The key to succeeding in anything you put your mind to lies in creating a system designed to yield the results you want. And what better way to make such a system than to rely on an already existing design that has worked wonders for the aviation industry? We are talking about none other than the engine stand. But what makes an engine stand worthy of this parallel?
Well, think about it like this. Whenever airlines encounter aircraft engine issues, such as engine failures or system warnings, what they truly need is an engine stand to initiate the repairs. They may have the necessary tools, technicians, and other resources on hand. However, without an OEM-approved engine stand to provide the required support, no satisfactory work can be done. As such, it is the core of their maintenance, repair, and overhaul processes.
So, how about we create our system’s foundation based on this integral yet often overlooked aviation component?
What We Can Learn From the Engine Stand
Every system, whether personal or business-oriented, ultimately comes down to a foundation. The stronger it is, the more successful the system is, and conversely, the weaker it is, the less successful it becomes. But what can we borrow from the engine stand as we develop our own systems?
- Stability
Engine stands are designed to hold heavy weights without budging, and this ability is mainly due to their wide design and locking wheels, as well as other physical features.
Similarly, to achieve success in life, we must possess a high level of stability, which can be derived from our core values. Ask yourself where your integrity lies, what your ethics are, and what your mission focus is. When you have these answers, then external pressures weigh less heavily on you. For example, when you have to choose between working on a tight deadline or binge-watching a comedy, your values will guide you to the right decision.
- Introspection
Engine stands are not just designed to carry heavy loads. Instead, their designs are flexible and allow technicians to manoeuvre the engines at different angles, enabling them to repair or maintain their technical components. Even those parts that lie against the wing are accessible in the light of this flexibility.
Your system should work similarly, with checks in place that allow you to assess what is working and what is not. What are your weaknesses? How can you work on them? The more you perform these checks, which can be done daily or weekly, the sooner you can identify and address the issues that are going wrong. Of course, this introspection is hard, but it is necessary if you are to move forward.
- Capacity
While engine stands can hold a lot of weight, they have their limits, which are referred to as load-bearing capacities. If you exceed this capacity, you pave the way for several issues, including accidental slips and drops, which can damage the engine and hurt the technicians.
But it’s not just stands that have such capacities. You, too, have your limits. With this in mind, you should create a system that considers your capacity. For example, if you do not leave enough room for rest, there will come a time when you will burn out and crash. At the same time, if you create a complacent system that does not challenge you, then you will not develop the skills you need to succeed in the future. There is a need for a balance that respects both your present and future needs.
