Seeing Clearly: Lessons in Perspective from D-Day

D-Day, 1944, lies more than 80 years in our past, but we still stand in awe. It was a massive liberation effort filled with acts of courage, sacrifice, and heroism.  

Momentous events provide lessons and metaphors that stick. One such metaphor is parachuting – a key part of D-Day’s success.  

Military parachuting contains a dance of emotions that echo our internal experiene in daily leadership.  

(Note: the below examples reflect a training jump – not a combat jump.) 

Diesel Fumes: Nauseous Waiting

The plane ride before the jump is largely unpleasant. Waiting and inhaling the distinct smell of diesel while feeling the anticipatory rush of adrenaline. 

This mirrors the tension before significant life leaps and even smaller steps. As we prepare to ‘jump,’ anxiety mingles with a peculiar sense of expectation, a strange intertwining of fear and the thrill of the unknown.

You’ve felt this before, standing on the brink of uncertainty and reminding yourself to trust the process.

Exiting the Aircraft: Mid-Air Chaos

“Green light: Go!” Once the leap is made, chaos ensues: tumbling air, snapping straps, rapidly shifting visuals and body position. The physical reality is a blur of life and death checkpoints. 

No time for anxiety. Reactions take over. 

In daily life, these are moments of quick reflexes and adaptability. We embrace the unexpected as it comes. 

The Calming Descent: A New Perspective

The next phase of a jump is surprisingly serene, assuming things have gone to plan. The parachute is open, the air is quiet. It’s a tranquil float above the earth, with fresh perspective. 

This is when we “see the field.” We’ve zoomed out, and the problems and solutions are clear.  We appreciate the journey, assess our position, and recalibrate with a cool head.

Hitting the Ground: Decisive Action 

Finally, the impact with the ground jolts us into action. Pack the parachute, adjust gear and move out. There’s a mission to be accomplished, come what may. 

We’re in the execution phase, moving forward and making quick, measured adjustments. We’re focused on the goal, and actively eliminating distractions. 

Choose Your Perspective

In life, visceral moments come with less predictability than a training jump. Instead of sequencing neatly from diesel fumes all the way to hitting the ground, we can start our day floating above the earth, and then experience an unending sequence of mid-air chaos that lasts a week. 

Unlike a parachute jump, we have a choice. We don’t have to remain reactive, tumbling in the air. We can zoom out, and then lean into focused action. 

Press pause. 

Where are you located right now? 

-Sniffing diesel? 

-Tumbling?

-Tranquil clarity?

-Or taking decisive action?  

You have a choice.