That was the response of US Airways Flight 1549 Pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger during an interview with Katie Couric on CBS' 60 MInutes on Sunday.
Sullenberger safely landed a flight from New York to North Carolina in the Hudson River after a bird blew out the plane's engines on Jan. 15.
All 155 passengers survived, and Sullenberger has been called a hero. Thanks to his training and experience, he knew he could safely land the plane, he just never imagined he would ever have to do so.
"I had this expectation that my career would be one in which I didn't crash an airplane."
Those comments and others he made are reminiscent of the journey we're all on. Some of us arrive to SparkPeople on a downward spiral. We're hurdling toward Earth at alarming fast rates, calling mayday, and heading for a crash landing.
Heading for crash landing in life can be just as terrifying as heading for one in the air. Thankfully, that pilot and each of us has the resources to avert catastrophe.
We can distill three lessons from that pilot:
Rely on your training and experience. "I needed to touch down with the wings exactly level. I needed to touch down with the nose slightly up. I needed to touch down at a descent rate that was survivable. And I needed to touch down just above our minimum flying speed but not below it. And I needed to make all these things happen simultaneously."
Sullenberger had a tough job to do. He was stressed. But he knew that he could do it. He believed in himself and remembered his training and extensive experience.
"The physiological reaction I had to this was strong and I had to force myself to use my training and force calm on the situation," he told Couric. When you're in a tough spot, either staring down a cinnamon roll the size of your head or fighting the urge to skip a workout, you don't just give up. You think of the lessons you've learned. Eating that cinnamon roll will cost you 37 laps of the mall. You think of the experience you've gained. Working out makes you feel great, and it will improve your mood.
You have all the tools you need to succeed. When you're in a tough spot, take a deep breath and remember how far you've come--and all you've learned along the way.
Seek help from your support system. Though Sullenberger was the one in control of the plane as it went down, he wasn't alone. He had a co-pilot, several flight attendants, and the control tower to help him. The co-pilot was there to support him. The flight attendants, upon hearing the warning to "brace for landing," immediately began giving instructions to passengers to ensure their safety. The control tower kept other airplanes apprised of the situation and helped Sullenberger find a place to land.
When you face disaster, you're not alone either. You have friends, family, and the entire SparkPeople Community on your side. Whether it's reading an article when you hit a plateau, reaching out to a SparkBuddy when you feel guilty for eating too much, or setting a SparkStreak to stay on track, you've got the resources you need. You're not doing this on your own. It's like those cell phone commercials. We're your network!
Create Plans B, C, and even D. Sullenberger's first plan was to turn back to LaGuardia Airport, but he knew they couldn't make it. Then he tried to land in Teterboro Airport in, N.J., but knew that was too far. The Hudson River was his only choice. He didn't look back and focused on putting that plan into action.
Plans change. Life happens. When rainy weather keeps you from your daily walk, you don't watch TV. You put in a workout DVD instead. When a conference call runs into lunch, you don't reach for chocolate. You raid your stash of healthy snacks. When you gain a pound after overindulging with friends, you don't give up. You work harder for the rest of the week.
You have contingency plans. You're ready for whatever the world brings you.
When Sullenberger woke up on Jan. 15, he didn't think he would have to avert disaster. He thought it would be just another day. When you wake up on your bad days, you think the same thing. It's going to be just another day. The next time you're heading for a crash landing, remember that you, like that heroic pilot, have all that you need to save lives. You're your own hero, and you're capable of greatness each and every day.
On a side note, the pilot's wife, fitness expert Lorrie Sullenberger, is doing her part to Spread the Spark! Her website and business aim to "extend a supportive hand to every woman to help her find fun in exercise everyday!"
What did you think about this story? If you had been in Pilot Sullenberger's shoes, could you have remained calm? Have you faced a similar "crash landing" in your life?
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