By Janet Lapp, Expert on Change and Employee Motivation

A few years ago, my small plane and I were flying in clouds, when unexpected severe turbulence hit, and the aircraft became hard to control. We train for these moments.

If everything suddenly seems out of control, learn to respond as pilots do:

a. Learn how to calm yourself. Don’t waste energy on being upset. Easiest is to take a deep breath to 6, hold for 2 seconds and release to a count of 8.

a. Slow down. Pull the throttle back and put your gear down. Maybe you’re trying to do too much, more than even possible. The pandemic’s message is to slow down and rethink what’s going on in your life. Maybe you shouldn’t be doing more, you should slow down and do less. Let go of what brings no reward or is no fun.

c. Do a shallow turn and get out. Why take a chance? You know there’s better air somewhere else. You’re never stuck with the choices you’ve made. You can revise any decision.

Aircraft are designed to handle turbulence. So are you.

About Janet Lapp

Dr. Janet Lapp is a psychologist, author, and consultant for workplace transformation. She is known for her ability to create optimism, energy and an intense emotional connection. Her unique interactive approach engages the audience in a change lab, where they first assess their leadership skills, then leave with tools to transform from where they are to where they need to be. Janet is a Registered Nurse who also holds a PhD in Psychology from McGill University in Montreal. A flight instructor, Janet has flown her airplane throughout South America and Africa on medical and rescue missions, and is a long time member of the Flying Doctors of Mercy working in central Mexico. 

To Learn more about Janet Lapp contact [email protected]

Derek Sweeney is the Director of Speaker Ideas at The Sweeney Agency. www.thesweeneyagency.com. For 15 years Derek has been helping clients find the right Speakers for their events. Derek can be reached at 1-866-727-7555 or [email protected]