In this episode of Finding Elevation, host Lisa Thompson discusses the importance of mental strength in mountaineering and the role it plays as climbers reach higher altitudes. The conversation then focuses on the question of balancing resilience with pushing too far, highlighting the need for discernment in making decisions. Lisa explores the development of discernment through respect, education, skill, communication, and experience. The challenges of assessing and managing risk, including confirmation bias, are also discussed. The episode concludes with a discussion on mitigating risk and setting personal limits to ensure a safe and enjoyable mountaineering experience.   Takeaways

• Mental strength is crucial in mountaineering, especially as climbers reach higher altitudes where physical performance is limited.
• Balancing resilience with pushing too far requires discernment, which can be developed through respect, education, skill, communication, and experience.
• Assessing and managing risk is challenging, and climbers must be aware of confirmation bias and the difficulty of making good decisions in intense situations.
• Mitigating risk involves evaluating the likelihood and consequences of potential dangers and setting personal limits to ensure safety.