I've been itching to do this for months and months. I love the sense of accomplishment once you've reached the top of a 30metre climb. The feelings and thoughts that go through your head and the mental control you must have if you want to be successful are empowering. You need to take it one step at a time, it's only between you and the wall, complete focus, a complete sense of flow.
You really get a feel of how strong your body is while hanging from tiny bits of plastic-rock things; it puts it to the test. Pushing up from your legs is powerful, the feeling is incredible. You can't get psyched out, you can't get scared, you must ignore all negative thoughts and feelings and go for it. It really gave me confidence in my abilities, myself and my mental control. It's a must-do for anyone who's doubting themselves, the focus washed away any anxiety.
The state of flow is often talked about in positive
psychology. Other well known terms for "Flow" are "being in the zone" or "keeping your head in the game". Flow is achieved when a person's ability is equal to their challenge. It's the feeling you get when you're completely focused on something, it's very different to most states of conciousness. Time dilates, you don't get hungry, you forget to go to the bathroom. The chemicals released in your brain are similar to those released when a user of cocaine meets their "high". You lose all self conciousness, you have a complete focus on what you're doing and you have a mega sense of achievement and awesomeness. It makes you happier than eating food, doing your usual exercise regime or having an orgasm.
Many musicians, artists, photographers, computer programmers and sportsmen get to
experience this - it's where their obsession stems from.
I believe when an imbalance occurs, most people tend to resort to the easiest way out; when they are anxious they withdraw, or an upset person may eat food to keep them happy and satisfied. These behaviours can often lead to counter productive outcomes such as alcoholism and drug use, obesity and social anxiety.
I often find that if my anxiety is too distracting, I can't draw to the best of my ability. I find I work up a lot of self doubt, insecurity and worthlessness and this can overwhelm my creativity.
I'm a firm believer in the self fulfilling prophecy (that is, how a person's internal thoughts interact with their behaviour, environment and results). Some NLP (Neuro-Linguistic-Programming) techniques enable positive results from recognizing this behaviour and acting accordingly to achieve their values and goals.
For example, when I try to teach my sister how to draw, her fear of failure often leads to failure. While, when she is in a state of "flow", she's quick to embrace her previously learned abilities and improve. I believe a person's abilities have everything to do with their state of mind. Your mind knows no limits, only the ones which you create for yourself from previous experiences. If limits are all you think you know, then limits are all there'll be.
This is why I find breaking out from your comfort zone enables such growth.
But you need virtus, which is Latin for "courage" to overcome anxiety, reach a level of ability which is high enough for your challenge, and eventually, reach a state of 'flow' on which you can improve until you are a master :P
Enough pep talk. To end this post, here's a fantastic video from JK Rowling and her speech to Harvard graduates about the fringe benefits of failure, giving details of her personal experiences.
Enjoy!
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