Don’t Think, Just Jump.

This week my daughter, Ava, and I will be attending a Father/Daughter Camp in northern California that will include white water rafting, horseback riding, and a high ropes course. My guess is at some point we will each have a moment where we each either face our fear or back away – but hopefully nothing quite as challenging as two years ago during our family vacation to Jackson, WY. 

As a reader of these messages, you might recall how that year’s trip included a significant ‘charging into the storm’ moment – a concept I have written about frequently, and one I often need to be reminded.

The ‘charging into the storm’ concept is more of a mindset, which focuses on the topic of fear. If you haven’t seen it already, I encourage you to check out bestselling author and national speaker Rory Vaden’s speech on the topic in his video.

Did you know that having fear is completely normal? We all have fears. The important question is, “What are you going to do in light of what we fear?” Are you going to be a buffalo, charging into the storm, or are you going to be a cow, and run away?

That was the question I had to ask myself two years ago as our family vacationed in Jackson, WY. During one of our hikes through the Grand Tetons Mountain range, our group came upon a rock along the edge of Phelps Lake. Although, this was not just any rock. This rock stood more than 30-feet high, making for a great spot to jump off into the water – intimidating to say the least. As I observed those who had been on this hike before, several members of our group didn’t hesitate to “take the leap” off the rock into the ice-cold water. At the same time, others froze in fear. What was going through my mind? Charge into the storm or run away?

Then the voice of one of the 8-year-old twins in our group caught my attention. While attempting to encourage his 11-year-old sister to jump off, his words struck a chord. 

Don’t think, just jump.

In his great wisdom, he had simplified the experience, and the approach to overcoming fear into four words. Whether he realized it or not, he was hitting on something that I believe often to be true. When faced with fear, thinking can be counterproductive. The more we think, the more often we allow fear to creep in. After hearing his words, I knew I didn’t need to think any longer. Off came my shirt and shoes, and to the top of the rock I went. Briefly taking one look over the edge, I walked back, turned around, and ran off the rock. 

Fear didn’t beat me that year, thanks to my 8-year-old Yoda, and I don’t plan to let it happen this year as Ava and I enjoy our time in Northern California. All that being said, my encouragement is to not let it beat you either. We all have fears. The question is – “What do we do about it?” Sometimes the best advice is simply, “Don’t think, just jump!”