The plane started to make its way down the runway, and I swore to myself that this was the last time I would jump out of a perfectly good airplane.
I had a similar conversation with myself each time we took off as I progressed towards attaining my sky diving license. The plane's engine would begin to sound, and I would question my sanity, berate my judgment, and swear I would not do it again. But inevitably the adrenaline rush would fill me with such euphoria that as soon as I found myself back on the ground I would be signing up for my next jump.
I jumped out of the plane for the 5th time that day. It was now late in the afternoon and this would be my last jump of the day. I exited the plane cleanly, performed some 360 turns, and forward flying with my instructor, before releasing my parachute and gliding down toward land.
When learning to jump out of a plane there are multiple important rules to follow. One of them is that once you begin to land and collapse your parachute, never release it. A release of the parachute that close to the ground could be fatal if picked up by a gust of wind.
As I approached the landing, I judged my distance and began the process of pulling the cords down and collapsing the parachute. As it collapses you begin moving slower until finally walking or sliding your landing. My descent slowed as the parachute collapsed and then I noticed that I was still a solid 15 to 20 feet above ground. I had completely misjudged my distance.
Committed to my landing, I prepared for impact and rolled as I had been taught. The pain in my foot was sharp and instant as multiple bones broke.
I was on my 5th jump of the day. It was late in the afternoon. My adrenal glands were shot. I was suffering from classic decision fatigue. I made a bad judgment, did not see the risk in front of me, and paid the price.
The same thing happens in life. Happens in business. We tire out, make a bad judgment, and miss a risk staring us in the face.
It has happened to me during the closings of deals. They drag on and at some point, you just want to get it done. I have missed details I should have caught and paid the price.
The best I can do, what I should have done that day, is pause and take a rest. Not push forward. Recognize my limits and when I am not at my best.