E60: Louis Parkinson - Coach, climber and Captain Cutloose
Aug 23, 2023
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Louis Parkinson, Coach, climber and Captain Cutloose, joins the podcast to discuss engaging easy climbs, the pressure of online fame, competing in climbing competitions as you get older, challenging climbs and overcoming fear, the strength of a deadlift, Louis' climbing goals and challenges, climbing injuries and differences between indoor and outdoor climbing, managing anger during climbing sessions and balancing teaching styles, and determining strength or skill as the point of failure in climbing moves.
Louis Parkinson, also known as Captain Cutloose, is a passionate coach and climber, and the founder of Catalyst, a coaching company.
Louis enjoys trying new activities and finds fulfillment in challenging himself in various disciplines.
Running Catalyst comes with its fair share of challenges, but Louis is proud of what he has accomplished and the positive impact he has had on others.
Louis maintains a friendly and approachable demeanor despite the pressures of online recognition, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and kindness.
Developing a tough skin and the ability to compartmentalize are essential when dealing with both positive and negative feedback.
Louis reflects on the shift in mindset from focusing on results to prioritizing the enjoyment of the competition experience in climbing.
Deep dives
Louis Parkinson's passion for coaching and climbing
Louis Parkinson, also known as Captain Cutloose, is a passionate coach and climber. He is the founder of Catalyst, a coaching company, and has competed in numerous competitions. Louis maintains an active presence on social media and is known for his YouTube content. He prioritizes his coaching sessions and enjoys working with both adult and junior climbers. While running a business can be stressful, Louis is grateful for the opportunity to do what he loves and inspire others.
Finding joy in trying new activities
Louis has a natural enthusiasm for trying new activities. He often finds himself quickly attaching to new sports and hobbies, such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and reflex ball training. While his passion for climbing remains strong, he enjoys the sense of play and learning that comes with trying different activities. Louis appreciates the opportunity to challenge himself in various disciplines and remains grateful for the experiences.
The challenges and rewards of running Catalyst
Running Catalyst, while rewarding, comes with its fair share of challenges. Louis aspires to find a balance between doing the work he loves and managing the business. Financial stability and being able to pay himself and his team is a goal he is working towards. Despite the stresses and chaos that come with running a business, Louis is proud of what he has accomplished and the positive impact he has had on others.
Maintaining a positive online presence
Louis has a significant online presence, particularly on YouTube and Instagram. While interacting with fans and being recognized can sometimes add pressure, Louis strives to maintain a friendly and approachable demeanor. He understands the importance of gratitude and aims to make others feel valued and appreciated. Louis acknowledges that even on days when he might not feel his best, he still wants to be kind and respectful to those who admire his work.
Facing criticism and managing online comments
The speaker discusses the experience of receiving both positive and negative feedback from online comments and emphasizes the need to develop a tough skin and the ability to compartmentalize.
The importance of enjoying the process in competitions
The speaker shares their personal journey in competition climbing, highlighting the shift in mindset from focusing on results to prioritizing the enjoyment of the competition experience itself.
Dealing with imposter syndrome and finding inspiration in others
The speaker reflects on their own struggles with imposter syndrome and shares insights gained from Beyoncé's approach of using an alter ego to boost self-confidence. They emphasize the importance of self-acceptance and not tying self-worth solely to external validation.
Overcoming fear and pushing personal boundaries
The speaker discusses their experiences in various adventurous activities, including trad climbing and deep water soloing. They highlight the thrill of confronting fear and challenging oneself, finding fulfillment in pushing personal boundaries.
Balancing showing students and natural learning
As a coach, I strive to encourage students to learn through their own direct experiences, rather than relying on me to provide solutions. I facilitate their learning by allowing them to make mistakes, try different approaches, and reflect on their experiences. Instead of showing them exactly how to do something, I guide them in exploring various options and encourage them to think critically about their movements and decisions. This approach promotes independent problem-solving and self-discovery, which are vital skills for long-term growth in climbing.
Differentiating between strength and skill as points of failure
Differentiating between strength and skill as the primary factors causing failure in climbing moves can be challenging. To address this, I approach it scientifically and require substantial evidence to conclude that strength is the limiting factor. I ensure that climbers have tried every conceivable method and condition, giving them ample opportunity to succeed. Often, what may initially appear as a strength issue may be resolved with improved technique, body positioning, or finding alternative beta. Patience is crucial in exploring all possibilities and avoiding premature assumptions about strength limitations.
Louis AKA Captain Cutloose joins us this week. As one of the busiest people in climbing it took a few months to find a time but once we did it was a real treat. Louis' media persona is the incredibly energetic and enthusiastic climbing coach that you may have seen on Instagram or Youtube, but somehow he actually is just like that in real life too. He's effortlessly entertaining and manages to sneak profound suggestions and useful tips under the rug almost without you noticing.
Thanks for listening!
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