What Rock Climbing has taught me about Problem Solving
I started rock climbing in October 2018, so by all means I am still a noob. I mean, just look at me on the wall there.
More specifically I started bouldering. No ropes, with walls only about 12–15 feet high. I didn’t have to worry about falling from super high, and the giant mats were there to catch a fall. Pretty easy to getting started, and a whole lot of fun.
Then on my second day, I sprained my ankle. Wonderful. Even though my weak little ankles continued on their life-long journey of a never-ending beating , I was hooked. It shredded my hands and reminded me how weak my forearms were. But it was a hell of a lot of fun. So I kept coming back for more.
During my first climb, I was told that these bouldering routes were called “problems”. Sometimes people will spend multiples days or weeks working on one specific problem. This is known as a project.
As I have continued to climb, it has taught and reminded me of a few things about problem solving…
Everyone has their own process
This literally made no sense to me at first.
Why wouldn’t two people do the same problem exactly the same way?
My naive brain also thought…
It’s the same problem, the same holds, the same ladder. So obviously you should climb it in the same way.
Stupid Patrick. I’ve learned this numerous times in other aspects of my life, people solve the same problem differently. Climbing is no different.
This is an important thing to remember. Whether you’re delivering software, creating a new UX design, mentoring new hires, or climbing a wall.
Everyone has their own process.
Observe other people solving the same problem
Since everyone has their own process, observe other people solve the same problem.
You might solve it the same way, or it might give you some ideas on what you want to incorporate into your own process.
I can’t count how many times I’ve watched people solve the same bouldering problem that I’ve been stuck on, and then the next thing I know I can finally finish it. Sometimes these people have a similar body type (tall/lanky) and other times not (literally everyone else). I personally get more value out of watching similar people, but inspiration can come from anywhere.
Borrow their ideas, learn their techniques, and then incorporate them into the process.
Talking about it with a partner can help
I was fortunate enough to learn how to climb with a seasoned vet (10+ years climbing). Even if you are not, talking out parts of a problem that you are stuck on can really help. Maybe you need to shift your weight, maybe you need a heel hook, etc.
In other contexts the same applies, vocalizing your thoughts allows for others to provide ideas, suggestions, or correct a common mistake.
That old adage. Practice, practice, practice.
“Repetition is the mother of learning…” — Zig Ziglar
I asked my friend
How do you know the way to climb a route?
He started by saying: You just need to climb a lot. He had a few other pointers, the direction of holds, straight arms, etc. But repeating anything you want to learn, over and over again will reinforce what you want to learn.
And I will add to this. Sleep on it. Seriously. Learn, sleep, repeat.
I learned this my freshman year in college. Pulling an all-nighter was not a smart idea. I crammed for a Chemistry exam, and when I went to my first class I could feel the information I just studied floating away from my brain. It wasn’t permanently set because I hadn’t slept. Since then, I always make sure to sleep on whatever I am trying to learn. It help reinforce things.
Trust someone to catch you
Ok, I’ve figured out how to boulder. Let’s go higher…
These 60 foot walls require a rope and an belayer (the person who keeps you from dying).
When you’re figuring out a problem, it’s very common to have other people there to check your work. And they will give you advice that you should just trust. So trust them. Especially when you’re 50 feet in the air and your arms are exhausted.
Sometimes it’s nice to go alone
Collaborating on problems, talking things through, and having someone there to trust are always helpful things.
But occasionally you just need to try things on your own. It helps figure out your own process.
After I started bouldering by myself, I met my friend again and he was watching me climb.
It’s interesting to watch your process.
That process is developed by me, in my time during my practice and sometimes you just need to practice alone. Plus, every now and again (see: always) I don’t like people.
There’s always a community out there for support
Starting new is always interesting.
I always feel a little bit uncomfortable because I start out sucking at whatever it is I’m doing. Which in turn makes me feel awkward.
It’s a new environment, new jargon, and new community. But don’t be afraid to meet people in the same community. They most likely have similar stories, and can be supportive and helpful, even if you don’t know them.
Be Flexible, literally and figuratively.
This is a fun one.
Being mentally flexible is important for everything. It unlocks new and different solutions.
Being physically flexible is really important with climbing. When was the last time you got your heel up by your shoulder? It’s painful and my leg doesn’t even go up that high.
Climbing is fun. New experiences are fun. Problem solving is fun (most of the time).
These thoughts have helped me improve my climbing and my problem solving skills. Maybe one day I’ll be able to climb Half Dome.
