THE PSYCHOLOGY OF PUSHING LIMITS: LESSONS FROM BROOKE RABOUTOU’S EXCALIBUR
Congratulations to Brooke Raboutou on becoming the first woman to climb 9b+ on rock!
Yes, it’s a historic moment. Yes, it’s an incredible achievement. But what stands out most isn’t just the grade – it’s her mindset behind it.
In her reflection on Excalibur, Brooke writes on Instagram:
“…Some days felt like effortless harmony; on others, we fought, our voices raised. […] You taught me to argue with doubt until it began to doubt itself. You asked for everything, but gave me even more in return.”
These words say so much about what projecting at your limit really demands. Not just strength. Not just talent. But the ability to stay open – to the frustration, the fear, the not-knowing. The ability to keep showing up anyway. And the ability to have a conversation with your doubt rather than letting it take over the narrative.
Photo credits: @crimps.films
Why doubt isn’t the enemy
We often treat doubt like something to get rid of. But research in performance psychology suggests that doubt—when acknowledged and worked with—can actually increase adaptive self-regulation and mental flexibility.
In high-stakes or high-uncertainty situations (like projecting something at your physical and psychological limit), self-doubt can trigger deeper cognitive processing, helping athletes reevaluate, problem-solve, and engage more intentionally with their goals (Pelletier et al., 2014).
Put differently: it’s not about not doubting. It’s about what you do with the doubt once it’s there.
Brooke’s reflection – “you taught me to argue with doubt until it began to doubt itself” – is a perfect example of this kind of internal dialogue. It’s not a motivational slogan. It’s a form of inner resilience. A willingness to question the story that doubt tells you.
The emotional reality of projecting
If you’ve projected at your limit before, you know this feeling.
Some days feel flowy and promising. Others, it’s like the route fights you at every move. You question your beta, your fitness, your sanity. The temptation to avoid the discomfort – or to escape into perfectionism – is strong.
But climbing at your limit means staying in that space of emotional risk. Not rushing to resolve it. Not numbing it. Just staying open to what’s there, even when it’s messy.
That’s what makes it so hard. And that’s what makes it so rewarding.
What Brooke’s mindset teaches us
It’s easy to admire the send. But the real magic lies in the process: the daily work, the relationship with the route, the ability to show up fully without guarantees. Brooke didn’t just climb 9b+ – she modeled what it looks like to approach a climb with honesty, emotional depth, and psychological commitment.
This mindset – of being present with discomfort, of dialoguing with doubt – isn’t reserved for elite climbers. It’s a skill anyone can practice. And it matters just as much whether you’re projecting your first 7a or your hardest 9a.
So next time you’re on a project and the doubt creeps in, ask yourself:
What story is this doubt trying to tell me?
And do I have to believe it?
Sometimes, arguing with your doubt isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of deep mental strength.
Congratulations again, Brooke – and thank you for letting us see what this kind of mindset looks like in action.
What has projecting at your limit taught you about yourself?
We’d love to hear your reflections.
Want to work on your mindset?
Due to the competition season being in full swing and high demand, we’re currently prioritising competition climbers for 1:1 sessions. If you're a recreational climber and would like to explore working together, you can already sign up now for a free 30-minute call to secure your spot – free slots will open up again in July.
In the meantime, if you’re ready to get started, we recommend checking out Unblocd – The Climbing Gym for your Mind. Unblocd is an affordable and accessible online mental skills training platform and a Climbing Psychology spin-off. With a membership, you’ll get access to a growing library of interactive courses, including topics like Fear of Falling, Climbing Habits, and Projecting Mindset. A new course on Climbing Injuries is coming soon, with more added regularly. And if you ever get stuck, you can join our monthly live Q&As for professional support and guidance.
We’d love to support your journey – wherever you are in it! 💙