How Rock Climbing Teaches Kids About Failure
Climbing guarantees one thing: failure. Success is possible, but failure far outweighs success. Let's clarify: it's not a catastrophic failure. No one is getting fired, being put in timeout, or facing public ridicule over failure. But, if we define success in rock climbing as reaching the top of the wall without falling and staying on the designated path, then climbers of all abilities and ages will fail over and over before they accomplish that goal.
The beauty of rock climbing lies in the personal growth that one can achieve through the inevitability of failure. Each failure is a stepping stone toward success, and the sense of accomplishment when you finally reach the top is unparalleled. As adults, you've come to accept failure as a part of life. Climbing can still evolve your perspective on failure and perseverance, but you have experienced enough curveballs to see the light at the end of the tunnel. This sense of accomplishment inspires and motivates climbers to keep pushing their limits.
Children, on the other hand, live life in a veil of naivety. To them, failure feels catastrophic as they have limited life experience that has challenged them to overcome setbacks. In the 21st century, many kids are privileged to experience instant gratification. While not synonymous with success, instant gratification erases patience, a key character trait in one's ability to handle failure deftly.
Rock climbing can be a powerful tool for teaching children about failure without extinguishing their innocence, a quality that adults often yearn for. Children can develop the character traits needed to face failure with a growth mindset by cultivating patience and problem-solving skills. With its supportive and encouraging atmosphere, the climbing community provides a safe space for children to learn from their failures and grow in confidence. Let's explore how rock climbing can teach children about failure, breaking it down into two key areas.
Developing Patience, Problem-Solving Skills, and a Growth Mindset
Success in rock climbing comes when you are willing to put in the work and learn from your mistakes. Every time you attempt a climb, you gain valuable information on solving a specific problem. You must rethink your strategy if you don't reach the top without falling. Ask yourself what worked. What didn't work? It is challenging to identify what went wrong, but practicing over and over again (aka trying climbs repeatedly) will make the process easier. As kids learn to embrace the process, they will develop patience; otherwise, they'll find themselves frustrated and continue to fail. They'll also learn how to see unsuccessful attempts as lessons in what not to do, thus building their repertoire of problem-solving skills.
The core skills learned in rock climbing, patience, problem-solving, and a growth mindset, are not confined to the climbing wall. They can be wielded in academics, careers, and life's unexpected challenges. These skills, honed in the unique environment of a climbing gym, will give children the confidence to face any obstacle and strive for success.
Community, Independence, and Confidence to Unlock Success
Rock climbing is one of many ventures that can teach kids about failure by building the critical skills needed to face it head-on. But, it is a way to teach them about failure without catastrophic consequences that could permanently burst their joy and naivety. The rock-climbing community is kind, caring, and uplifting to all members (of course, there are a few rotten eggs, but most are lovely). As an individualized sport, having a supportive community reminds the kids that they are strong and capable. Whether it's cheering them on while climbing or talking to them between attempts, kids will develop the confidence to believe in themselves through the support of others. Over time, channeling others' encouragement into self-belief will become independence and self-reliance in the kids. What started as building the confidence to get to the top of a climb will blossom into self-confidence in life and provide them with proof that they can handle failure. This role of the climbing community will reassure you as a parent, caregiver, etc., and give you confidence in your children's growth.
If you can do one thing to help your kids learn about failure, it is to sign them up for rock climbing. It is the best teacher paralleling life to a tee. The most outstanding self-help books and motivational speakers preach about the importance of growth mindsets, patience, problem-solving, self-confidence, and the power of community. Rock climbing provides all of those, and when your kids finally achieve success on the wall, their sense of accomplishment will fill them with joy, drawing them back to rock climbing time and time again. As a parent, caregiver, etc., you'll find yourself amazed at the growth of the little ones around you and revel in their ability to handle failure.