When was the last time you were completely alone? Not alone by modern standards, but truly alone — with no mobile phone or outside influences providing information to your brain. Can you think of a time? Global icon, prolific mountain runner, and guest on this week’s episode, Kilian Jornet, believes that it is only when you take away the storm of information that you can discover what your true priorities are. And for him, the mountains are the tool to do just that. Not only do they allow him to explore the beauty of nature, but they also allow him to discover himself. He explains that by pushing his body to its limits, all the masks he wears in everyday life are removed, and he is able to find out who he really is.

Kilian and I discuss the benefits of solitude, failure, and visualization. We delve into Kilian’s amazing feat of climbing Everest twice in one week and talk about how immersing oneself in a challenging situation can be a form of meditation. Finally, Kilian shares some brilliant tips to help us all connect with ourselves and live our best lives. I found Kilian’s single-minded drive to live the life he wants to live truly inspiring — I hope this conversation inspires you too.

Further learning:

• Documentary – Path to Everest
• YouTube – Kilian Jornet Explains Why He Scaled Everest Twice in a Week
• YouTube – GoPro: Kilian Jornet – Running Ridges
• Chamonix.net – Mont-Blanc Speed Record: Ascent and Descent on Foot
• The Guardian – Ultra runner Kílian Jornet smashes Bob Graham endurance race record
• Redbull – Meet the man who just smashed an iconic 63-mile UK running challenge
• Men’s Health – Why I Climbed Mt. Everest Twice in a Week