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
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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.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty 
