As the next installment in my ongoing series focusing on “The Climbing Experience Applied to All of Life”, I wanted to take some time to write about how climbing can actually help you learn how to be a good planner and organizer in all of life. I could probably write pages and pages about this, but I wanted to share 3 key points that I believe translate well into personal life and business life.

Study the path you will take

When climbing, whether doing a first ascent of a route, or attempting a route that has been climbed before, the climber(s) always takes time to study the route that lies ahead. Often this involves talking with other people who are familiar with the route, reading accounts of the climb, pouring over guidebooks and topographic maps, and more. That all takes place before even approaching the cliff. Once the climber arrives at the base of the cliff, there are more opportunities to study the cliff face in front of them, making sure they can see the line that will be taken, and any dangers or obstacles that may lie ahead.

When a climber is disciplined to plan in this way, it greatly increases their chance of success. In the same way, in regular life, whether in your personal or business life, being disciplined to plan ahead increases your chance of success. For example, take time make sure you talk with others who have worked on similar projects or tasks, read up on the internet to learn some best practices, and begin to develop a game-plan so that you aren’t just flying blindly into a project. Then when the project starts, make sure that you take time to step back and analyze as you progress, to make sure you are staying on-track.

Makes sure you have what you need and that all resources are easily accessible.

Not packing well can lead to great difficulty on a climb. Preparation ahead of time to make sure that a climber has the right clothes, food, and equipment by making checklists and methodically checking off items as they are packed is key to making sure nothing is missed. Then the next most important thing is packing items in a way that makes them easily accessible. For example, packing food and water in a place that can be quickly accessed while climbing is imperative, so that the climber doesn’t have to unpack the bag every time they need food or water, which is usually very often while climbing. The same thing applies to climbing gear, and even warm clothes that may be quickly needed.

Again, this applies to real life. When tackling a project or task, preparing ahead of time by making checklists that help you know that you have all you need and have arranged all necessary details for a project will tremendously help your efficiency in completing that project or task.

Be willing to accept and face the unknown, confident that you have planned and prepared to the best of your ability.

When climbing, no matter how much planning goes into it, there is always an element of surprise. Situations arise which call for quick decisions and good judgment. When a climber has prepared well ahead of time, and as long as they have not been unwise and gotten in over their head, they will be able to quickly make a decision and succeed.

This applies to real life as well. By planning ahead of time, and arming yourself with the right resources and people, you will be able to make those quick decisions when surprises arise. Taking time to learn ahead of time and surrounding yourself with the right people to help increase your wisdom and judgment will help you to face the unknown. Rather than being afraid and retreating, you will be able to push on, knowing that you have planned, organized, and taken the time to learn what you need to succeed.