WHAT MINDSET TRAINING CAN LOOK LIKE: OVERCOMING PERFECTIONISM AND OVERTHINKING
Have you ever felt like your own expectations were your biggest obstacle?
Like the harder you push yourself, the more you seem to get in your own way?
If so, you’re not alone.
Many climbers come to us struggling with perfectionism, overthinking, and the mental exhaustion that comes with carrying the weight of their own expectations.
Let’s take a closer look at what this can look like and how mindset training can help climbers find clarity, balance, and freedom on the wall.
Many of the athletes who work with us are caught in a cycle of self-criticism and overthinking. Dedicated and driven, they hold themselves to incredibly high standards. While this drive often propels them to a solid level of performance, it can also leave them constantly second-guessing themselves, both during training and in competition.
Instead of celebrating progress, these climbers focus on what they haven’t done perfectly.
Mistakes loom large in their minds, and the pressure to “get it right” drains the joy from climbing. When their bodies need rest, their minds refuse to take a break, spinning through endless analyses of what they could have done differently. Over time, this mental strain takes a toll on their confidence and performance.
Photo credit to the incredibly talented Lena Drapella—thank you for letting us feature your work! Please note that when we write general blog posts, the choice of photos is not meant to represent the climbers we work with directly. For posts like this, we aim to select images that highlight the venue or atmosphere, rather than focusing solely on the climber.
Through 1:1 mental coaching, we begin to explore the roots of their perfectionism. They often realize that relentless self-criticism isn’t helping them improve—it’s holding them back. Together, we work on shifting their focus from outcomes to process, helping them embrace climbing as a journey rather than a test of worthiness.
One key breakthrough for many climbers is identifying their habit of comparing themselves to others. Whether it’s teammates or competitors, they feel trapped in a cycle of measuring success against external benchmarks. This awareness allows us to focus on tools for staying present and connected to their own experience.
Over several months of coaching, we develop a toolkit to help them manage perfectionism, quiet their overthinking, and create space for mental recovery:
Redefining success: Instead of aiming for perfection, we set intentions for each session that focus on effort, curiosity, and growth. For example, they might focus on improving footwork or experimenting with a dynamic move—goals that encourage learning rather than flawless execution.
Staying present: Climbers practice techniques to ground themselves in the moment, such as deep breathing, body scans, and mindfulness exercises. These help shift attention from “What if I fail?” to “What’s my next move?”
Mental rest: Just as their bodies need rest days, climbers learn to prioritize mental recovery. For example this can include scheduling screen-free evenings, enjoying hobbies unrelated to climbing, and practicing guided meditations to quiet racing thoughts.
Building identity beyond climbing: One of the most transformative parts of this journey is exploring who they are beyond being climbers. By recognizing their strengths and values in other areas of life, they feel less pressure to define themselves solely by their performance on the wall.
Over time, we notice significant changes in their mindset. Training sessions become opportunities for exploration rather than tests of ability. They begin to enjoy climbing more, even during challenging days, because they are no longer chasing perfection. In competition, they find it easier to stay focused on their own performance rather than worrying about others or the outcome.
Perhaps most importantly, many climbers discover the power of letting go. By releasing the need to control every detail, they unlock a sense of freedom and flow that had been missing from their climbing. This mindset shift doesn’t just improve performance—it also rekindles their love for the sport.
These journeys highlight the importance of addressing the mental side of climbing. Whether you struggle with perfectionism, overthinking, or the pressure to perform, there are tools and strategies that can help you find balance and resilience.
Competitive climbing, like life, isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up, learning, and finding joy in the process. By letting go of the need to prove yourself, you can discover new possibilities both on and off the wall.
What resonates most with you from these stories?
Have you faced similar challenges, and if so, how have you worked through them?
Annual Membership 2025
For 2025, we’re introducing something special: an Annual Membership for competitive climbers. Just as you might work with a coach to create a season-long training plan, this membership provides comprehensive psychological support to enhance your mental game throughout the year. By enrolling, you’ll gain tools to tackle challenges, perform under pressure, and grow consistently as a competitor—all with the guidance of a passionate climbing psychologist. Only very few spots still available.
Learn more about our Annual Membership here and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions!