Gandhi believed that we must be

Bringing Change to General Aviation

Changing general aviation . . . and specifically the way we train pilots is long overdue. Such change, however, cannot be wrought overnight or even in a year or two. Instead, it must be done slowly, one flight instructor at a time, one pilot at a time. But it must be done.

History is filled with examples of change. One man who launched enormous change was Gandhi. Perhaps we in aviation can learn a lesson or two from his experiences as summarized below:

Gandhi believed that we must be the change we want to see in the world. Gandhi said, "In a gentle way you can shake the world. Consciously or unconsciously, every one of us does render some service to others. If we cultivate the habit of doing this service deliberately, our desire for service will steadily grow stronger and we will make not only our own happiness, but that of the world at large."

Believe that you have a unique purpose and potential in the world. It's not so much to create as it is to be discovered and it's up to you to discover it. Believe that you can and will make a difference.

Recognize that everything you do, every step you take, every sentence you write, and every word you speak - or don't speak - counts. Nothing is trivial. The world may be big, but there are no small things. Everything matters.

To be the change in the world, you don't have to be loud. You don't have to be eloquent. You don't have to be elected. You don't even have to be particularly smart or well educated. You do however have to be committed.

Know that all significant change throughout history has occurred, not because of nations, armies, governments and certainly not committees. They happened, as a result, of the courage and commitment of individuals. People like Joan of Ark, Einstein, Clara Barton, Lincoln, Edison, and Rosa Parks. They might not have done it alone, but they were, without questions, the change makers.

Take personal responsibility. Never think that, "it's not my job". It's a cop-out to say, "What can I do, I'm one person." You don't need
everyone's cooperation or anyone's permission to make changes. Remember this little gem, "If it's to be, it's up to me."

Don't get caught up in the how of things. If you are clear on what you want to change and why you want to change it, the how will come. Many significant things have been left undone because someone let the problem solving interfere with the decision-making.

Don't wait for things to be right in order to begin. Change is messy. Things will never be just right. Follow Teddy Roosevelt's timeless
advice, "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."

The genesis for change is awareness. We cannot change that we don't acknowledge. Most of the time, we aren't aware of what's wrong or what's not working. We don't see what could be. By becoming more aware, we begin the process of change. Be present!!

Take to heart these words from Albert Einstein - arguably one of the smartest change masters who ever lived: "All meaningful and lasting change starts first in your imagination and then works its way out. Imagination is more important than knowledge."

INTEGRITY

In order for things to change, you have to change FIRST. We can't change others; we can only change ourselves. However, when WE change, it changes everything. Moreover, in doing so, we truly can be the change we want to see in the world.

The following is inscribed on the tomb of an Anglican Bishop, in Westminster Abby, (1100AD):

"When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country. But it too, seemed immovable. As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it. And now, a I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: If I had only changed myself first, then by example I would have changed my family. From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country and who knows I may have even changed the world."

People, who are happy, recognize their success has come from who they are as much as from what they have accomplished. What matters most will give you the courage to be yourself and live a life of INTEGRITY

The above pieces were sent in by Tom Corey, commercial pilot from Buffalo, NY. They speak eloquently to the process of change.