After spending some time in Yosemite last fall, I was captivated by Tommy Cadwell and Kevin Jorgeson's attempt to climb The Dawn Wall on Yosemite’s El Capitan. In January, they successfully completed the most difficult free ascent in the world.

Art Peck, the CEO of Gap, interviewed Kevin after the climb. While I’m not a climber, and don't aspire to be, there’s a lot to learn as an entrepreneur from their approach.

They achieved something that many people thought could never get done and they did so by recognizing the difference between belief and confidence. Years before they attempted the climb they believed it was possible. While it would be a physically demanding climb, they realized it would be even more demanding mentally and they set out to develop the confidence they needed to achieve their goal. It took five years to attain the knowledge, skills, and experience they needed to have the confidence to make their belief a reality.

As entrepreneurs, we start out with a gut feeling and a belief in what is possible. The confidence to achieve our goals can’t be assumed and takes time and commitment to realize.

Photo credit: Rockandice.com