4 minute read
Sensory Overload - Jumping in Feet First
by Michael Martuza, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company
I will often bring up the term “sensory overload” when discussing the franchise search process. “Sensory overload”is a state during which the rational/thinking part of the brain becomes so overloaded with new/ unfamiliar stimuli that it forgets, or is unable to, perform seemingly simple tasks. This state can cause us to make poor short-term decisions that can have lasting consequences.
While in my mid-20’s I started to engage in some adrenaline producing activities; the first being skydiving. A bit of background. At some point since the time of my first jump the industry decided that letting novices skydive solo was not a good idea, so now they harness novices to a very qualified jumper and allow that expert to control the descent while the novice enjoys the ride. This harnessing concept was not used when I made my first jump; it was just me, the parachute and a one-way radio.
At the start of the day I paid the fee and signed a waiver absolving the business of any and all liability, up to and including packing my parachute with kitchen utensils a la Wile E. Coyote in the Road Runner cartoons. They actually used this example while explaining the waiver.
To prepare for the end of day jump I, along with the other members of this first-time jumpers group, repetitively practiced a variety of procedures that every skydiver needs to know; basic procedures for when everything goes according to plan, and what corrective measures to take if the plan goes awry. The hours upon hours of practice was supposed to make these procedures second nature. I didn’t find any of these practice exercises to be difficult and was told by the instructors that I was doing very well.
At the end of the day the plane took me up to about 4000 feet, from which I would make my jump. When it was time to jump I was to step out of the door putting my left foot on the step we used to enter the plane, leaving my right foot/ leg dangling in the breeze. To keep from getting blown off of the step, I was to hold onto the wing support bar and wait for the jump-master to give the ‘Go’ command. At ‘Go’ I was to jump backward and lay out, spreadeagle, face down employing all of those practice exercises that were now theoretically second nature. I was supposed to count to five (one Mississippi, two Mississippi, etc.) at which time I should feel a slight tug on my shoulders from the opening parachute. I was to look up and make sure that there were no problems with tangled lines, etc. If there was a problem, I had practiced the proper procedures for hours before the jump. It should be noted I was on a tether line to the plane that would automatically pull the parachute’s ripcord the moment I jumped off of the plane. After counting to five, if the parachute opened and everything was alright, I was just to enjoy the ride and remember the correct way to land.
Earlier in the day an instructor made a remark about the possibility of ‘sensory overload’. He didn’t put much emphasis on it and I really wasn't concerned since I had been excellent all day in practice. So much for being great in practice, because as soon as I jumped back from the step and attempted to start my Mississippis’, I forgot how to count. Actually I forgot how to do anything. It’s fortunate that basic functions such as breathing are not controlled by the logical part of the brain because I would have forgotten that as well. After the time that it would’ve taken me count up to five Mississippi passed - it could have been five days for all I could tell - I felt the slight tug on my shoulders and I was brought back to reality. I looked up at the chute to make sure there were no issues. From that point on everything went according to plan; actually, it was a great experience.
I’ve since wondered if I did not get that tug on the shoulders from the opening chute would the ‘sensory overload’ have continued until I came to a stop. Remember it’s not the fall that kills you, it’s the stop.
‘Sensory overload’ can result from many situations in life, from skydiving for the first time or buying your first business. Utilizing an expert in assisting you to find a great fitting franchise is not unlike the tug on the shoulders from the opening parachute. You want someone available to provide you with instructions and education at the beginning and be able to guide you through to a safe landing, while keeping you focused on what’s important and realistic.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mike Martuza is a serial entrepreneur, author, lecturer with over 30 years of business ownership, business creation, franchising, consulting, coaching, business management. Reach him at mikemartuza@thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com
Reprinted with permission from the book “The Franchise Rules” by Michael Martuza
