I read a few cautionary comments about "blowing up". When anaerobic efforts are involved like arduous climbing, exceeding your comfort threshold is a good way to trigger growth mechanisms. Blowing up requires more rest for recovery, but it's a sure way to attain gains if you have the time for long rest intervals, as in 48hrs or more following the day's ride. The daily commuter should approach it differently.

I set stage goals for extra steep climbs like focusing on a shrub or pavement marking, then reseting another goal after passing the first, and so on. It helps me avoid defeat by the overall size of the task at hand.