Alex Honnold doesn’t climb to feel alive, he climbs because, in those moments, life finally feels simple. Today, Jay sits down with world-renowned climber Alex Honnold to explore what truly lies behind fear, focus, and extraordinary achievement. Alex shares how his relationship with fear has been shaped not by a lack of it, but by years of consistent exposure, revealing that courage isn’t about being fearless, but about learning how to listen, respond, and stay present. Jay and Alex dive into the discipline behind seemingly impossible feats: visualization, preparation, and intentional living. Alex opens up about how he mentally rehearses climbs in vivid detail, not by imagining success alone, but by walking through every sensation, risk, and possibility. This process, he explains, allows him to stay calm and grounded when it matters most. Jay draws parallels to meditation, public speaking, and everyday challenges, showing how the same principles of visualization, presence, and focus can help anyone face intimidating moments with clarity and confidence. Beyond climbing, Alex shows his other self, a husband, father, and friend who values simplicity, purpose, and service. From building a foundation that brings solar energy to communities in need to choosing joy over ego-driven success, Alex embodies a life guided by intention rather than external validation. In this episode, you'll learn: How to Build Calm by Facing Fear How to Train Your Mind Before You Act How to Stay Focused When the Stakes Are High How to Normalize Fear Instead of Fighting It How to Use Visualization for Peak Performance How to Know Your Limits Without Losing Ambition How to Build Mastery Through Consistent Practice You don’t need to chase danger or push yourself to the edge to grow. Growth happens when you prepare with intention, focus on what’s in front of you, and stop letting imagined outcomes hold you back. Watch Alex Honnold free-solo the 101-story Skyscraper, Taipei 101 live on Netflix on January 23rd. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe here. Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 01:27 The Deeper Reason Behind Climbing the Tallest Building 04:11 Choosing an Unconventional Path 06:58 Why Consistent Practice Changes Everything 09:28 What It Really Takes to Become Great 11:51 Lessons From Getting Lost 13:41 Why Fear Loses Its Power Over Time 17:00 Understanding Fear as a Physical Sensation 20:42 The Discipline of Staying Within Your Limits 22:41 What Extended Meditation Teaches You 25:55 Preparing the Mind and Body for a Big Challenge 28:51 How High Performers Actually Train 33:03 Being Intentional About the Risks You Take 34:42 Why Visualization Is a Performance Tool 38:36 Imagining the Process, Not Just the Outcome 42:32 Nature vs. Nurture: What Shapes Us Early in Life 45:58 Perfectionism, Pressure, and Letting Go 47:21 Daily Habits That Support Peak Performance 50:54 Bringing an Adventurous Mindset Into Everyday Life 53:48 Handling the Pressure Before a Defining Moment 56:49 The Climb That Redefined Human Potential 58:54 What Truly Matters When Choosing a Life Partner 01:03:31 Spotlighting People Protecting the Planet 01:03:31 What They're Doing at Planet Visionaries 01:06:07 A Letter for Alex 01:14:10 Alex on Final Five Episode Resources: Website | https://www.alexhonnold.com/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/alexhonnold Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/AlexHonnold/ YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwqnNQOiZzpPNazMN0cBAzw Planet Visionaries | https://podcasts.apple.com/kg/podcast/planet-visionaries-season-5/id1572495128 Honnold Foundation | https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
