What matters more than momentum…
A few weeks ago, my partner and I took our first bouldering class here in Bend. We signed up so we could learn a new skill together and climb with our daughters, who are 7 and 5.
We had previously observed them moving effortlessly up, down, and across various climbing walls, so we thought…
How hard could it be?
Well, I’ll give you a hint…
We've been back to the bouldering gym at least six times since that first lesson, and every time we go I am reminded of the momentum equation.
Momentum = Mass x Velocity
I don't know about you, but us 40-somethings simply do not accelerate as quickly as we used to. Although we may be stronger than our children, we are easily weighed down by our mass and our mindset.
Because it is difficult to shed weight and frustration at a moment's notice, building momentum in a new endeavor requires sustained focus on a third thing.
Something that matters more than momentum…
A clear and compelling direction
Just like any ambitious undertaking, a bouldering route is a ‘problem’ you can overcome. (Yes, 'problem' is the actual term.)
How you choose to move yourself up and over is personal. Your approach is based on your individual size, strength, balance, flexibility, and skill.
Yet these variables are meaningless in the absence of a clear and compelling direction - a line that reminds you where to direct your energy and effort, and why!
In your career - and in the absence of color-coded hand holds! - one way to find your clear and compelling direction is through visualization.
Start by visualizing your destination with as much detail as possible.
Where is it in front of you?
What is it comprised of?
What about it compels you?
How will you know when you reach it?
Then, imagine tracing a line that connects your destination with the present moment.
What is the direction of your line?
Is your line straight or winding?
What about it intimidates you?
What segments of your line are worth studying or testing?
Writing out your answers to these questions helps you shift from Improviser to Strategist, one who is willing to pursue a "moon shot" in a variety of different ways, because you understand:
Your route may not always be easy or comfortable.
You may not always have the velocity or momentum you hoped for.
You may encounter friction that is in you, or feels like a wall in front of you.
So when you veer off - and you will! - you have a clear and compelling direction that calls you back into alignment.
