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Climbing, Adventure, Gear & Choss
Limitation Creates Value
Incredible, but not here for long.
Now that the guidebook project is coming to a close, I’ve had a chance to take a deep breath and look around. The school year has started back up, which means less time at the crags, and more time in the gym. I love training, but I’m a little homesick for the summer days spent exploring all the local crags. This project has renewed my sense of how amazing and varied the climbing is around here.
An idea I’ve been exploring a lot recently is that of “limitation creates value.” It’s an interesting concept, and often used in marketing to build hype around something. One night only, special offer, act now, etc. But it also applies to daily life, in the sense that something we get to do all the time often holds less value than the things that are the special treats. Every night I walk under a canopy of stars that rivals the most brilliant piece of art ever created, but sometimes I hardly even look up. Imagine if the stars only came out once a year, there would be huge parties to celebrate this amazing celestial occurrence.
In climbing, I’ve come to appreciate that there will be times when I can climb outside a lot, and times when the gym will be home. And when I have the chance to get out, I’m that much more stoked, which goes a long way to increasing enjoyment. It’s the reason there are weekend warriors who crush much harder than the guy on the perpetual road trip. When you only have limited time, you’re damn sure you are gonna get it done. I see the same thing with the parents I know who climb. They love their kids and families, but when they get out, they are gonna make it happen!
So instead of lamenting the fact that fall is here and I’m mostly in the gym, I’ll appreciate the value that having limited time will add to my days outside, making them all the more special. And when I do get out, I can’t wait to ride that awesome wave of stoke that can rival the effectiveness of the most dedicated training program.
One Response to Limitation Creates Value
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Great piece, BJ! I have often reflected on this. Especially how, only a few years ago, we lived inside our little gym and trained day in and day out. The few times a month we’d take off for a few days to a crag anywhere between 3-5 hours away at the closest, were the days we made every route count. I’m so spoiled to call our valley home now, but often times, I feel complacent with the beauty that surrounds us. Traveling this summer, has brought that sense of appreciating back and making every day count. We may or may not get to experience life in the same way today that we will in the future. Thanks for the inspiration!