How Flying Taught Me to Navigate Life’s Confusion

Episode Description

In this Friday’s episode, Scott Smith shares a powerful life strategy he learned as a pilot that can help anyone maintain forward momentum, even when feeling lost or confused. With his trademark blend of personal storytelling and practical wisdom, Scott explains how the aviation rule of “aviate, navigate, communicate” saved him during a disorienting flight and how this approach can transform how you handle challenges in everyday life.

Drawing from his 150+ hours of flying experience, Scott reveals how a moment of confusion while approaching an airport with his daughter on board taught him a lesson that transcends aviation. His three-step process provides a simple but effective framework for maintaining stability, regaining clarity, and seeking help when life gets overwhelming.

Whether you’re facing a career setback, relationship challenge, or simply feeling lost, this episode offers a flight plan for regaining control and confidently moving forward.

Featured Story

Flying a Cessna 172 to pick up his daughter from college, Scott experienced a disorienting moment when, despite seeing the airport ahead, he suddenly felt completely lost about how to proceed. Only minutes before I needed to contact the tower, panic started to set in. Rather than freezing, Scott turned to his pilot training and followed the three fundamental rules of aviation: aviate (keep flying the plane), navigate (determine his position), and communicate (reach out for help). By swallowing his ego and telling the tower “I’m a low-hour pilot…and I’m a little confused,” he received the guidance he needed to land safely and learn a valuable life lesson.

Key Takeaways

When feeling lost or confused, first maintain stability in your current situation
Continuing to “aviate” prevents minor problems from becoming catastrophic
Taking time to “navigate” helps you understand what threw you off course
Being willing to communicate and ask for help is often the fastest path to a solution
Ego often prevents us from seeking the help we need to move forward
The question “How do I want to feel?” empowers you to choose your emotional state
Even highly motivated people experience moments of confusion and self-doubt
Maintaining your foundation is essential before pushing toward future goals
Simple frameworks can help you respond effectively to complex situations
Sometimes, the fastest way through confusion is admitting you need assistance

Memorable Quotes

“How do I want to feel? That question empowers you to decide how you want to feel.”

“No matter how motivated you are to achieve your goal, thinking like a pilot can save the day when life gets in the way.”

“Aviate, navigate, communicate. It’ll get you everywhere you want to go every single time. And it doesn’t have to be in an airplane.”

Scott’s Three-Step Approach

Aviate: Keep your life flying and stable; don’t crash and burn when challenges arise
Navigate: Break through confusion by determining where you are on your journey and what threw you off course
Communicate: Reach out to people who can help you, even if it means swallowing your ego

Connect With Scott

Search for The Daily Boost on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Email: support@motivationtomove.com