In my 20’s I wanted to be in an elite soldier.
I baulked at the idea of being a normal soldier when I had the chance to be elite.
So the clear front runner was to be in the parachute regiment.
There was just one problem…
It’s in the name: Parachute
I fear heights!!!
(I mean I hate going in ski lifts!).
After 6 months of brutal training, you have to pass a 60ft aerial assault course.
You either did it, or you failed.
Now, whenever I tell someone this they always ask “why did I sign-up!?”
But the real question is:
How did I do it?
I had trained my mind to only consider the challenge once I was in front of the structure.
I remember looking up and feeling my stomach knot – it didn’t know how I was going to get over it.
So I decide to study the recruit that went before me.
What I noticed was those who hesitated fluffed it.
They went all jelly legged and it was as though their legs were welded to the frame.
Fear had scrambled their brains and all the cajoling didn’t make an impact.
So when I got to the first 20ft platform, I just went for it.
Climbed the next ladder, up another 20ft and sprinted across and so on till I was done.
I was scared shitless but I didn’t look down, I focused on what I could control (my footing), and didn’t hesitate
I never allowed myself to contemplate what could go wrong, because ‘what if’ is always the worst-case scenario.
Sometimes you need to just trust in yourself and commit.
Drown out you inner b@%$^ and all the hater, past and present.
Only that way will you achieve anything worthwhile.
Within our H.A.W.K.S system S stands for support – it’s one of the key’s to your success, to find out more email me with ‘heights’ as the subject line and I’ll send you the details.