I don't typically read memoirs but I recently sat down with astronaut Chris Hadfield's autobiography and it was great. Hadfield generalizes the things that made him successful as an astronaut to every day life in a way that I found surprisingly relatable. (The full title of the book is "An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth".)
Three things in the book caught my particular attention.
The first was Hadfield's advice to start making choices that are consistent with your long-term goals. For example, when he was tempted, in childhood, to skip his homework, he would ask himself which a future astronaut would do -- complete his homework or slack off -- then, act accordingly. (Hint: no one gets to be an astronaut by slacking.)
Three things in the book caught my particular attention.
The first was Hadfield's advice to start making choices that are consistent with your long-term goals. For example, when he was tempted, in childhood, to skip his homework, he would ask himself which a future astronaut would do -- complete his homework or slack off -- then, act accordingly. (Hint: no one gets to be an astronaut by slacking.)
The second was his recommendation to be prepared for the situation you'd like to be in, even if it's a long shot. He describes how he prepared for a possible but unlikely appearance alongside Elton John by learning to play "Rocket Man" on the guitar. (It was unneccessary, it turns out.)
The third thing that caught my attention was this:
Chris and Helene Hadfield do the New York Times crossword puzzle every Sunday.
The third thing that caught my attention was this:
Chris and Helene Hadfield do the New York Times crossword puzzle every Sunday.
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