AIRBORNE!!!! Fight or flight

You have probably heard of the saying Fight or Flight. Week 3 of the Army’s Airborne school is called Jump Week, each morning you wake up early, assemble in formation at 3:30 am, march/run to the airfield, and jump out of perfectly good and operational airplanes.  

I was #9 of 12 in line on my side of the C-130. For the most part, it's dark inside the plane, until they open up the side doors and all loose debris is sucked out. Then daylight pours into the side of the plane. Everyone "hooks" their strap onto a wire inside the plane. This strap is connected to the parachute pack on your back and when you exit the airplane, the strap rips off the pack allowing your chute to open.  

On that first jump, I remember standing up, hooking up, and staring at the door when they opened it on my side. Leaves, paper and other loose items immediately flew out. What happened next I could not have anticipated. My hand holding the strap became so wet and shaky that it was dripping sweat. My knees started shaking and rocking uncontrollably. I was staring at the open door from what I could see 9 back. I have never been afraid of heights and I can tell you that this reaction of my sweaty shaky hand and my knees kinda freaked me out.

The Jumpmaster leaned out of the plane and yelled back "one minute". I had 60 seconds to collect myself and force my body out of the plane. I had a moment of doubt. This was something I had not experienced. My body was locking up.

In great irony, my body was manifesting the "Flight" reflex in tremendous opposition to what I was about to do - "personal flight".  

When the Jumpmaster yelled "GO'', the first jumper was out the door and then the next. Because of the plane's speed, you can only see them disappear once they exit the door. Being #9, I started moving toward the door. My knees were no longer shaking, however my legs felt heavier and slower than ever. My hand holding the strap was sweaty and now shaking uncontrollably. I slid the strap along the line and finally it was my turn. I quickly handed the strap to the Jumpmaster, turned and jumped.

If anyone tells you they weren't a little afraid of their first jump at Airborne, they are probably lying or maybe crazy. Having to overcome that physical manifestation of fear is something I will not forget. I have never experienced it to that level. To survive, we are designed with this reflex and instinct - fight or flight.

Last week, I had fear.  

Fear of failure.  

What if this and what if that type of "mind conversations". What if I am seen as a failure. It would have been easier last week to do nothing, not take the chance. Not challenge myself and face the fear of failure. A lot easier and a lot more comfortable.

I acknowledged the fear and started channeling my thoughts and energy on the "How". Changing the internal monologue to "How would I achieve this", changing my words to be positive in nature - "it's only....." & "I have more than enough time". 

I faced the fear. Started planning. Took the chance. Made it public (within the company) and have pushed all the chips in. It's GO time.

Choose to FIGHT. Jump out of the airplane and take the chance. 

Joe

This is a series of articles based on the daily letters that I write to my company (slightly modified - company specifics removed). My hope is to share some positive thoughts that gently push the world toward positive thinking and encourage many to achieve their fullest God-given potential.