I know it’s traditional to consider new year’s resolutions at this time of year, but at the moment I feel more of a need for reflection, rest and routines rather than adding anything new to my plate. Last year seemed incredibly busy with around 1000 coaching hours delivered, 7 well attended workshops plus lots of book and workbook sales. I tested out a goal setting and mental skills training roadmap idea and thats about ready to launch I think. I also undertook more than 80hrs of CPD to make sure I stay up to date with sport psychology, clinical psychology and climbing. And despite some injuries I managed to be consistent in climbing twice a week and gym sessions once or twice a week. That feels like a lot for a year!
It’s very wintry currently and I think that lends itself to a bit of hunkering down. Giving myself time to rest and mull things over usually results in lots of new ideas and I can feel a few brewing. Writing, coaching and delivering practical workshops are my favourite things to do, so finding a way to combine all three seems like a no-brainer. Watch this space as my ideas for Confident Climbing develop…
As ever, I have been thinking about how my business can be ethical and sustainable, as well as getting what I feel is good information out to climbers. I have really shied away from using the typical sales pages and insta-selling posts that everyone tells you work because I actually don’t want to create ‘urgency’ or ‘scarcity’ around my content and products. I want people to take their time and consider what will work for them and I don’t want to offer quick fixes, ‘hacks’ or unrealistic promises. Working on your mental game is just that, work, and it takes time and consistency to embed new habits. There is no ‘once and done’. It’s a challenge though when algorithms, pretty posts and clickbait dominate, and I don’t want to join in the in-your-face shouting to be heard. I trust you to make good decisions and also to know that you can reach out to me if you have questions and queries and I will always give you an honest response. It helps me enormously when you leave a review on my shop website or on Amazon or even just email or DM me your thoughts, and it also helps other people to see what you honestly think of my coaching, workshops and books.
Some of things I do as a business to try to be more sustainable are; use an ethical bank account (Starling), use eco/recycled materials for my products, bike and use trains/ e-car to travel, consider my digital footprint (hence no newsletters or mailing lists), use eco-hosting for my website, support organisations that want to improve access to climbing for all, and think about the long term sustainability of the coaching strategies and advice I give. There is definitely more to do and as ever I would love your ideas and thoughts about where I can improve.
So to sum up, its a quieter time of year for me, but there is a lot going on behind the scenes in terms of reflecting, analysing and recuperating, as I try to create space to be open for new ideas. One of the best ways for that to happen for me is to link into the community, and I’m always delighted to hear from you as part of that. May 2025 be a year of connecting and growth for everyone.