Future Problems

How many times have you started trying a new hard climb only to immediately get distracted by thoughts of how you could be more prepared for it? 

You encounter a hard heel hook move = “I should be stretching more.”

There’s a move that feels too big = “What if I start deadlifting and moonboarding?”

The crux revolves around a terrible crimp = *daydreams about hangboarding protocols*

Whenever I start down this rabbit hole — of putting more focus into how I can show up better prepared another day than what I can be doing right now in this moment — I remind myself, “That’s future Nathan’s problem.”

It’s addicting to daydream about how we can show up more prepared in the future. Well-intentioned brainstorming about improving ourselves can quickly devolve into avoiding the challenge in front of us.

The author climbing Zookeeper, Red River Gorge. Photo: Andy Cutler

Yes, It would be nice to be stronger and fitter. That isn’t happening today though. Right now, in this moment, you are as prepared as you’re going to be. What can you do to get the absolute most out of this time in front of you? Are you here to climb or are you here to daydream?

What if you turned your focus towards finding the best beta and body positions possible? Have you tried getting a power spot into that move to see what subtleties you might be missing? Have you tried the move seven times yet? Are there better tactics you could be using? Have you tried trying hard? Can you rest longer to feel more recovered for your next go? Do you have a snack you can eat to get more energy?

Right now, in this moment, it’s just you and the climb. Any attribute you wish you had is a problem for future-you. Take note of it and move on. Don’t let it distract you. If you can turn your entire focus onto what you are in control of right now, you might surprise yourself with what you can accomplish. That climb in front of you, the one that felt impossible an hour ago, might not be your future-self’s problem after all.