In a world where effort and control are often celebrated as the keys to success, we sometimes forget the value of letting go. The concept of “letting it happen” is a powerful counterpoint to our cultural obsession with making things happen. It’s a mindset rooted in trust—trust in our preparation, our abilities, and the process itself.
Hazel Findlay, one of the world’s most accomplished climbers, offers profound insights into the art of letting it happen. With achievements such as being the first British woman to climb the formidable E9 grade and summit El Capitan in Yosemite, Hazel’s experience in navigating physical and mental challenges provides a valuable lens through which to explore this concept.
The challenge of over-effort
In climbing, as in life, the instinct to try harder when under pressure is common. But Hazel notes that this response can often be counterproductive. Climbing is a delicate balance of strength, precision, and adaptability. Over-efforting—gripping too tightly, trying to force a move, or overthinking every decision—creates tension in the body and mind. This rigidity can disrupt the natural fluency needed to perform at your best.
Hazel highlights that the same principle applies beyond the rock face. In relationships, work, or any challenging situation, the urge to control every aspect can narrow our thinking, limit creativity, and increase stress. By letting it happen, we invite fluidity, intuition, and a sense of ease into our actions.
The paradox of effort and surrender
Hazel’s approach to climbing illustrates an important paradox: letting it happen doesn’t mean letting go of effort—it’s about directing effort more efficiently. It’s not about being passive or disengaged, but about trusting your preparation and allowing your skills to shine without interference.
For instance, Hazel often uses the mantra “let the body climb.” This simple phrase serves as a reminder to let her body’s intuition take over, rather than allowing her conscious mind to overthink. This balance of effort and surrender is a hallmark of peak performance, often referred to as the flow state.
Lessons from the rock face
Hazel’s experiences offer valuable lessons for anyone seeking to perform under pressure or navigate life’s challenges with greater ease:
1. Trust your preparation
Success in climbing, as in many pursuits, is built on a foundation of preparation. By the time you’re on the wall—or in the middle of a high-stakes situation—you’ve already done the hard work. Trust in your training, skills, and instincts to guide you.
2. Focus on the present
When climbing, Hazel emphasises the importance of staying present. This might mean focusing on the texture of the rock under your fingertips or the rhythm of your breath. By anchoring yourself in the present moment, you can quiet the mental chatter and stay connected to the task at hand.
3. Accept imperfection
Perfectionism can be a major barrier to letting it happen. Hazel points out that climbing rarely goes perfectly—your body might feel off-balance, or a move might not go as planned. Instead of fixating on what’s wrong, focus on adapting and continuing to move forward.
4. Cultivate intuitive action
In high-pressure situations, the conscious mind often becomes a hindrance. Hazel suggests practising intuitive action by listening to your body and trusting its ability to navigate challenges without overthinking.
Practising the art of letting it happen
The concept of letting it happen can be applied in many areas of life. Here are some practical ways to cultivate this mindset:
Use mantras: Simple phrases like “let it flow” or “trust yourself” can serve as powerful reminders to relax and let go.
Engage your senses: Ground yourself by focusing on sensory details—what you see, feel, or hear in the moment. This can help quiet mental distractions.
Breathe: A focused exhale can signal to your body and mind that it’s time to let go of tension and find ease.
Shift your perspective: View challenges as opportunities to explore your potential, rather than obstacles to overcome.
Practice under stress: Whether through sport, work, or hobbies, create situations where you can practise letting go and finding flow under pressure.
Letting it happen in everyday life
While Hazel’s lessons come from the climbing world, they resonate far beyond it. Whether it’s a demanding project, a challenging relationship, or a personal goal, the principle of letting it happen can transform how we approach difficulty.
By balancing effort with surrender, we conserve energy, reduce stress, and open ourselves to greater creativity and resilience. It’s a practice of alignment—working with, rather than against, the flow of life.
Final thoughts
Hazel Findlay’s insights remind us that success doesn’t always come from pushing harder or controlling every detail. Sometimes, the greatest breakthroughs come when we step back, trust ourselves, and let the process unfold.
Letting it happen isn’t about passivity; it’s about finding harmony with the moment and unlocking our natural potential. Whether you’re scaling a rock face, navigating a career challenge, or simply trying to live with more ease, the art of letting it happen can guide you toward greater performance and fulfilment.