Climbing culture has a bit of a reputation. It is often depicted as an adventure sport that glorifies pushing grades, sending projects, and conquering new heights. The truth is that for many of us, climbing is not about grades or ego; it is about community, self-expression, and finding our flow. When our personal motivations do not align with the prevailing cultural norms or the expectations of our climbing partners, it can negatively impact our enjoyment of the sport and our progress. By embracing the diverse motivations within the climbing community, we can shift the focus toward creativity, self-expression, and the shared joy of being on the wall.