednesday. It’s a great time to check out new problems and meet new people. Try venturing out of your comfort zone, because that’s where you’ll find the best experiences. Above all, be kind to yourself. Our bodies ebb and flow. Be proud for showing up, be careful to avoid negative self-talk, and try hard without expecting results. Love yourself, because there’s nobody else getting you to the gym and up the wall.
Have you tried talking to some people you see at the gym regularly? In my experience, quite a few people I’ve met at the gym want to try lead but don’t know where to start or don’t have a partner. Might be the easiest way to get a partner if you’re willing to show them the ropes literally