Vertical Mind Book Review by Dave Sheldon

The Vertical Mind book
by Don McGrath Ph.D.& Jeff Elison Ph.D
Buy it on Amazon here
$24.95

This Vertical Mind Book review is by Dave Sheldon, a frequent contributor to popular climbing magazines.

“…I refer to success in climbing as pushing beyond your current self-held limitations or comfort zones. Such successes require both mental and physical training and preparation. The subject of much of this book is how to develop strong connections between your brain and the rest of your body.” Vertical Mind, page 8.

For most of us, working to improve our climbing involves an intense physical regimen carried out at the gym and squeezed in between work and relationship obligations. Those with an abundance of time or discipline might also consider non-strength based assets like footwork or flexibility. But the one thing that plays a crucial role in every success, failure, tantrum, celebration, smile, and tear when at the crag usually gets zero consideration in regards to possible performance gains.

This forgotten component is the mind, or, how to understand and then strengthen your mental approach toward climbing. For those inclined to power up the body’s ultimate muscle, the newly released book, Vertical Mind, is a must read.

However, before you begin, know that to get the most out of what McGrath and Elison present requires the reader to be painfully honest when considering their personal motivations, fears, and social interactions within the climbing world. The book’s message can be further assimilated if two people start down this road together, allowing one person to be an objective and compassionate witness and supporter while the “climber” works to improve their mental game, in real time, when on the rock.

The Vertical Mind book starts with an explanation of how the mind and behavior works and then give scenarios, exercises, and suggestions around slowly modifying the metal game. More specifically, the authors take a studied look at how fear affects performance and then go into detail about the fear of falling and the fear of failure. Along with describing typical behavior, they challenge the reader to think about how he or she manages these stressors. Drills and tactics are then offered in regards to modifying behavior.

The book also includes an excellent chapter on co-creative coaching. “To co-create is to create together, alongside each other. Each party contributing what they have to offer. When you engage in co-create coaching, you and your partner help each other improve (or have more fun).” page 189.

Finally, the authors outline how to effectively blend new mental skills together with performance and play and also cover what can be done to best support flow, or, times when things just click and the movement of climbing seems to manifest in the body on its own accord, just like magic.