Chris Hadfield is a retired Canadian astronaut who was the first Canadian to walk in space. An engineer and former Royal Canadian Air Force fighter pilot, Hadfield has flown two space shuttle missions and served as commander of the International Space Station.
I Am Driven By | I am driven by curiosity, and a restless imperative to make the most of myself.
My Highlights | I am most proud of my wife, our 3 children, intercepting Soviet bombers in defence of my country, and being Canada’s first space walker and spaceship commander.
The Difference Between Good And Great | Partially the luck of talent and timing, but mostly hard work and dissatisfaction with mediocrity.
A Key Talent | Give yourself a long-term goal that you might obtain if your life goes perfectly, and then use that to shape your daily decisions. But don’t let that end-game define you – celebrate each small success. Don’t wait until some distant finish line to enjoy life – there is joy and beauty in every day. Success is personal.
Principles I Live By | Make the most of yourself, never stop striving to improve your abilities and knowledge, and be a deliberately contributing citizen of the society that supports and enables you.
Lessons I Have Learnt | It is always easier to believe something than to understand it; beware unthinking belief, especially in yourself.
Dealing With Doubt | Visualize a goal, start giving yourself the skills to attain it, and then visualize failure. What is the most likely thing to go wrong, and why? Then figure out ways to avoid it, or deal with it, and practice over and over, until you have a proven plan and ability. With each small skill comes confidence.
Performing At My Peak | You cannot. Instead, identify when peak moments are coming and get yourself truly ready. Meanwhile, eat a balanced diet, exercise, laugh, and be rested, to face the unforeseen.
Resources I Use To Stay Inspired | The internet is a phenomenal new ticket to the combined knowledge of the world. When I don’t know something, I look it up, finding authoritative sources. Don’t be content with ignorance.
The Best Advice I’ve Received | Respect yourself.
Advice On Building Wealth | Work hard, use all your capabilities, seek knowledge, listen to ideas, be ready to change direction.
