June 7, 2010 93 Comments

Waste of a Perfectly Good Airplane

skydiving This all started innocently enough. I shot a funny video making fun of Peter Shankman. He, in turn, called me out, challenging me to go skydiving with him before the end of August. There’s $1000 in charity money on the line here: he pays if I go, and I pay if he goes. See. People call me out using charity all the time. It’s my heel.

I’m not especially afraid of heights, but I fly every few days. I have vivid visions of planes coming apart. The scene in Fight Club is probably the closest to what I think about every time I’m on a plane. I’m more afraid of sharks and ticks, to be honest. But I once fell off a phone pole in January while still working for the phone company (well, bounced down the pole from 22 feet up, getting paint-stirrer sized splinters in my thighs on the way down). That kinda made me a little more “aware” of heights.

So why jump?

Because I’m afraid. Afraid enough.

I’m afraid of lots of minor things in life: confrontation, my own faults, not working hard enough, things like that. You know what tackling a big fear is going to do to those small fears?

And frankly, I’m still way too heavy. I’ve had a small victory with my weight (20 pounds gone), but I’m stuck not doing enough to move the needle further. Losing enough weight to meet the weight requirements for jumping (whatever those are) is a good motivator. It’s an audacious goal.

Why jump? Because I am not on the sidelines in this life. One of my 2 most favorite books of 2010 is A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, by Donald Miller. It’s about the importance of living your life as if you’re the main character in an important story.

Oh, and because Kat said I could.

This post isn’t about jumping out of a plane. It’s about tackling whatever seems impossible. It turns out that the most successful people in life make this a habit. As I’d love to be successful, I’m on it.

You?

Oh, and here’s how I teased Peter (shot by Becky Johns):

Photo credit The U.S. Army

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  • http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

    That's an awesome way of expanding your comfort zone, Chris. And it's a bit crazy too, which makes it even more awesome.
    I make it a daily habit to challenge myself every single day. Growth is where the fear creeps in.

  • http://www.petershallard.com Peter Shallard

    I seem to remember you discussing Fear on twitter just a day or two ago… was this the motivation?

    The greatest entrepreneurs consider fear a signal that they're doing it RIGHT. Good luck! Don't forget to pull the cord!

  • http://wwwjackbenimble.blogspot.com/ The JackB

    My only fear of skydiving is surviving a fall where the chute doesn't work. It would hurt. But I think that one day I will go because I like the idea of pushing myself out of my normal comfort zone. It does expand your mind and help you see things differently.

  • http://www.r4cards.co.uk/ r4 gold

    Great trick for Charity, i love skydiving and like to watch it's videos. I think skydiving shows great courage. It is really crazy, i didn't try it but i love to do it. I had read this A Million Miles in a Thousand Years book and it is totally amazing.

  • http://www.debbiedevoe.com Debbie

    I love it. Congratulations on facing and overcoming a big fear. I just might have to follow in your parachute steps.

  • http://www.TheFranchiseKing.com The Franchise King

    Hi Chris,

    I'll certainly support you on this. Heck, ask me for a contribution, and if I like the charity, I'll contribute. I do consider myself a risk-taker. Not a crazy, adrenaline seeking, everyday looking for my next big risk kind of guy…but a risk taker.

    In the case of me, myself, or even I-jumping out of a plane with a parachute or two?

    No way. It's not me. Having a child (even though The Franchise Princess is 14.5 years old) has changed the way I look at life. Completely.

    Best of luck!

    JL

  • http://twitter.com/TimBrownson Tim Brownson

    Oh wow, charity is your heel eh? :-)

    In that case I'd be DELIGHTED to send a case (60) or maybe even 2 cases of How To Be Rich and Happy to a charity of your choice if you review the book. In fact, scratch that, I don't even need a review, a mention on Twitter would suffice!

    BTW, my wife suggested we do a charity jump one night. “Sure that would be cool, when is it?”

    She replied, “Next Tuesday” and I'm like “Whoa, NEXT Tuesday?? How come it's not in 6 months or something?”

    She then whipped out a dvd to show me of some lunatics hurling themselves to certain death out of a plane the like of which I don't think I would have even gotten in in the first place. I'm such a wuss.

  • http://twitter.com/TimBrownson Tim Brownson

    Can I add one other thing Chris in all seriousness. Seldom does somebody tackling a big fear have any *lasting* effect on small ones. The brain doesn't really work like that I'm afraid. In rare cases near death experiences *can* do that, but even then the person will usually revert back to type.

    The best way to beat small fears is to keep pushing through them at an individual level.

    In some respects big fears are easier to remove and phobias are even easier with most people as we code the information differently to that day to day stuff that creates anxiety.

    Some of it is covered off in the book ;-)

  • http://twitter.com/jasoncrouch Jason Crouch

    Chris – I admire your bravery, because I know that I wouldn't take this particular challenge. Thankfully, I have a built-in excuse, because my wife definitely wouldn't allow it, either. :)

  • http://www.dogwalkblog.com/ Rufus Dogg

    There are weight requirements for jumping? Who knew. And that hurling yourself out of planes for fun, there is a reason God gave dogs four paws; to stay on the ground at all times. twice as smart as humans :-)

  • http://www.twitter.com/annaundercover AnnaUndercover

    Like Rufus Dogg, I had no idea there were weight requirements for jumping. Best of luck losing the extraneous poundage.

    I'm attempting something similar (without the vertical drop), and very much envy your location in the land of fish. It's hard to be healthy out here in meat-potatoes-and-fast-food Kansas.

    I feel all social media-y, now, because I'll be linking to this entry later today.

    • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

      I’ve seen you. I don’t think you have that many potatoes on you. : )

      • http://www.twitter.com/annaundercover AnnaUndercover

        Haha, well, I came here a healthy triathlete and gained 19 pounds over the last 12 months. :P Surprise.

  • Meg

    Hmmm… the word airplane starts with A and your new logo is a B in a circle and circles are a little bit like clouds. Coincidence?

    (what is the 2nd favorite book of 2010?)

  • Nancy Morris

    Go for it Chris. I jumped out of a plane 20+ years ago (or rather, fell out of it) after being “called out” by my brother. The photos from the day, including my crash landing because of a parachute fault, still hang in my office. Whenever I am afraid of doing something in business, like making a cold call, hearing an objection, or making an ass out of myself, I simply look at the photos … if I had the courage to do something that could literally kill me, then I have the courage to pick up the damn phone! Was one of THE most amazing days of my life!

    • http://www.lacostepoloshirts.co lacoste shirt

      I like the idea of pushing myself out of my normal comfort zone. It does expand your mind and help you see things differently.

  • RLMadMan

    I 100% support your courage and your desire to filter all joy and adventure IN to your life. I also want to be successful, but my desire for self-preservation tends to win out :) ~Margie (@RLMadMan)

  • Cheryl Dolan

    “This post isn’t about jumping out of a plane. It’s about tackling whatever seems impossible. It turns out that the most successful people in life make this a habit.”

    Exactly the right thing to say to me at exactly the right time! Great way to start off the week! Thanks Chris – and enjoy the jump (in whatever form it takes) . . .Cheryl Dolan

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  • http://www.projectauthenticity.com Robyn

    Thank you for the constant goodness you offer up here everyday. There's always something in each post that has legs and I can take with me. A Million Miles In A Thousand Years has had a profound effect on me and as a result the people surrounding me and I found it here. I appreciate your raw transparency, I'm trying but I realize it may be one of my fears. I'm better at the big stuff than the little stuff….but I keep plowing through it. I'm excited for you about your jump and the goodness that will come from it, thank you for letting us journey with you.

  • http://www.indiebusinessblog.com Donna Maria Coles Johnson

    This post is timely for me. My quote this week is by Eleanor Roosevelt: “Courage is doing what you’re afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you’re scared.” I think it's great that you are going to do this. I had a jump planned with a friend last year, but I didn't meet the weight requirement either. I still don't meet the weight requirement, but I'm on my way. I'm looking forward to hearing about your jump. What fun that will be. Go!

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    I figured it was two birds, one stone. I've gotta lose some weight. Peter has to go throw down like that. We'll see how I do.

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    SUper happy to hear it, Cheryl. I try. : )

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    Thanks, Robyn. We jump in different ways every day, eh? : )

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    My other favorite book of 2010 is Switch, by Chip and Dan Heath.

  • susangiurleo

    After seeing that video I can see why Peter called you out :-). Good luck with all of it (and awesome of Kat to not let you off the hook, either)…

  • fitfortwotv

    Hey Chris!
    We actually just did a “challenge episode”. Jason from “I Wear Your Shirt” called me out on live video to do 1000 bicep curls. I always enjoy a challenge because I end up taking myself to new levels, physically and mentally.
    If you need help losing the weight to do the jump let me know, I'd be happy to help out!
    http://fitfortwo.tv

  • http://nateriggs.com nateriggs

    I love how this is panning out! Especially since it was just some folks having a good time. Now some good is going to come from it as well. (And it should make a hell of a video when you jump).

    Kind of accentuates the principals behind the “human” part of business as well. Thanks for the mentions, sir!

    By the way… What charity are you thinking? Any ideas?

  • http://www.jamesstrock.com James Strock

    This is GREAT, Chris! Good luck on the sky diving! I did it some time back for exactly the same reasons–challenging oneself, overcoming pointless fears–and loved it. The only “degree” I keep on my office wall is my skydiving certificate! BTW, done right, it's likely far less risky than driving Interstate 80….

  • Bob Wilson

    Hey Chris,

    I used to be afraid of rollercoasters. My wife would ask why I liked to drive fast but not ride a coaster. Of course even the fastest cars in the world have BRAKES! But after my daughter wanted me to get on a few with her, I had to suck it up. Now I love them. Can't wait to ride. Do I still get a bit nervous as I walk up to the ride? Sure, but I know the payoff is worth it.

    Oh, and I have to give props here to my brother, Steve Wilson. The first time he ever went up in an airplane was on a skydive jump. Even the old veterans in the plane were impressed he was jumping out of the first plane he ever rode in!

    Bob

  • http://www.jesseluna.com jesseluna

    Congrats on releasing 20 pounds and facing your fears. For me, the two are inextricably tied. It wasn't until I hacked my fear cycle that I was able to release weight and spot the difference between instinct and fear.

    • http://www.cheap-lacostepoloshirts.co.uk lacoste polo

      I like the idea of pushing myself out of my normal comfort zone. It does expand your mind and help you see things differently.

  • http://www.WhatDidEricSay.com Eric Miltsch

    Two words: Helmet Camera.

  • http://www.tranifesto.com Matt Kailey

    I have always been terrified of heights and terrified of flying–the two fears you don't want as a skydiver. In my 20s, with both of these terrors intact, I went skydiving–twice. And I was terrified. I can still conjure it up in my mind, 30 years later, and my heart starts to beat faster and my body has a stress reaction. But I did it. And it's something that no one can ever take away from me, and I'm still proud to say that I did.

  • http://www.accidentalseeker.com/ Karen Talavera

    Good for you! I think you'll love skydiving. Talk about liberation! Sure, fear's part of the package, but the leap is totally worth it. Maybe this post will resonate: http://accidentalseeker.com/2010/05/18/for-the-…

  • Marilyn Casey, APR

    Chris, I'm 100% in with you on this post. Overcoming fear in life, at work, and just getting out of bed in the morning is paramount to success. Even when stalled, it's important to forge ahead with new ideas and new ways to make old ideas new again.

  • http://bettercloser.com Bill Rice

    One of the most exhilarating things I've ever done. Do it more than once.

    The first time, you're not even sure what happened. The second time, because you realize you're not sure what really happened the first time, you're scared crazy. The third time, you really enjoy it and may get hooked.

    You're going to love it!

  • http://www.danieldecker.net Daniel Decker

    I almost snorted coffee out of my nose when watching that video. Hilarious. Love the inspiration behind this post and agree on the message in Don Miller's book. It's so true, the story we tell is the story we live. I'm working on my story every day. (Along the same lines, I love this PDF poster of: 5 Ways to Think Like a Champion. http://bit.ly/5waystothinklikeachampion These are some aspects of my story that I am trying to keep present).

  • stephaniegraham

    “As I’d love to be successful, I’m on it.” I love the last paragraph in your post. Words to live by for sure. I am on it too. Change is scary, but it must be done in order to achieve your goals! Chris Brogan you better PREACH! LOL
    Thanks for the great post!

    http://www.missgraham.com

  • http://scrapsofmygeeklife.com scrappinmichele

    Good Luck with that! Sounds like a great motivator for you!

    I'm running a half marathon in October in order to face my fear of things I think I can't do.

  • http://twitter.com/skydiver Peter Shankman

    Unreal. I call YOU out, and you get a thousand comments. It's ok. The video of your scared-like-a-five-year-old-girl face as we fall will make it more than worth it.

    • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

      Believe me, the video of me screaming will be comedy gold.

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  • Rob

    Why jump? Because 'jumping is there'. Why climb Mt Everest? The famous mountain scaler (Hillary) simply said 'because the mountain was there'. YES, why take on more in life. Because 'MORE OFLIFE IS THERE'. I have sky dived several times because the option was there and I was afraid I'd die. I chose the option several times – and I never died.

  • http://twtrcoach.com TwtrCoach

    One thing is facing your fears once.. but you have to keep facing your fears every day.. else you just bounce back again..

    I have been in touch with my crazy bone several times.. had to when I quit smoke – or had to lose weight – cut down on my consume of alcohol (not that I was an alcoholic — just was an European).. and when I quit my job – left my friends and family 11 years ago.. all for Love.. :)

    But then last I got in that comfort zone, and suddenly found myself smoke – drink and gain weight again. Got up to 260lb and it did not hit me before my doctor told me I was developing diabetes and needed to lose 30 lb ASAP, and quit all my bad habits.

    So facing my fears might be uncomfortable some days, but not facing them is way more uncomfortable. The rewards you receive facing your fears is way much better, then the price you pay not to face them.

    And then I keep doing my favorite exercise these days – 'Rinse – Repeat'…

    Jump Chris and why not send us a tweet before jump – during jump and when you land..

    Cheers,, Are

  • http://twitter.com/PeterFaur Peter Faur

    Chris, I jumped when I was exactly the age you are now. It remains one of my fondest memories. Mine was a static-line jump from 3,000 feet. You will definitely remember the experience forever.

    I think it's good to stand up to your fears. It teaches you more about what you can do and who you are. (My big fear was roller coasters. After I conquered that one, jumping from a plane was a piece of cake!) You're jumping with a pro. You'll be fine.

  • http://socialthreat.com Davezilla

    Standing up to fears = good. That said, I would swim with a Great White Shark before jumping from a plane.

  • http://www.profoundinsightmedia.com Kevin Boon

    Rather than skydiving Chris… I'll sit in the bar with you.

  • http://desaraeveit.com/ Desarae A. Veit AKA DesaraeV

    When you are ready to jump. I'll happily go with you. I have a client who could even facilitate the whole thing happening. Only catch is you'd have to make a trip out to Minnesota. We could even put together a video of you doing it. The client is WestSideSkydive.com or Facebook.com/WestSideSkydive

    Let me know when you are ready.

  • dancingbaglady

    I'm 3/4 the way through Donald's book you sent me. It's going on my 2010 favorite book list as well. Here's to daring each other to live a good story. Can't wait to here about someone's sky diving adventure. Make the stakes high and make them public.

  • http://desaraeveit.com/ Desarae A. Veit AKA DesaraeV

    Oh and if you ever want to see my first skydive video.. its on facebook. I look super cheezy, but it wasn't scary at all. Quite peaceful actually. Just keep you legs up at the end.

  • http://desaraeveit.com/ Desarae A. Veit AKA DesaraeV

    Peter,

    Dido to my comment to Chris. If you ever want to come to Minnesota. I'll jump with you.

  • http://www.kherize5.com Suzanne Vara

    I admire your heart here. I am so deathly afraid of heights that a trip to Hoover Dam last week I got dizzy just looking straight down into the dam. I am guessing you will have an instructor with you so that does help with the fear I would suppose.

    It is about and for charity and going out of your comfort zone to help someone else. And that is what you do best – extend your hand to help others.

    Congrats on shedding the 20. It is not easy and each pound is an accomplishment. I so admire people who work hard to lose weight – which reminds me of the pesky 10 I am still holding on to, kind of like a security blanket.

    @SuzanneVara

  • http://sharonmostyn.com Sharon Mostyn

    Great post, hilarious video, can't wait to see if you jump. I'm rooting for you!

    Sharon
    @sharonmostyn

  • http://www.113tidbits.com tonyknuckles

    When you feel the queasy unnerving movements of your stomach, I'll be thinking of you. To this day, I can recall watching grown men and women barfing and being unhooked from static line jumps in the US Army. the jumpmaster yells at you one final time before boarding, “this plane does not land with anyone on it”, but being the new jumpers on the block, you suck it up and drive on.

    Whatever you do make sure your main and reserve are checked by the jumpmaster. “Trust, yet verify” was always my own slogan for my 7 years of jumping from military aircraft.

    Have fun!!

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