Fight, Flight or…?
Make the most of a third, powerful stress response
John Lord Couper, Ph.D.
We’re constantly told we have two basic responses to stress or threat: “Fight” or “Flight.” These are well-known because they are easily visible… an onlooker can observe someone who’s either battling danger, or running from it.
But along with Fight or Flight there is a third response: less obvious, yet just as automatic. I call it “venturing.” That’s when we gather information to help us decide between fight or flight, to identify options, to select actions, and to make those actions as effective as possible.
We can do this amazingly quickly when we need to, or amazingly creatively when we have time. It is always possible to venture— as long as we understand that we can. Without that understanding, we’re unlikely to tap into its guidance.
An Instinctive, Intuitive Tool
Imagine standing on a street and seeing a huge truck barrelling right at you. Even in this emergency, it’s natural to instantaneously understand your options, then look for the best response, such as which way to jump. If you take advantage of that split second you’re likely to survive… if you panic and venture poorly, you might freeze or even jump toward the truck (yes, that happens!).
Of course, 99% of stressful situations give us more response time. The more we use that time well, after moving beyond the “there’s only fight or flight” fable, the more we venture effectively.
Let’s say that, at work, you’re summoned to an urgent, unexpected meeting with your supervisor. Gulp! Because fleeing and fighting are realistically impossible, believing they are your only options would make you frantic.
It’s much better to realize you can venture, then find and implement the best response. With practice, you can prepare very well in just the time it takes to walk down the to the C-Suite. As a huge bonus, you’ll start the meeting with calm control — not fear or desperation.
The Nature of Venturing
Venturing means peering into the unknown for opportunity. We have instinctive, mostly physical responses, like the first example. This can blossom into an intuitive, creative response, like the second example.
Without venturing, we reflexively react… with venturing, we effectively respond. Children often gain this ability from venturesome parents. But anyone has this skill as their birthright, as long as they decide to improve and use it.
Skilled venturing goes far beyond conscious analysis to deeper resources like intuition, memory and imagination. When you assess the situation then align these strengths, problem-solving becomes an enjoyable adventure.
Think of someone who’s impressive under pressure. They don’t have a “stress shutdown” then frantically grab the obvious option. Their options expand because they let venturing provide maximum information and control.
Learning to venture
In this stress-filled world, recognizing and developing the capacity to venture is essential for success.
First, recognise that you always have a way to assess the situation, so you can take advantage of your options. This will help you both decide better what to do, and do it better.
Second, develop your venturing strengths. In every stressful situation, take a half-step away and take a moment to explore. This will let you feel maximum confidence and control. Venturing can be your new, everyday secret weapon.
Note: My “Adventure Attitude” training program offers new ways to develop and apply all kinds of strength. To learn more, please contact me at info@johnlordcouper.com.
