“My Brain Is Different”: American Rock Climbing Legend Alex Honnold Once Found a Unique Way to Mitigate Risks in Free Soloing

Almost the entire world is aware of the dangers of rock climbing. However, the heroics of Alex Honnold make climbing looks like one of the easiest tasks in the world. Alex Honnold has revolutionized the sport of rock climbing all across the globe. People have made a perception that since the rock climber has chosen his fate, he never feels of sense of fear or dread.

However, the legendary climber had other comments to make on his ability to withstand the pressure. Last year, Alex Honnold gave an interview with The Harvard Business Review Magazine and described his approach while climbing. 

Alex Honnold revealed a unique ability of his brain

While talking about his approach during free soloing, Honnold explained that his mind possesses a special ability that helps him to suppress the emotion of fear during climbs. He said, “An fMRI shows that the amygdala in my brain responds differently than a “normal” person’s to low levels of fear stimuli.” Honnold also clarified that this ability was not gifted but developed. 

He explained that he has spent years of training in the toughest conditions to develop this command. He did not inherit these skills but developed them through consistent efforts. “My brain is different—just as the brain of a monk who has spent years meditating,” said Honnold. 

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He also admitted that most of the climbing viewers consider it as a natural gift that undermines his hard work. “I find that slightly irritating because I’ve spent 25 years conditioning myself,”, he added. Honnold explains that he has trained his brain in a way that automatically suppresses emotional outbursts and helps him in taking objective decisions.

 Honnold’s approach toward risky climbs

The interviewer asked Honnold about his approach while judging the possibility of a climb. Honnold revealed that it’s important to choose the tough path for prolonged survival in any field. He further added that one should spend ample time analyzing the risks and precautionary measures before taking a decision.  “You can’t have a long career unless you spend a tremendous amount of time thinking about risk and minimizing it to ensure your own safety.”, he said. 

The 37-year-old is a pioneer of solo climbing. Solo climbing registers many incidents of deaths every year but Honnold doesn’t seem let that affect his mindset.  His firm hold over his emotions has helped him to take wise decisions in tough situations and do the impossible.

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