I recently watched "Free Solo" the award-winning documentary on the National Geographic channel about Alex Honnold, the only climber ever to ascend El Capitan without ropes and harnesses. It's a harrowing documentary about the limits of human endurance and raises some disturbing questions.

As a public speaking coach, I was most intrigued by Mr. Honnold's approach to anxiety. He differentiates between an "adrenaline rush" which he sees as a bad thing, and "fear" which he sees as a good thing. What's the difference? Bottom line, an adrenaline rush is temporary, fleeting, but fear is pervasive and lasting. The pervasive, lasting effect of fear makes it useful (ironically). Before a big speaking event, it can motivate the speaker to prepare thoroughly, and contemplate the audience. While speaking, it can sharpen the mind, and energize the body. The key is to accept fear as it comes and re-frame it as excitement.

How do you prepare to climb your "El Capitan"? How do you prepare?