Commitment (revisited)
November 15th, 2011Commitment. There’s a word that is used a lot in climbing and has a lot of different meanings to different people. Quite some time ago, I wrote about this as it applies to what I consider to be the first step in “commitment” on any given climb: that is, simply committing to going on the climbing trip in the first place. I’m reprinting that original post in its entirety as I feel it is a good early season reminder of how to start realizing your goals, by making a commitment (in this case, a financial one) to doing so, by buying your plane ticket to where ever it is the climbing is to take place. Simply doing this, makes you much less likely to fail at trying your objective since knowing that you’ve invested something in it this early, you will focus your mind and body towards making the proper preparations towards realizing your goal. This level of commitment also builds the trust in the partnership that you’ll no doubt need on any serious climb, since you and your partner(s) will have the same level of investment towards the trip. For me, committing to a goal by buying a plane ticket, paying for entry, making a deposit, etc. also lets me relax some and not worry so much about which is the “best” use of my time and money, since I’ll have the satisfaction of already making a decision. I don’t look back and waste time on regrets. I simply make a good decision about my goals, make some form of commitment towards achieving them, and then focus on developing the map towards getting me as prepared as possible for success (whatever you define that as).
Of course, commitment is only the first step and you will have many others to complete along the way, but having made commitment first, it will make you more accountable towards and, hence, more likely to completing the other necessary steps for any successful climbing trip.
Here it is:
It is not uncommon for people to lose their enthusiasm for your big plans as the time draws nearer. Thoughts of sport climbing, skiing locally and likely fear will often extinguish the flames of anticipation and lead to a change of heart. Once you have shelled out a bunch of cash, however, things are much different. It is often the hardest thing to do. So, my advice is if you really want to make a dream trip happen: find a willing partner, agree on dates, then BUY THE FUCKING TICKETS! You’ll be satisfied as it takes all the second guessing and worrying away. You are safe in your knowledge that, in a sense, your fate is sealed. You are going. All the other details, like equipment, route specifics and other logistics will work themselves out. The ticket (pretty much) ensures that both you and your partner are going and you ain’t going to bail. It is a good show of commitment.
Of course there are some other small things to consider, as well. If you are going to Asia, for example, you may need a VISA. So, get on this right away as it can take a while to process these applications. Also, if you are going to need a permit for your objective get someone working on this as soon as you have made your decision to go. These are important, but I find that once the ticket is purchased, the gig is on!
The original post got me to Kyrgyzstan for two seasons of winter climbing. Thanks.