Screenshot from en:It's a Wonderful Life via Wikimedia.org
Everyone of us has heard of the classic tale of the guardian angel that has to earn its wings. Two of my favorites are "It's a Wonderful Life" and from the series The Twilight Zone, “Mr. Bevis.” I love these films mostly because they tell a story about learning to trust in yourself, finding you're own way, and many times after all the heartache, there's a happy ending!
Guardian angels also remind me of how we tackle certain choices presented to us in our life, commonly depicted as the angel that sits on one shoulder, and a devil on the other. Those inner voices (How many do you have?) can often lead to a lot of self doubt. Learning to fly made me face those "demons" head on and embrace that angel for dear life!
Weather you're learning to fly or just navigating through life, I think this post will help you anytime you start to doubt yourself. Learning to fly certainly taught me to trust in myself, and the lessons I learned along the way have helped me long past just earning my wings.
Here's eight tips that I learned a long the way:
1. Dream big and forge your own road
Don't be afraid to dream big. You can accomplish anything, or at least learn a great deal trying to. If you have a million things to try, start now. Don't limit your dreams by being too practical or too focused. Spend time on the things that matter most to you, and do the others as long as they halp get you to where you're headed. Trust that if you can dream it, you're worthy to realize it.
Prepare ways to tackle your goals, be creative, and remember "there is more than one way to skin a cat,” as the phrase goes. If you can't get paid for it, volunteer. If you can't get to space as an astronaut, do a simulation flight, wait till fares drop on Virgin Galactic, or if all that fails, arrange to have your ashes sent there after you pass on..... Yup....there are lots of ways to get what you want. You just have to believe it.
2. Accept your limits, and don't be afraid to challenge them
I'm bad at numbers - seeing them, working with them, it all presents a challenge. This makes my instrument training a challenge. By accepting my limitations I can tackle them. I know what I need to focus on and can invent tools to help me in the cockpit. Don't let you're limitations stop you. Instead, look for a creative way to get past them and focus on what you do well.
On another note, be mindful of what you can actually do at one given time. I once thought that if I turned down opportunities that I would be limiting myself, but sometimes taking on too much will do that regardless. Be selective and more opportunities will come your way.
On another note, be mindful of what you can actually do at one given time. I once thought that if I turned down opportunities that I would be limiting myself, but sometimes taking on too much will do that regardless. Be selective and more opportunities will come your way.
3. Know your critics
My mom always taught me that you can grow from criticism. However, one thing I didn't quite grasp until later in my years is that not all criticism is worth listening to. A wise person brought to my attention a book called “Power versus Force” with a section in it that helps you to find those worth listening too, versus those that offer only criticism.
IMTFE_judges.jpg via wikimedia (1946)
4. Never mind the naysayers
Some people just don't like to see others do something different. Maybe it threaten them, or they just have a certain opinion about you that they think they can impose upon you with their nay saying. Usually it has nothing to do with you, and more to do with them. So if you find yourself around someone who consistently tells you what your limits are, limit them in your life. As an old proverb reads:
“Those who say it can't be done shouldn't interrupt those doing it”
5. Do what works for you
Are you following expectations or processes that don't quite fit? Other than meeting the requirements necessary to meet your goal, who says that it has to happen in a certain order? If the standard processes aren't working for you, do what does.
If you fall behind the standard it may not be because you are incapable. Take a step back and look at what is getting in your way. Maybe you're overwhelmed, or lacking resources like money or time. Maybe you just “don't get it.” Stress can get in the way of you being able to focus, or maybe you need a different learning approach. If none of this applies, perhaps you just need a different process – one that fits your style and your life.
Maybe you're in the wrong plane, rating, or career track. Are you following someone else's rules?
Process is about YOU and your expectations; not about you fitting into someone else's.
Maybe you're in the wrong plane, rating, or career track. Are you following someone else's rules?
Process is about YOU and your expectations; not about you fitting into someone else's.
6. Don't let failures define you
There are going to be many things that feel like failures along the way. One way I have tried to keep myself in the game is by looking for support (ie: scholarships, networking and volunteering). I have many pilot friends and do a lot of volunteering. My networks have been invaluable to me. They have made the tough times easier, and have been a shoulder to cry on when things get tough.
Chasing you're dreams can be expensive, especially if it's aviation. Scholarships present an attractive option, but in my case, have also been a little hard on the ego. When you apply, you put yourself out there to be judged in a way. Sometimes the “sorry” can translate to a feeling of not being worthy, especially if it's a consistent reply. It's hard not to see failure as a message in code. So whatever it may be that 's telling you “no” remember all the people that tell you “yes”
Chasing you're dreams can be expensive, especially if it's aviation. Scholarships present an attractive option, but in my case, have also been a little hard on the ego. When you apply, you put yourself out there to be judged in a way. Sometimes the “sorry” can translate to a feeling of not being worthy, especially if it's a consistent reply. It's hard not to see failure as a message in code. So whatever it may be that 's telling you “no” remember all the people that tell you “yes”
Everyone writes their own story in this life. Re-write, and re-edit. It's not always about the end result. Much of the important stuff you learn and will remember is how you got there. Make it interesting, make it yours!
When you really feel down: try daily affirmations or meditation. If these fail to work, a punching bag can relieve the frustration, and may re-invigorate your will to stay in the game and fight for what you want :-)
8. Sometimes attempt the impossible
You may get it. If you don't, it will certainly lead you to new people and opportunities you may not have dared to meet before.
Above All: Trust YOUR instincts. You have them for a reason. You do not need to justify them to anyone. This is your inner wisdom., and if your pilot-in-command, self doubt can lead to some dangerous situations and just plain make you feel terrible.
What keeps you on track?
A friend of mine recently posted a song by Tom Petty “Learning to Fly”that inspired me to write this post. It brought me back to the day I learned something very important – to trust myself.
Thanks Kelly!
