My recent little win was getting top rope belayed certified. I was putting it off for some reason, but I finally did it. That small green card that now grants me access to the ropes enabled a self pat on the back and immediate confidence boost. This stemmed from another little win a couple of weeks prior, when I decided to hit up the climbing gym in the first place.

Helping You Let Go

Little wins have been particularly important these past few weeks, as I’ve experienced a series of unideal events. I won’t say they weren’t necessary changes for long-term personal fulfillment and goal-setting, but these changes were very, very painful to go through. It’s uncomfortable, as most transformative times are. And because I’m not a robot, I haven’t shaken off the sad emotions completely. Not yet. But little wins aid in this “letting go” process.

It’s in the Action, Rather Than the Act

Climbing these past few weeks has been extremely healing and cathartic. Achieving a physical goal is a pretty straight-forward way to receive the gift of gratification and tangibly see the pay-off in real time.

My hands ache, I’ve skinned a solid spot of skin on my left hand, and my body is sore (but I’d be remiss to not mention the newly pronounced muscles in my shoulders that I’m totally digging). It feels good. It’s difficult to be sad or pity yourself when you’re winning, no matter how mundane (or grand) the task.

Each time go to the climbing gym, I leave with little wins. I conquered the route I couldn’t get on the first attempt. I forgot about the negative aforementioned events. I became a belayer. And now I’m a fervent believer…in little wins.

peace & love,

smb