AFF Level 3 - Overcoming Failure!

After two very successful AFF jumps, and a few minutes in the wind tunnel, I was READY for my AFF Level 3 Jump. However, upon release, I became unstable and ultimately failed my first attempt! AFF Level 3 is the first student course jump where the instructors let you go, and you're required to maintain stable and maintain a heading. Upon review of my first jump's footage, the problem was obvious: not good enough leg awareness! I went home that night and practiced my arch for an hour on my carpet in front of my closet mirror. The next day, I came back with a stronger body position with more positive legs. I was nervous. Perhaps more nervous than my first jump. However, not nervous of jumping out of a plane, but nervous of failing! Sometime during the plane ride up for attempt #2, I turned my mindset from anxious to excitement! I realized, that the sensation of anxiety you feel in your chest is the same sensation you feel when you're excited, and the only difference between the two is mindset! I rode the rest of the way to 13k' with a smile on my face. My turn. Attempt #2. Ready, Set, Arch! 4 Seconds. Altitude. Practice Touch. Altitude. Release... SOLID AS A ROCK! Success! Pass! Canopy opens, and I'm more stoked than I was after my first jump. Not only did I over come the fear of skydiving, but I overcame the fear of failing, and overcame the doubtful thoughts that were most likely to make me fail! Onto AFF level 4 and onwards!