There’s a lesson from aviation that I wish more people knew.
A go-around happens when an approach to landing isn’t quite right. Maybe the weather changes. Maybe another aircraft is still on the runway (quite common in Lisbon) Maybe something simply doesn’t feel right. Whatever the reason, the safest decision is often to add thrust, climb away, and try again.
And here’s the important part: a go-around is not a failure.
In fact, it takes confidence, discipline, and good judgement to make that call.
The older I get, the more I realise how much this applies outside the cockpit too. And I don’t want to take credit for making this parallel, I found it on @_brandon_webster_ instagram account.
Life rarely follows the flight plan.
Sometimes relationships don’t work out the way we hoped. Sometimes career goals take longer than expected. Sometimes we pour our heart into something only to find ourselves back at square one. And sometimes we’re simply exhausted from trying to keep all the pieces in the air at once.
As a pilot and a single mum, I know a little bit about that feeling.
There are days when the alarm goes off long before sunrise. Days spent navigating standby duties, school schedules, childcare logistics, meal planning, laundry piles, and everything else that comes with raising a little human while working an unpredictable roster.
Some days feel smooth and well organised.
Other days feel more like flying through turbulence while trying to drink a coffee that went cold three hours ago.
And yet, just like in aviation, I’ve learned that needing another attempt doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong.
It simply means you’re human.
We’re often taught to admire people who never quit, but I think we should also admire people who know when to regroup, reassess, and come back stronger.
The pilot who goes around.
The parent who keeps showing up despite being tired.
The person rebuilding after heartbreak.
The dreamer who keeps chasing a goal after setbacks.
All of them are doing the same thing.
They’re choosing a better setup for the next attempt.
Aviation has taught me that success isn’t about forcing a landing at all costs. It’s about making good decisions, even when those decisions require patience and another circuit around the field.
Life works the same way.
If something isn’t working right now, if your plans have changed, if you’re feeling discouraged or behind, remember this:
Advance the thrust levers.
Climb away.
Follow the procedure.
Learn from what didn’t work.
Adjust where needed.
Then come back around and try again.
Because some of the best landings happen after a go-around.
And some of the most beautiful chapters of our lives begin after we thought we had missed our chance.
