Summary

The article discusses the validity and benefits of choosing to step away from stressful situations, emphasizing that opting for "flight" over "fight" is a legitimate and effective approach for decision-making and personal well-being.

Abstract

The author reflects on a conversation with a friend about productivity and decision-making, revealing a personal tendency to avoid immediate action in the face of challenges. Instead, the author prefers to step back and contemplate the issue, a method that aligns with their personality and yields thoughtful, complete solutions. The article argues that individuals who choose "flight" are often unfairly judged as weak, countering this stereotype by highlighting the advantages of taking time to meditate, reduce stress, and act confidently in line with one's comfort zone. It suggests that fleeing from a stressful situation can be a strategic choice that allows for better decision-making and preserves health, advocating for self-awareness and the acceptance of one's natural response to stress.

Opinions

The author believes that their inclination to withdraw from problems to reflect is a core aspect of their identity and an effective problem-solving strategy.
There is a societal bias that favors individuals who confront issues head-on ("fight") over those who prefer to step back ("flight"), which the author challenges.
The article posits that choosing to leave a stressful situation can lead to health benefits, better decision-making, and increased confidence in one's actions.
The author suggests that it is important to recognize and embrace personal tendencies in stress management, even if it means going against the societal norm of immediate action.
The author expresses gratitude for an external prompt that inspired the introspection and sharing of their perspective on the "flight" response.

Fight or Flight — Why Choosing Flight Is Perfectly Acceptable

Here are 3 reasons why

I had got off of a Zoom call with a good friend of mine. We were catching up about our daily lives when the topic of productivity came about.

To be brutally honest, I told my friend that I had recently tried to be more pro-active in my decision-making. I noticed that I would tend to shun away from the situation when there were challenging problems to solve. When that happens, I start to think about the issue even more, and it gets compounded.

And on and on, the cycle continues.

Surprisingly, my friend gave me a nugget of wisdom. He asked me what is so wrong with getting away from the problem to meditate on it? That’s how I am!

He did have a point though

This is who I am, and that’s how I continuously have operated. When a problem is presented to me, I am not one of the people who get in front of everyone and take over the situation. I feel uncomfortable when I do that. In fact, I see myself as playing a supportive role, and I enjoy helping others more.

Are you like this?

For me, I am the one who sits quietly and assesses the situation. It is only when I know for sure of the complete task, do I take action. And when I take action, I make sure to complete it 120% of the time.

After much meditation in what my friend said, I feel like that’s how I definitely operate!

Defense for people who choose “Flight”

For the people who operate on a “Fight” basis, that’s fine if it’s your style.

What about the people who operate on the “Flight” basis? Unfortunately, people usually look at a person who often flees as being weak.

When you look at people portrayed in a positive light, are they usually fighting or fleeing? Usually, it is people who are brash and jump into a situation with guns blazing.

The people who are more thoughtful and leave the situation are portrayed in a negative light. However, there is a value when people do this, as they:

Have time to be alone to meditate: Meditating is excellent to allow you to make better decisions.
Get away from stressful situations: Being in stressful situations is never good, and having long-term stressful situations can damage your health.
Act on what they feel most comfortable with and be confident in their decisions: Sometimes, if you are most comfortable acting a certain way, then going against that can undermine your confidence and make you self-doubt yourself. It is best to talk to a trusted friend, family, or therapist to see if acting like this is beneficial for you.

Personally, when presented with a stressful situation, I err more on the “flight” situation. I shouldn’t feel ashamed and feel bad when I don’t act on my impulse.

What about you?

To recap

If you feel bad that you tend to get away from a stressful and challenging situation, don’t be!

That might be your body firing warning signs that you need to leave the place ASAP. Regroup, and when you feel more comfortable, you can tackle the problem with a clear and level-headed mind.

Thank you Diana C. (as always!)for the May 31st prompt that inspired me to write this.