Dealing With Surprise Attacks

So what is the one thing that most people find shocking when then are suddenly attacked? It's the fact that they, at that moment in time, they let their fear get out of control and that they do not know what to do!

Firstly, when the emotion of fear is felt, the body's natural defence mechanism kicks in, which is to flood your blood system with adrenaline. In prehistoric times, the flooding of this energy-boosting hormone is meant to trigger a flight or fight response. However, in this this modern age, because they may not necessarily be able to fight or flight, they just freeze. This “freeze” can also be considered as a manifestation of their fear.  This “freeze” is a build-up of the adrenaline in the system that has no outlet to go. Eventually it manifests itself as either frustration or anxiety. Why is this so? Well, back in the day when we weren't at the top of the food-chain, we had to be constantly of the lookout for potential threats. This meant us having to be in control of our fears and to be able to respond accordingly when actual danger arose. However, as we evolved and began to manipulate the environment around us, we also began to become soft and complacent, and had FORGOTTEN how to manage that primal emotion of fear in the correct way. Gone were the days when we were the potential main course for a predator. Now we had to deal with the corporate or social beasts.  This relied on a whole new set of skills that weren't physical. Suddenly, the height of our fears became presenting a big speech in front of the whole school, or a huge sales pitch for a multi-million dollar contact.  We had traded our spears for a microphone and a Mont Blanc ball-point pen! Trying to physically fight ones way out of a speech, or running away from a sales pitch, may not be viewed as the most ‘socially accepted” responses in this modern age.  Our response of fight or flight has been stunted, and what we are left with is the “freeze” syndrome. We are unaccustomed to the fight or flight responses and hence, when a physical threat is upon us, we fail to execute the most effective solution at the moment.  We have forgotten how take control of our fears.

Second, is the know-how of what to do in a physical altercation. Not KNOWING what to do when one is suddenly attacked is also a major factor that increases your risk of becoming a victim of crime. I have spoken to so many people that have said to me that the will "just know" what to do if someone were to attack them! It's a ridiculous statement that quite frankly, could get them killed out there! For instance, the one man I spoke to said he was a pretty decent boxer and would smash the aggressor's face in once he was in range. I asked him what he would do if the aggressor's pulled out a knife or a gun? Or what about if he came with a half-dozen other mates? He froze and I was waiting for a reply like, "I'd punch him before he could stab me or shoot me". The reply never came as I think I made him realise that there are limitations as to what can do if one is attacked with a weapon or by multiple-opponents.  I have a saying that goes like this: “Confidence comes with competence. Competence comes with practise”.  Therefore, to “just know” what to do when you need to is a myth. Practise… that is the only way!

To conclude, dealing with surprise attacks is not impossible, but it is difficult without the relevant training. Understanding how to control that emotion of fear when (and yes, it will) it kicks in is the first step, and the second is knowing what appropriate actions to take in that situation.

Be safe out there.  Till next time.

Get EDUCATED. Feel EMPOWERED. Live a FULLY-ENGAGED life.

My 10 Steps For Success

Look back at one of your successes and try and recall HOW you accomplished that success. It might have been some life-changing steps that was challenging to adhere to. Else, it could have been some sacrifice in either time, money or health.  Perhaps still, it might have been something that required a tremendous effort of your behalf. It might have been an emotionally-charged goal that you had a deep desire to reach. It could have been losing those extra pounds/kilos to get to that ideal weight; obtaining that next black belt in a particular style of martial art; or that tender that was successfully closed to secure a multi-million dollar deal! Whatever it was, it is that end goal that we are after!

Then, there is the discipline and focus towards that goal. Discipline implies the absolute adherence to following those steps to success in a consistent and continual manner. Focus is what is needed to stay on that path and to not let anything detract you from accomplishing that goal.

Here is an account of one of my most recent success:

Although I always had aspirations to look like a warring-Spartan with a 6-pack for abs, it was never something I was emotionally-charged enough to actually do something about. It was one of those things that I had convinced myself that I had reached the 30's now, and society dictated that for over 30's it was hard to shed those rolls of fat we call love handles.  What led me to make up this 12-week challenge was this one picture that was taken with my wife while on a family holiday.

I posted it on Facebook, and all I could say was that I looked FAT! As a martial artist, active for at least 5 days a week doing some training or the other, I could not figure out why I was looking so “big”? I was training harder than ever, and I was eating reasonably healthy foods, so what was happening?

I was getting despondent and desperate. It was during one of these low moments that I remember coming across a group of people that had really impressed me with their weight-loss program and their ability to achieve results. I started to do some research and eventually found the details of this group, Kaizen Transformation. After going through their marketing material and looking at the results they had accomplished with their clients, I decided to sign up for the 12-week dieting and fitness program.

Without giving too many trade secrets away, let me condense my experience in a few bullet points below:

• I was training hard but only at the cardio-vascular section. I had little to no strength-training in my program. That was an essential component to build muscle and burn fay!

• My diet was ok, but not ideal for me. I was put on a strict diet that monitored everything that I ate and forced me to make my own food! Surprisingly, I quite enjoyed the cooking experience and feel I have now also accomplished a skill I had always wanted to learn. I am far from being the next Master Chef, however, I know I can whip up a reasonably healthy and nutritious meal (much to my wife's delight)!

• My stats and training program was constantly monitored by my diet and fitness coaches, who gave me feedback on my progress.

• Lastly, I had an emotionally-charged goal in mind: If I could be disciplined enough to stick to these 12 weeks and accomplish some visible improvements, I will have discipline to move onto my next goal in life - to leave my corporate job and peruse a business in something I am passionate about.  

And here is the results after 12 weeks:

Needless to say, I was pleased with my results, but I realise I still have some way to go still to obtain that Spartan 6-pack! However, it did convince me that I have the discipline and the focus to accomplish any goal I set my mind and emotions to. With that, I had handed in my resignation from my corporate job, and as from 1 September 2014, I will be pursuing my passion as a full-time venture, which is to educate and empower people who have crime-related fears and frustrations, so as to unlock their potential for greatness! Defence Unlimited is the embodiment of that goal.

In a round-about way, I have therefore discovered my 10-steps for success based on this experience:

1.  Have an emotionally-charged goal;
2.  Seek help from experts;
3. Have a clearly defined plan;
4. Do what the action plan defines;
5. Stay focused, disciplined and motivated; 
6. Be accountable. If not to myself, then to someone who will kick me up the a$$ if I mess up;
7. It's ok to mess up. Acknowledge it, make a conscious effort to not do it again; get over it and move forward;
8. Stay mentally strong by being conscious of what I think and plant into my subconscious; 
9. Just keep going, especially during the tough times;
10. Celebrate ALL successes, even before the goal is accomplished!

This may be a very generic model, but it worked for me. Please do share any other steps that you have experienced that should be included, removed, or improved.

Till next time.

Stay EDUCATED. Get EMPOWERED. ENGAGE positively.