TBP 280: Lessons Alex and Neely Learned about Climbing in 2024

In this episode Coach Alex Stiger and I talk openly about what we learned in 2024 about ourselves and our climbing, for better or for worse. We each chose the 5 most poignant things we learned and discussed each in depth.

Alex’s List

1. She realized she’d been protecting herself from fear and discomfort for a long time – wants to break out of that
2. Managing stress load outside of climbing and how that affects her climbing
3. Neurodivergence in climbing: her new diagnosis
4. Learned how to find her own beta!
5. Learne about how to stay positive on above max level routes

My List

1. Don’t ignore my body! (I have an injury I could’ve dealt with a long time ago)
2. Finances and climbing: we embraced FIRE this year so that we can eventually climb more
3. I can project hard things without freaking out now because of the mindset work I’ve done
4. Age is not an excuse
5. Patriarchy in climbing: how it shows up and how I’ve approached dismantling it in my life

Some of the things we talk about in this episode have been very private to us until this very public conversation, so please give us grace as we explore new concepts and talk them out with each other as friends!

Work with Me on Your Mindset in Climbing

If you want to work on your fear, anxiety, and performance mindset with me one-on-one, I’m accepting 6 new clients to do 3 months of work (6 sessions) on all things climbing.

I’ve been climbing for 27 years, and I feel uniquely qualified to act as both your coach (asking you questions only you know the answers to) AND your mentor (giving you advice) in climbing.

I am a Certified Professional Coach and will hold a safe space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings about any topic you want to discuss. We will make goals for each session, and I’ll hold you accountable to carrying out the homework I give you during each session. I’m really looking forward to working with you!

Work with Me on Your Climbing Mindset