7 Things Holding You Back From the Life You Want

1. Your own fear

What you are fearing most does not have power; it is fear itself that has all of the power. Fear is the constant thoughts and feelings that loop around in your brain, making you second-guess yourself. The question is, how long are you going to allow fear to control you? The key to moving on is to accept your fears and face them head on.  Remove the weakening emotions and thoughts that you might have and seize the day.

2. The past

One of the best things that I have learned, especially from being in college for six years, is that you can really improve your life and personal well-being by letting go of what is in the past. We all have those days when we look back on our week and think, “What is in this for me? Why am I doing this?” In reality, this happens more than we’d like. Instead of reflecting or drowning yourself in negative memories, get rid of that cloud of hatred and let yourself BREATHE. Focus on what you want and how you’re going to make that happen.

3. Negative body image

This is always a sore subject, especially going to Cal Poly. We are surrounded by beautiful people 24/7 and it is extremely hard not to compare ourselves to others. But seriously, there is only one person’s opinion you should be concerned with when it comes your body and that is YOU. There is no such thing as a correct body type, as I talk about in “Ending the Thigh Gap.” Be proud of who you are and stay comfortable in your beautiful skin!

4. The idea of a perfect partner

Alright ladies, we’ve reached the age that having a checklist of qualifications for the perfect man or woman has got to go. Go ahead; toss it out the window because you don’t need it anymore. I’m not saying that we shouldn’t have standards when we’re looking for a significant other, but having unrealistic expectations of a relationship is only setting you up for disappointment. Be open to meeting new people. Talk to that cute guy in your class or share a snack with the girl at the library. Find the right person that makes you happy and accepts you for who you are. The sooner you realize that there isn’t the “perfect man” or “perfect woman” out there, the better off you will be.

5. Excuses, excuses and more excuses

We go to Cal Poly and live in one of the most beautiful cities in California. Stop complaining and making excuses. We keep making up excuses for too many things: from working out to not having time to do anything and everything. These rationalizations make us feel better about not doing something that you need/want to be doing, but how long are we going procrastinate? Get up early or skip out on your favorite TV show; start doing what you need to do!

6. Not trying

I’ll make this one simple; Life is what you put into it, so if you are not willing to work hard and put forth the effort, you will most likely end up unhappy. You have the capability to make your life the best it can be, so make it happen.

7. The need to be happy all the time

If we were happy all of the time, imagine how annoying that would be? There would be no real emotion or truth, just over-the-top smiles all around. We all need to feel sadness, defeat and anger. These feelings serve who you are; they teach you a lesson and show you what to care about. Being happy is great and all, but having a full-blown crying session or an intense workout to blow off steam is a great way to express yourself and who you are. Be happy and allow yourself to feel.

“Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.”
―F. Scott Fitzgerald

Climb Out of Your Comfort Zone

From hiking trails to secret bike paths, there are plenty of adventurous things to do here in San Luis Obispo. But there’s another type of activity that many people haven’t tried yet — climbing. Whether it’s indoor or outdoor, I’m talking about the daring, no-harness type of climbing. This sport helps improve balance, strengthen back and shoulder muscles and is great for better flexibility.

At Cal Poly, the Poly Escapes outdoor climbing park at the Recreation Center allows students to access these routes on a free climbing boulder or a classic rock wall. Climbers are allowed to use these walls during school hours throughout the week and can rent climbing shoes and chalk to make their experience better.

SLO-OP, a local non-profit social club, is a climbing gym run by two executive directors who built the entire place with their own hands. They strive to organize a climbing community in San Luis Obispo that will promote and support the sport effectively. Anyone can become a member at SLO-OP, and though there is a small monthly fee of $45, the benefits are endless. Not only do they have multiple bouldering walls, SLO-OP also has a yoga room and weight room for everyday use. Climbing here is a great way to meet people in San Luis Obispo. Climbers are extremely helpful when it comes to motivation and route movements, and often set up groups for outdoor bouldering trips on the weekends.

Outdoor bouldering is a little different in comparison to indoor climbing, but the exhilaration of the sport is something to love. Psychology junior Michelle Van Riper indulges in both climbing techniques daily and can’t seem to get enough.

“It’s addicting,” she said. “It’s like a self-competition; it’s rewarding to see yourself accomplish different climbs. Bouldering is great because you’re in the middle of nature and it feels like you’re a part of something really beautiful.”

Many websites and books discuss the benefits of bouldering and offer instruction on completing different routes depending on your skill level. There are many places in San Luis Obispo that are perfect for outdoor bouldering, such as Bishop’s Peak and Madonna Mountain. For safety purposes, it is encouraged that climbers own a “crash pad,” which lies below you at all times in case you fall. Poly Escapes offers rental crash pads for students that can be used on and off campus.

From Feb. 28 to March 2, Poly Escapes is hosting an Ice Climb for students seeking an off-campus climbing excursion in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Climbers will be scaling frozen waterfalls and putting their skills to the test during the day, and can enjoy relaxing in the hot springs at night. The price of $150 includes transportation, a hotel room, snowshoes, trekking poles, ice climbing gear, camping gear, two breakfasts and a dinner. It’s a perfect weekend getaway!

Climbing is a great way to de-stress and stay in shape. It is an awesome hobby that challenges you and pushes you outside of your comfort zone; I encourage you to try it!