Set wide pyramid grade goals

The 8a scorecard system counting the Top-10 ascents was set up in 2000 in order to promote pyramid grade goals. Such goals are fun and reduce the risk for injuries in comparison to just working on the next grade progress. To have a broad base in your pyramid will also make you a better climber in the long run. If your personal best is 7a, try to do at least four before going for a 7a+ and try to continue this 4-multiplication so the day you do your first 7b, you already have around 16 7a's. The biggest risk when your pyramid starts looking like a spire is that it can very easily break and you might stop climbing. The pyramid in the picture is from Christof Rauch's account. It shows much more potential to progress if he aims on adding some rocks on the top of his grade pyramid. Also Adam Ondra has a solid base with more than 90 9a's.