10 Things I Do Every Year to Smash My Goals

1. Set Goals to Your Strengths

Ask yourself: “What am I actually good at?” For me, it’s crack climbing and big walls, so that's where my main goals always are. Don't just pick a goal because it's famous or what all our mates are doing, pick something that plays to your specific strengths.

2. Work Your Weaknesses

If you looked at my training over the last 5 years, you might be surprised that the majority of it is bouldering! Why? Because I don’t need to improve my crack climbing strength and technique for the projects I want to do (even though they may be cracks). I actually just need to improve my general power and strength on the moves themselves.
Training a weakness is hard on the ego. You’ll always gravitate back to what you’re good at because it feels better. But training your weaknesses is where the biggest gains are made.
Note: Remember to train the weaknesses that have an impact on your goal.

3. Set Goals for Your Enjoyment

Ask yourself: “What do I enjoy?” Sounds simple, but there is no point in setting a goal that you aren’t going to enjoy doing… even if you are good at that particular thing. Usually, what you are good at and what you enjoy go hand in hand, but sometimes they definitely don’t.

For example, I’d say I’m a decent Gritstone climber. I could easily set myself some goals to be proud of in that style and feel confident I’d reach them but I’ve done so much of that particular style of climbing in the past that my motivation just isn't there anymore. Because of that, I’m not going to enjoy the process of reaching a goal in that genre nearly as much as a goal in something that gets me truly excited. Pick the thing that makes you want to get out of bed!

4. The Power of "The One"

Every year I have one main goal. If I’m feeling brave, maybe two. That’s it. I do this so I don't spread myself too thinly. It’s much more satisfying to achieve one big goal than to be "nearly there" on five different things. Having one focus point allows you to relax about the rest of your climbing.

5. Be Willing to Sacrifice

You can't be good at everything at once. If you want to aim high, you have to be willing to let your ability in other styles slip for a bit. If you’re pushing a hard trad project, your "blobby gym pulling" might suffer. If you have an expedition in mind, you can’t expect to come back and be crushing the sport climbs as you did before, the fitness won’t be there.

Don't let your ego get in the way. If you try to maintain everything, you’ll divert from the plan. Be happy with the sacrifice, knowing you’re improving in the area that actually matters to you.

6. Have a Backup Goal

This is something I learnt in 2025. I had 2 main goals and they both went down the pan in the summer. The first one, I missed my weather window, and the second one just ended up not being possible… At the beginning of August I was left thinking “crikey I’m not going to get anything done this year”, and that's when I brought the ‘back up goal’ out.
A backup goal is a goal that you can still be proud of doing, but it’s so suited to your strengths that you know it’s a given. It’s something you can keep in your back pocket for when the main project isn't cooperating.

7. Be Realistic with Your Time

Don't set a goal that requires 5 days a week at the crag if you've only got 2. Look at your life, your work, and your family commitments first. A goal that causes constant stress because you can't find the time to work on it isn't a goal; it's a burden. Be honest about your capacity.

8. Log the Small Wins

Climbing a hard project is a long game. If you only celebrate the "send," you'll spend 99% of your year feeling like you're failing. Celebrate the session where you finally figured out that cupped hand sequence, or the day you didn't get pumped on the intro.

9. Be Accountable

Some people don’t need this, but for others, it definitely helps. If you’re the type of person who finds that telling someone about your plans helps you actually follow through... then tell someone. That doesn’t have to be the whole world on Instagram (though it could be), it could just be a close friend or your climbing partner. It’s easy to bail on a session when you’re the only one who knows about it. Tell someone your goal.

10. Review and Adjust

Every few months, look back. Is the goal still motivating you? Has your motivation shifted? There’s no shame in pivoting. If you realise halfway through the year that your "One Goal" isn't what you want anymore, change it. The strategy is there to help you enjoy climbing, not to lock you up.

Good luck for 2026, lets get going

Happy Jamming

Pete