{"id":63,"date":"2016-10-08T03:25:29","date_gmt":"2016-10-08T03:25:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kenukan.com\/blog\/?p=63"},"modified":"2016-10-08T03:31:09","modified_gmt":"2016-10-08T03:31:09","slug":"fear-and-the-flight-or-fight-reflex-part-3-of-6","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kenukan.com\/blog\/2016\/10\/08\/fear-and-the-flight-or-fight-reflex-part-3-of-6\/","title":{"rendered":"Fear and the Flight or Fight Reflex – Part 3 of 6"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Jim Harrison (Originally Published By MA Success Magazine)<\/em><\/p>\n

What can an individual do about his or her personal\u00a0degree of flight and fight adrenalin?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Absolutely nothing! Each human being has inherited a\u00a0specific amount of flight and fight adrenalin. Consequently,\u00a0we must accept our normal reactions to fear, regardless of\u00a0how desirable or undesirable, how acceptable or\u00a0unacceptable, it may be to us.<\/p>\n

So many people, especially fighters – and even would be\u00a0fighters – berate themselves because of their personal\u00a0“fear factor.” By this, I mean those feelings of fear that they\u00a0encounter prior to – or at the initial outset of – a\u00a0confrontation, a match or a real fight. Although it is normal\u00a0to feel irritation or disappointment in ourselves because of\u00a0our fear, it is absurd to blame ourselves for something we\u00a0had absolutely no control over- something we were born\u00a0with or without.<\/p>\n

We have inherited all of our physical characteristics, our\u00a0mental faculties, and our emotional responses. Certainly,\u00a0every parent would give his or her child every desirable\u00a0asset and attribute they could possibly think of- beauty,\u00a0brawn, brains and bravery – if they possibly could. They\u00a0can’t, and we can’t.<\/p>\n

Are we, then, helpless to change our inherited condition?\u00a0Can we, despite our inherited degree of fear, develop\u00a0more courage than we were born with?<\/strong><\/p>\n

What we do to change, control or counter any\u00a0undesirable or unacceptable characteristics we were born\u00a0with is greatly, if not entirely, up to us – although parents,\u00a0teachers and mentors can help guide us considerably.\u00a0Nevertheless, we as individuals are the only ones who\u00a0can deliver the goods – through desire, discipline\u00a0and determination.<\/p>\n

If you lack intelligence, for example, you can improve\u00a0your knowledge through education and determination. If\u00a0you are physically weak, you can improve your physical\u00a0structure and strength through hard work and\u00a0determination. If you lack emotional discipline and\u00a0fortitude, you can, again, improve your attitude, discipline\u00a0and self-control through sheer desire, will power\u00a0and determination.<\/p>\n

Determination is based on desire – the desire to\u00a0strengthen any inherent weakness you might have, whether\u00a0internal or external. And the degree of passion behind your\u00a0desire will largely determine your outcome. How badly do\u00a0you want to improve? And how willing are you to do what it\u00a0takes to succeed at self-improvement.<\/p>\n

Only you can answer those questions.<\/p>\n

So, does that mean I can learn to control my fear?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Absolutely! Human beings can learn to improve and\/or\u00a0control virtually any characteristic or handicap they have.\u00a0That is, if they sufficiently desire to, and have – or will\u00a0develop – the will and the determination to do so.<\/p>\n

As a martial artist or a fighter, how can I learn to control\u00a0my natural, or genetic, fear?<\/strong><\/p>\n

First, by understanding what you are up against. That,\u00a0again, is why the preceding technical information was used\u00a0to initiate this chapter. It’s essential for you to understand\u00a0the problem before you can affect a remedy.<\/p>\n

Second, you need to find a solution to the problem.\u00a0There is a solution, and it must be worked at in stages. So,\u00a0third, you must learn those stages that a fighter will\u00a0normally need to improve his level of bravery, and you\u00a0must then, systematically, follow them.<\/p>\n

There are three stages to the process of overcoming your\u00a0natural fear and increasing your courage. But I must point\u00a0out that every stage of this solution will be a very difficult\u00a0challenge for anyone who has not traveled this path\u00a0before. But then, what goal in this world is not difficult if\u00a0it is worthwhile?<\/p>\n\n