Fight or Flight?

In this teaching moment fight or flight refers to how we handle new challenges.  It is a fundamental concept each of us needs to address.  Life will test our resolve on this principle many times. 

Do you run (flight) from new challenges and opportunities?  Or, do you accept the test that is being presented and make the best of the learning experience (fight)?  Fight doesn’t mean getting into an actual fight.   It means being determined to make the best of a new or difficult situation. 

Certainly there are many times you will need to run (flight) from a treat or danger.  However, in some cases we use flight as a reason to avoid something.  Question: Are you taking flight simply because you don’t like something or it’s too hard or because you are afraid of what someone else might think?  

Let’s say that your worst subject is math.  In the past you may have blamed others and made excuses for your poor performance.  That is flight.  An example of fight is when you decide to meet the challenge of improving your grade.  In this case fight means getting extra help, studying harder before the tests and doing extra credit work. 

You will notice several things when you choose fight over flight.  Fight is harder, fewer people are choosing it, and your rewards will be in direct proportion to your effort.    Your ability to clearly identify the important issues, and then go about handling the experience, will pay big dividends in your future success.   Each time you meet these challenges you will learn more about yourself and the world around you. 

Fight is harder than flight, but it will make you stronger.  Good Luck!   You Are a Winner!

Questions for Discussion:

1. Think of the challenges you faced in the last couple of days.  They may have come from school, home, church, etc.   How did you react?  Did you choose fight or flight?  Explain
2. How will you choose between fight and flight next time?
3. What does this quote mean to you?  
   
     “That which does not kill me makes me stronger.”

Friedrich Nietzsche

Ideas for Implementation:

1. Find someone who will give you sound advice without making the decisions for you.  Ask questions, listen and make your own decisions based on the information you receive.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you are facing with a new challenges that seems intimidating.
3. Get as much information as possible before making decision.  You will find the books, assocations and the Internet are valuable resources you can use before making flight or fight decisions. 

  

Please visit goalsettingforstudents.com for more life skills ideas to help children succeed.

  

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Accent On Success® is a nonprofit organization dedicated to giving parents and teachers the tools they need to help children succeed in school and in life. Their first book, Goal Setting for Students®, has won three national book awards.   

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