We don't always get what we want, but that has nothing to do with being deserving. Life happens, and we can’t control the way it unfolds. There’s a general belief that if we work hard enough, we’ll eventually get what we most want. But this isn’t always the case, and it’s no reflection of our efforts. Some things are simply not meant to work out.

Nedra Tawwab

In climbing, we often face a situation like not sending our project, or placing badly in a competition, where despite giving our best efforts we don't get what we seem to deserve. We often work with climbers who expect that their best climbing training represent their general fitness and hence the expectancy to always do this well in competitions. Or who expect that if they train really hard, they will eventually earn their guaranteed success. Or who believe that if they do well once, they can expect to do well all of the time.

The expectation that hard work always guarantees success can lead to disappointment when things don’t go as planned.

In that regard, climbing can teach us that not every attempt, despite doing our best, will be successful. It’s a humbling reminder that on some days a route, a boulder, or a podium place, might remain out of reach, no matter how deserving we feel. However, this doesn’t diminish our effort or our worth. It simply reflects the unpredictable nature of both the sport and life.

By acknowledging that we cannot control every outcome, we can shift our focus from entitlement to acceptance. Climbing with its inherent challenges and aspects outside our control, can become an opportunity to learn and grow, regardless of the results. This mindset allows us to appreciate each step along the way.

So next time you face a disappointing result, remember that your worth isn’t measured by your achievements. Some things don’t go as planned, maybe they are not meant to work out, maybe not right now. It’s all part of your journey.

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