Run Towards the Storm: How the Behavior of Buffalo Can Guide Our Approach to Adversity

The natural world is full of interesting behavior that can teach us valuable lessons about life. One such example is the way that herds of buffalo and cows react to storms. It turns out that these two types of animals have very different approaches to dealing with bad weather.

When a storm is approaching, cows will typically start to panic and run away from it. They may try to find shelter or simply try to outrun the storm. However, this strategy is ultimately futile. Storms are powerful and can last for hours or even days, so cows will inevitably have to confront the storm at some point. In the meantime, they may be exposing themselves to additional dangers such as lightning strikes or flooding.

Buffalo, on the other hand, have a very different strategy. When a storm is approaching, they run directly into it. This may seem counterintuitive at first, but it actually makes a lot of sense. By running towards the storm, the buffalo are able to get through it more quickly. They also minimize their exposure to the most dangerous parts of the storm, such as the leading edge where the winds are strongest.

This behavior is a great metaphor for life and issues you may be facing in your personal or professional life. We all face storms in our lives, whether it's conflicts with family members, challenges at work, or unexpected setbacks. It's natural to want to avoid these storms, but the truth is that we can't. We need to confront them head-on if we want to move past them.

Just like the buffalo, we should approach our problems with courage and determination. Instead of running away from our problems, we should face them head-on. This may seem daunting at first, but it's the only way to make progress. By tackling our problems head-on, we can find solutions more quickly and minimize the damage they cause.

Of course, this doesn't mean that we should be reckless. Just like the buffalo, we need to be strategic in the way we approach our problems. We should look for the most efficient way to get through the storm and minimize our exposure to the most dangerous parts. Here are some tips for confronting and overcoming storms in your life:

1. Stay Calm: When a storm hits, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and panicked. However, this can lead to poor decision-making and even make the situation worse. Take a deep breath, and try to stay calm and focused.
2. Assess the Situation: Take a step back and try to understand the nature of the storm. What is causing it? Who is involved? What are the potential risks and consequences? Understanding the situation will help you determine the best course of action.
3. Seek Advice: Don't be afraid to reach out to others for advice and support. Talk to your colleagues, friends, family, your boss, or even a mentor. They may have insights or suggestions that can help you navigate the storm more effectively.
4. Be Bold and Take Action: Once you have a plan in place, it's time to take action. Be proactive, communicate clearly, and take steps to address the issues at hand. This may involve difficult conversations or uncomfortable decisions, but it's important to stay focused on your goals and take action.
5. Don't Talk Yourself Out Of It: There are difficult conversations or tasks ahead and the storm looks intimidating. There will most likely be a little voice in your head that will question the actions you are about to take. This is your Flight or Fight response going off. Nothing good comes to those who don't take action and now is your time. Be strong and confident to move forward with your well thought out plan.

In the end, the way that buffalo and cows react to storms can teach us a lot about life. By facing our problems head-on, we can move past them more quickly and effectively. So the next time you're faced with a challenge, remember the buffalo and run towards the storm.