There’s a powerful scene in the movie The Abyss (1989). They need to disarm a nuclear warhead at a crazy depth of 2 miles. There’s an experimental diving suit. One small detail — you have to “drown” by filling your lungs with liquid.
No matter how strong the arguments are, the body resists: “This is the end!” In reality, it’s the beginning—a man gains a new ability.
I remember my first parachute jump. I stood in the open door of the plane, gripping the edges, waiting for the instructor’s command. Suddenly, I realized my life had reached a fork in the road — everything was now possible.
After stepping into the Void, my control would shrink to a tiny piece of cloth. Right now, I could still turn back to the familiar and safe path. But…
The difference would be a new experience—something I wanted and could have, but had not yet lived.
It’s a strange choice. The worst risk is clear. What you will gain is completely unknown. Stories from others about the jump carry none of your personal meaning. It’s like a virgin listening to tales about sex.
Inside, there’s only a vague promise: “Trust me, this is worth it.”
Whoever whispered that to me was right. When the parachute opened, the sun smiled at my joy—no, not joy. Ecstasy.
Those few minutes between sky and earth are hard to describe. You can catch that feeling again whenever you want something badly, feel afraid, take the step anyway, and survive.
Here’s the conclusion:
Even the greatest fear will not stop you if the desire for a new experience has already been born inside you. Action then flows on its own.
And vice versa.
Sincerely yours,
-Alexander
As a business therapist, I help tech founders quickly solve dilemmas at the intersection of business and personality, and boost company value as a result.
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