Ninja vs Penguin

Penguin September 23rd, 2008

This past Saturday, I went to the Gunks to do some outdoor climbing. The first route we did was a 5.8. This was the first time I toproped outside and was decidedly nervous.

The first part of the climb was pretty easy. But then I got to the overhang in the pic above. This was about 50ft up. I reached blindly over the edge and felt around for a good hold. I settled on a small crack, crimped, and threw my left hand up, grasping for whatever I could find. I then kicked my right foot up on the edge and pulled myself up. Afterwards, I just stood there on these tiny jibs, mentally and physically tired. My toes trembled with adrenaline. But I made it.

The rest of the climb wasn’t too difficult, but there were moments I wanted to say, “No, I can’t do it. It’s too scary, I’m too tired, it’s too high, my shoes are slipping off, I want to come down.” But I didn’t. I pushed and got to the top.

When I got back down, my ankles were still quivering from the adrenaline and the feeling was amazing.

So much of what you do is mental. Writing, getting your film made, finishing that painting, or just trying something knew. And when everything inside you is telling you, “You can’t do it”, you have to tell yourself, “No. I’m going to try.” And you may climb over the crag or you may fall, but what separates the winners from everyone else is going for it.

What do you need to go for? What steps do you need to take to make it happen?

-Penguin

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Tags: Climbing, Filmmaking, Gunks, Motivation, Thoughts, Toprope

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