One Question to a Statement Changed my Date with Destiny
The Times Square ball has dropped, marking the start of January—a month symbolically guarding the gateways between past and future. It’s a time for reflection and new beginnings. For me, January always brings memories of a pivotal moment: the Miracle on the Hudson, where the fate of 155 people was decided in mere moments.
Not a day goes by when I’m not asked about that event. I’m humbled that it still resonates with people. Recently, I’ve commented on similar bird strike incidents in the media. During one of these interviews, I was asked what went through my mind when I realized something was wrong. While I’ve often shared my thoughts, a dream about that day revealed deeper insight.
Dreams play a vital role in emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. They process emotions, unlock creativity, and offer perspectives on the past. After the Miracle on the Hudson, my dreams helped me grow instead of succumbing to despair. In one particular dream, I revisited the pivotal moment when the Captain’s words—“Brace for impact”—led me to ask myself a fear-driven question: “What if things go wrong, and I don’t make it?”
Such questions can spiral into anxiety, focusing on worst-case scenarios that breed inaction. But then I shifted my mindset with a bold statement: “Even if things don’t go as I hope, I will remain steadfast and hopeful with courage.” That simple change from fear to faith brought clarity, confidence, and creativity, enabling me to act decisively. It’s a lesson that has guided me not only on January 15, 2009, but throughout my life.
This mindset helped me transition from a successful 37-year corporate sales career to becoming an entrepreneur. Recently, after a workout at Planet Fitness, a young man approached me, recognizing me from LinkedIn. He asked how I made that leap. I shared two principles that empowered me to take the risk:
- Faith over fear: I wrote a statement: “Even if something happens that I didn’t plan, things will work out as long as I have faith in myself.”
- The risk of not taking risks: I learned something in 1988 when I was contemplating a move from managing hotels and restaurants to sales. Avoiding risks would have cost me growth, success, and untapped opportunities. Staying in my comfort zone would have led to stagnation and long-term regret for not creating my own path.
These principles reshaped my life. Avoiding risks might protect you from immediate challenges, but it can rob you of a limitless future.
Don’t underestimate the power of dreams—they might contain insights that could redefine your destiny.
If I had approached those final moments on US Airways 1549 with fear and doubt, I might not be here today, nor would I have gained the opportunities that came from embracing uncertainty. Similarly, had I not taken the risk of entrepreneurship, I wouldn’t have discovered the freedom of time, money, purpose, and relationships.
When doubt creeps in, shift from “What if?” to “Even if.” It might just change your future.
If you’d like to discuss making bold moves, feel free to email me at dave@davesandersonspeaks.com to set up a conversation.
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