Fight or Flee: Understanding Your Tendency and Choosing the Right Path

Everyone faces challenges and stressors in life, whether they stem from personal relationships, work, or a variety of other sources. Based on my military background, most people tend to freeze when faced with dangerous situations. However, this can be counterproductive as it does not help in resolving the issue. Training can help overcome this basic reflex, but it's not an easy task since it's hardwired into our brains.

My Tendency: Fight

On a personal note, I am more inclined to fight rather than flee. Though I try to avoid confrontational situations, I do not silently accept being threatened or insulted. My nature often leads me to intervene when someone is being treated unfairly, and I take charge of the situation. This is a product of my upbringing in a very disciplined family, where I learned to assert myself. Therefore, I have been trained to fight, and it is a natural response for me. However, is this tendency necessarily a bad thing? Only time will tell.

Fleeing under Stress

Under life-threatening stress, fleeing is my go-to response. However, I do not believe running from anything is part of my DNA. In such critical situations, I remain in control and do not back down. For instance, when a snake approached me, I quickly reacted out of pure reflex and hit it with a branch. This immediate response was a result of both natural instinct and prior training.

Evaluating the Options

While fleeing can be a viable option in certain high-stress scenarios, there are times when a fight is necessary. If I or my family are in danger, I will not hesitate to put myself in harm's way to protect those I love. For me, fighting is a last resort when verbal discourse and compromise are not possible. Physical altercations are a sign of a lack of control and maturity.

Tom Petty and ‘I Won’t Back Down’

Tom Petty's song 'I Won’t Back Down' perfectly encapsulates my stance on facing challenges head-on. The lyrics inspire me to stand firm and not back down, no matter the obstacles or circumstances - even if it means standing at the gates of hell. The phrase 'Too fat, old, only one leg to run, I’ll fight' further emphasizes my determination to keep fighting rather than fleeing, highlighting my readiness to face any challenge.

Summary and Key Takeaways

In the civilian world, I only engage in conflict when I can't avoid it. In such situations, I am prepared and confident in my ability to handle the situation. My advice to others is to think before reacting, taking just a few seconds to gather your thoughts and make a decision. Panic is not an option for me, as I am capable of remaining composed and logical under pressure.

Ultimately, whether one chooses to fight or flee depends on the specific situation. With the right mindset and training, we can better prepare ourselves to handle the challenges that life throws our way, whether it means stepping up in a fight or wisely fleeing from danger.

About the Author

David, with his background in military and his strong stance on facing difficulties, shares valuable insights on how to navigate life's challenges with courage and determination. His experience and philosophy can inspire others to face their fears and stand their ground when necessary.