Make or Break is a compact, 96‑page manifesto written by Scottish climber‑author (author of the acclaimed Extreme Alpinism and Training for Climbing ). First published in 2016 by Morrow (the same imprint that released his earlier titles), the book is aimed at anyone who spends time on rock, ice, or the gym and wants a fresh, philosophical take on why we climb and how we can get better at it.
Below is a concise write‑up that you can use for a blog post, a club newsletter, or a personal study guide. It covers the book’s , plus a brief note on how to obtain the text legally. 1. Core Thesis “Climbing is a decision‑making process, not just a physical activity.” MacLeod argues that every route (or boulder) is a problem that forces you to make choices under pressure. The make‑or‑break moment isn’t just about whether you reach the top; it’s about whether you embrace the process , manage fear , and learn from each decision . In his view, climbing is a micro‑cosm of life: the same mental tools that help you top‑out a hard pitch can improve your work, relationships, and personal growth. 2. Book Structure (5 Sections) | Section | Title | Main Focus | |---------|-------|------------| | 1 | The Decision Tree | Introduces the “climbing decision matrix”: Goal → Options → Risks → Outcome . Shows how to break down a route into bite‑size choices. | | 2 | Fear as Data | Re‑frames fear as useful information, not an enemy. Provides a three‑step method: Identify → Quantify → Act . | | 3 | Training the Mind | Presents mental‑training drills (visualisation, “what‑if” rehearsal, micro‑goal setting) that complement physical workouts. | | 4 | Community & Culture | Explores the social side of climbing: mentorship, communication on the wall, and the impact of group dynamics on decision making. | | 5 | The Make‑or‑Break Framework | Synthesises the previous sections into a repeatable 5‑step workflow you can apply to any climbing project or life challenge. | make or break dave macleod pdf free