Process Over Outcome: How Modifying My Approach Led to a Successful Second Attempt at Cerro Aconcagua

By DaveTaylor

In January 2023, I set out to climb my first “big mountain”—Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Southern and Western Hemispheres at 6,962 meters (22,841 feet). Nestled in the Andes of Argentina, it is one of the famed “Seven Summits” and a dream for many mountaineers. My excitement was high while apprehensive as well; I had climbed many mountains in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, but nothing of this scale or altitude. Yet, despite my preparation, that expedition ended in disappointment. Due to altitude sickness, I was forced to turn back at Camp Colera (19,600 feet), the final camp before the summit push due to altitude sickness.

The moment I turned back is etched in my memory. I sat on a rock, messaging a friend on my Garmin In Reach that I needed to turn back. Sitting there with tears in my eyes, I felt mentally and physically defeated. I had poured so much into this climb, yet it wasn’t enough. I replayed that moment for months, questioning what I could have done differently and what I should have done differently.

As the months passed, a shift began. I started thinking less about the summit I hadn’t reached and more about the steps I had taken to get there. My disappointment stemmed from putting too much weight on the outcome and not enough on the process, of which I thought I did well up to my first attempt. As the CEO of LDR Leadership, I teach clients the importance of focusing what they can control. Success, whether in business or climbing, comes from committing to the process—even when the outcome remains uncertain. We can completely control the process; however, too many variables in outcomes are often out of our control (getting lucky notwithstanding). Slowly, I began to see the opportunity to try again, this time with a new mindset.

In February 2024, I decided to return to Aconcagua in November. But this attempt would be different. I would examine every aspect of my previous climb, identifying where I had fallen short and refining my process. The climb itself would remain the same—a grueling journey to the roof of South America—but my approach would fundamentally change. I would use the lessons I learned from my first attempt and refocus.

Refining the Process

Grajales Expeditions

On my first attempt, I joined a private group, relying on our team to handle logistics beyond base camp. The group dynamics added to a mental stress and physical strain I hadn’t anticipated.
For my second attempt, I partnered fully with Grajales Expeditions, a professional guiding company. We did get some logistical support as a private group, so I knew their capabilities and professionalism. Their expertise allowed me to focus on what mattered most—my readiness.

Two key improvements came from this decision:
1. Water Supply: Melting snow for water at altitude is exhausting. I struggled to hydrate adequately during my first attempt, especially while taking Diamox, which increases water needs. On average, a climber should consume 4-5 liters of water daily, and I did not meet that requirement. With Grajales, I had reliable access to water, ensuring I stayed hydrated and conserve energy.

2. Acclimation Schedule: My first attempt violated the “move high, sleep low” principle, and I ascended too quickly. I underestimated the acclimation process. Grajales’ structured itinerary included acclimation climbs and deliberate pacing, significantly reducing my risk of altitude sickness.

Beyond logistics, I saw the value in conserving my energy for what truly mattered. On my first climb, I carried a heavy pack, proving that I could handle the weight. But I hired porters to take much of my gear for my second attempt. This decision wasn’t about capability; it was about efficiency. My goal was the summit, and I needed every ounce of energy for the final push.

When I decided to take on Aconcagua for the second time, I knew I needed a solid team, and Grajales Expeditions was the obvious choice. I had seen their guides in action during my first attempt and was impressed by their skill, professionalism, and dedication to safety. On top of that, their support team is phenomenal—the staff, the food, the logistics—everything was dialed in to make life easy from arrival in Mendoza to the mountain, as smooth as possible. What also stood out to me was that Grajales is local to the area. Their deep connection to the region and understanding of the mountain made a big difference to me. It was important to me to try and support a company that is local and has a large contingent of the local community working on their team.

Transforming Fitness and Breathwork

Working with a Trainer

One of my biggest lessons from 2023 was that my fitness, while solid, wasn’t targeted enough for high-altitude mountaineering. I approached my training with a general sense of what I needed. Still, the realities of climbing Aconcagua—its extreme altitude, extensive amount of time on the mountain, the me, and the physical toll—revealed the gaps in my preparation. For my second attempt, I enlisted Lisa Thompson of Alpine Athletics, a climber with incredible credentials: she has summited all Seven Summits and is the second U.S. woman to summit K2. Lisa’s deep understanding of high-altitude mountaineering transformed my preparation.

With Lisa’s guidance, my training became laser-focused and data-driven. Using insights from my Coros watch and Training Peaks metrics, we designed a regimen that systematically improved my strength, endurance, and recovery. The results were undeniable—my baseline fitness tripled compared to my first attempt. The improvements weren’t just numbers; I could feel the difference in how my body responded to the training demands. For the first time, I thought I was genuinely preparing for Aconcagua, not just getting in shape.

The sessions themselves were grueling. Some workouts pushed me to the brink, where I no longer wanted to train. But those moments were crucial. They mirrored the challenges I would face on the mountain, where every step at high altitude demands more than physical strength—it requires mental resilience. Each time I pushed through fatigue, I strengthened my body and my confidence in my ability to endure.

Lisa’s expertise also extended beyond the workouts. She helped me understand how recovery, pacing, and even mindset played a role in successful high-altitude climbs. This approach was a game-changer. It wasn’t just about getting stronger—it was about preparing smarter. When I arrived in Argentina, I knew I had done everything possible to prepare. That knowledge alone gave me an edge, reinforcing my belief that success starts long before you take the first step on the trail.

Breathwork

Breathing is something we take for granted—until we can’t. During my first climb, I struggled to breathe between Nido de Condores and Camp Colera, triggering panic and feeling helpless. I knew I needed to address this weakness head-on for my second attempt. I dove deep into breathwork, initially inspired by James Nestor’s Breath : The New Science of a Lost Art . Around the same time, Grajales Expeditions announced a partnership with Anthony Lubrino of RECAL, a specialist in breathwork and mindfulness techniques tailored for outdoor adventurers. It felt serendipitous as I was already rethinking how I approached the climb.

Working with Anthony’s framework, I incorporated nasal and diaphragmatic breathing into my daily training regimen. His focus on mindful, deliberate breathing techniques enhanced my physical performance and gave me the tools to manage stress under pressure. Some days, breathwork was more challenging than strength training, requiring immense focus and discipline. But it grounded me, teaching me how to regulate my body’s response to stress and maintain clarity in difficult moments.

On the mountain, this focus on breathing became a lifeline. Between the altitude and physical exhaustion, moments of panic could have quickly spiraled out of control. Instead, I found myself leaning into the techniques I had practiced—transforming moments of fear into moments of power and composure. Breathwork wasn’t just a tool for the climb; it became a transformative part of my mental and physical preparation.

Another unexpected aspect of my second attempt was the opportunity to use supplemental oxygen. On my previous climb, oxygen was reserved strictly for emergencies, but this time, Grajales offered it as an option from Camp Colera to the summit.

I wrestled with the decision for quite some time, torn between the purist approach to climbing and my ultimate goal. While oxygen is not required for Aconcagua, I kept thinking about the possibility of anticipatory regret. What if I attempted the summit, failed due to lack of oxygen, and returned to high camp only to see two unused bottles sitting there? How would I feel knowing that I had the tools to succeed but chose not to use them? The answer was clear—I would regret it deeply.

A significant part of this decision was mental. I couldn’t shake the memory of the panic I felt the year before when I couldn’t catch my breath. I wasn’t willing to take that chance again.

What I will say about using oxygen is this: while it can support your breathing and help manage altitude, it’s not a magic solution. If you’re not physically and mentally prepared, oxygen alone won’t get you to the summit. It’s a tool, not a shortcut, and success still relies on the effort you’ve put into your preparation and mindset.

The Colorado Experiment

Living at 175 feet above sea level in Maryland, I faced a significant disadvantage when preparing for high-altitude climbs—training for Aconcagua’s extreme elevations required acclimation and physical adaptation that wasn’t possible at home. In 2024, I decided to spend five weeks in Colorado before the expedition. Immersing myself in the Rockies, I could train on more enormous mountains, gain thousands of feet of elevation mid-week, and return to work afterward. This wasn’t just an upgrade in altitude—it was a complete shift in how I approached preparation.

To complement my on-the-ground training, I incorporated hypoxic tent training at 12,500 feet and intermittent hypoxic exposure. Sleeping in the tent simulated high-altitude conditions, forcing my body to adapt to reduced oxygen levels. This method enhanced my red blood cell production, which would be critical for maintaining energy and endurance on Aconcagua. It wasn’t just about building physical capacity; it was about giving myself every possible advantage to meet the demands of the climb.

However, what stood out most about my time in Colorado was how it prepared me mentally. The early mornings, when the air was still crisp and the trails were quiet, became moments of reflection. It wasn’t just training but reconnecting with the climb’s more profound purpose. Colorado reminded me that the process isn’t solely about preparation for a goal; it’s about finding joy and meaning in the journey itself. That sense of purpose became a cornerstone of my mindset as I approached Aconcagua.

The Small Things

This time, I focused on every small detail I could control. I wore an N95 mask during my final two weeks in Colorado and on the flight to Argentina, determined to avoid any illness that could derail my climb. My 2023 attempt had started with me recovering from a cold, and I wasn’t going to let that mistake repeat itself. I also eliminated alcohol six weeks before the climb, prioritizing hydration and recovery to ensure my body was performing at its best.

Additionally, Aconcagua is very dry, and if you are not used to it, that dry air will dry your nasal passage, and if you breathe in through your mouth, it will cause a painfully sore throat. I ensured I wore a buff over my mouth and nose and, again, really focused on nasal breathing. I also brought nasal saline solution to help with the dry nose.

Though seemingly minor, these adjustments reflected an unwavering commitment to the process. Every choice added up, reminding me that success isn’t just about significant efforts but about mastering the small, deliberate decisions that ultimately make the difference.

The Role of the Unexpected

At Nido de Condores, we faced one of the most significant tests of the expedition. For three days, high winds raged, and we anxiously awaited a weather window. It was a powerful reminder of why focusing on the process matters: I couldn’t control the weather, but I could control my readiness. It was mentally challenging to stay positive and focused and not dwell on the thought that Mother Nature could thwart my months of preparation.

On the fourth day, something extraordinary happened—calm skies and no wind. It was the first day in 15, giving us the chance we had been waiting for—all the preparation, discipline, and patience paid off in that moment. On December 9th, at 2:02 pm Argentine time, I and four others from the initial group, along with our two guides, Weni Sanchez and Augustine Piccolo, stood on the magnificent summit.

When I reached the summit, it was an emotional moment. At that moment, I realized just how much my previous attempt really weighed on my mind. I shed a few tears, sat down, and enjoyed the view.

Key Lessons from Aconcagua

Reflecting on my journey, here are some lessons I hope will resonate with you:
1. Focus on the Process
Success isn’t guaranteed, but a disciplined, intentional process positions you to succeed. Be ruthless in the process.
3. Adapt and Evolve
Learn from past challenges and refine your approach—we only fail if we fail to learn.
5. Value the Small Things
The smallest details, like avoiding illness or adjusting your diet, may seem minor in isolation, but collectively, they build a foundation for success. Small, deliberate actions create momentum for big achievements.
7. Find Purpose in the Journey
True growth happens in the process, not just in achieving the goal.
9. Be Ready for Opportunity
You can’t control every variable, but you can ensure you’re prepared when the moment comes.

Conclusion

Reaching the summit of Aconcagua wasn’t just about the climb; it was about committing fully to the process and redefining how I approach challenges—the philosophy of process over outcome guided every step of my journey. I became ruthless about the details—focusing intently on what I could control, from my physical training and breathwork to the most minor decisions about nutrition and health. It wasn’t about leaving anything to chance; it was about ensuring that my preparation was so deliberate and thorough that I would be ready for any opportunity.
This mindset mirrors what I teach at LDR Leadership: success isn’t guaranteed, but a relentless focus on the process increases our chances of achieving it. It’s not about chasing outcomes but about building systems and habits that set us up for success—whether that’s summiting a mountain or leading a team. In climbing and in life, the journey shapes us. True growth lies not in the summit but in the discipline, effort, and intentionality we bring to every step.