We all know that climbing is a headgame, and many climbers recognise that their mindset is holding them back. But what psychological skills do you need for climbing, and how do you develop them? If you have ever wanted to learn how to climb with more confidence, to learn how to stick to a training plan, or to understand how to tap into flow, then this book is for you.

Split into three sections, covering getting started on a mental skills training programme, fixing problems in your climbing caused by anxiety, and finessing your mental skills, this book provides clear explanations and practical exercises to improve your mindset for climbing.

You'll learn to analyse your mental strengths and weaknesses, set effective goals, change habits, overcome fear of falling, fear of failing, fear of injury and social anxieties affecting climbers' performance. Chapters on confidence, focusing skills, imagery and visualisation, and problem solving and creativity in your climbing are all written in a practical and easy to understand format, so you can incorporate these skills into your climbing training. There is also a section on mental wellbeing for climbers, with hints and tips on healthy perfectionism, as well as mental health.

This book draws on the latest in climbing and sport psychology research, and translates it into practical accessible ideas and exercises for climbers at all levels of the sport.

Section 1: Planning

Psychological skills for climbing: Analysing your strengths

and weaknesses

Dreams, values and goals

Sticking to your mental training plan: Habits and

behaviour change

Section 2: Fixing problems in your climbing: Common fears, anxieties and worries

Introduction to fear, anxiety and worries in climbing

Basic anxiety management for climbing

Fear of falling - what to consider

Undertaking fall practice indoors

Adapting falling practice for outdoor sport climbing, bouldering or trad

The social side of climbing

Other common worries and fears

Section 3: Finessing your mental skills

Climbing confidently

Focusing

Imagery and visualisation

Being adaptable: Problem-solving and movement creativity

Final thoughts: Climbing for life - mental wellbeing for climbers