It hurts.
It hurts because it forces you to change the story you’ve been telling yourself about your ability and potential.
I thought I was competent, but now I’m not sure…
What if it had been upgraded instead? Would you instantly be a better climber?
In each case, neither the climb nor the climber has changed: only your narrative has.
Instead we can say to ourselves,
I am the type of climber who seeks challenges and enjoys learning.
That’s a very different story: one that isn’t threatened by downgrades.
The Daily Nugget 