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- Be the pilot in command
There is a principle in aviation called “Pilot in command,” which means that the pilot is ultimately responsible for making the right decision.
The control center always gives directions and guidance. However, the pilot is the one in the cockpit who sees the situation for what it actually is. Seeing the storm ahead, feeling the turbulence, and calculating the risks.
While the control center gives out a set of directions, the pilot in command has the responsibility to make the final decision.
Now let me ask you a question - who’s really in charge of your life?
Take a moment to think.
Are you the pilot in command, or are you allowing someone else to make your decisions?
Parents
Society
Social media
Friends
Boss
Everyone gives their set of directions and guidance.
But none of them see what you see.
None of them feel what you feel.
None of them are responsible for your outcome.
Some people feel better taking directions from someone else. Others, don’t want the responsibility, because responsibility can be heavy.
The funny thing is, responsibility is empowering. It provides confidence. It gives you power to steer your own life into whatever direction you desire.
Locus of control
Do you believe that your life is controlled by yourself or by your external locus?
“I’m stuck in this job because of the economy.”
“I can’t pursue my passion because my family wouldn’t approve.”
“I’ll start when the time is right.”
These are the words of a victim mentality, where one believes that external forces control their life.
The reality is - perfect conditions don’t exist. The pilot in command does not wait for the clear skies.
You go into the storm.
You take control.
And you figure it out as you go.
More than half of the things I do, I started not knowing.
ChitLife Letter
Yes, sometimes you can get caught up in the chaos of your own mind. Which is exactly what happened to me recently. The important thing is to have tools so you can remind yourself of how to get out of it. All you have to do is zoom out a little.
Here are 4 things I try to remind myself of when the mind gets chaotic:
OWN YOUR DECISIONS. Sometimes you will be dealt a bad hand, guess what, that’s how life works. Own it. Take responsibility. No matter how big or small the decision may be, it’s on you to come on the other side a little bit better. A little more wisdom. A little more confident.
DEVELOPING AWARENESS. As a pilot always scans their environment, so should you. Who are you listening to? Do you believe people blindly? Are they helping or holding you back? Same with thoughts. What is your self talk? Usually, we’re good at giving advice to other people, try walking yourself through as if you’re speaking to your younger self.
ACT DESPITE UNCERTAINTY. Did I feel ready to make videos, start typing newsletters, or create content for restaurants and other brands? Not at all. Pilots don’t always know how rough or smooth the flight will be. They take off anyway. If you’re waiting to “feel ready”, you may stay grounded forever.
TRUST YOURSELF. No one lives YOUR life. YOU live YOUR own life. Most people give advice from their own experiences, which is fine. But you have to trust your own judgement, even when others may disagree. You best build it by doing it.
I recently retired from playing professional basketball. One of the hardest decisions I had to make.
I walked away from the game at the peak of my career.
However, I had to start looking forward. Beyond basketball. And let me tell you, it’s just like driving on a foggy road. My career path changed and I barely see ahead.
Priorities in life are changing. Therefore, I have to make decisions that align with my next steps in life.
In the end, whether it’s my career, happiness, mindset - I know that I am the one responsible.
It’s powerful.
Because you realize you can take your life anywhere you choose to.
As always,
it’s the ChitLife.