Unmotivated -0- Burned Out!

[Panda]

Greetings everyone, this is my first post. I am working on my PPL, 31 hours down, and wrapping up my X-countries. Though the past few weeks, i've found myself unmotivated.

It's really strange, i'd prefer to be flying my flight simulator than finishing up my training. The thought of opening my exam guides puts me to sleep. I work for an airline as a ramp agent and every so often I sit in the pit with the captain and he shows me around, which really makes me want to pick up the books and keep going, but that feeling only last a day or two.

I'm 22, no college under me yet, and i'd really like to fly for a living. Sometimes I think i'm not good enough or smart enough to be a pilot. I'm sorry if i'm sounding a bit pathetic, but again the thought of being in front of my PC flying as opposed to doing it for real, scares me.


I want to finish my PPL, but am seriously overwhelmed by everything i've learned so far, I dont remember half of it. Also, my study habits are horrible! What is the secret to studying?? Is it really such a chore for anyone esle out there to pick up the books??


I need help, as this is not like me. All my intructor keeps telling me is, study study study, but it's not registering!


Thank you for taking the time to reading this.

[gosterho]

Yes, there is alot to learn. Give yourself a break. Relax and don't push it. This is not something that has to be done in a day or a week. Give yourself some time to absorb what you have learned. Instead of pushing the cross countries, maybe only fly short 1 hour solos over areas where you can relax and enjoy the flying. Step back, relax, and absorb what you have learned and where you are. Give yourself some time to catch up with everything that is going on.
You will be fine. You will make it as a private pilot, and with experience and time, will make it a career. But remember that sometimes to go forward, you have to take a step back.
glen

[Panda]

Glen, thank you for the kind words. You are right I think i'm am moving a bit to fast and really need to ease back and absorb everything. Again, thank you.

[Panda]

Also I wanted to add that I am having NO FUN with this! It's supposed to be fun!!!

[Hutch]

Panda,
You may have to strongly consider that being a pilot is not for you. If you lack the desire and the confidence to be in the air, especially behind the stick, it may be best that you don't pursue this avenue. Responsibiity is the motivation of training to be a pilot. Use this as a check, and there is nothing wrong with either way that that would lead.

Hutch

[Panda]

Thank you Hutch, no, I think I was born to be a pilot, but just hitting a few bumps in the road. I will not quit.

[gosterho]

Good for you Panda. It is in you. If it wasn't, you would not have posted here. I have a feeling you are the type to put a lot of pressure on yourself. Step back, and enjoy yourself. There is a lot to learn. Give yourself time.
The best advice I ever got was to keep your goals straight. Keep focused on where you want to go. That does not mean you have to get there tomorrow. Just stay steady and you will make it. And every once in awhile, look out the window and enjoy the view.
best wishes!

[sync55]

Sounds to me like you need to go for a check ride and get your Sport Pilot Certificate. Then you can start enjoying the privileges of being a pilot and later complete your PPL.

[Ameripilot]

First off I would like to say I had the same problems you had for a while...

The first thing you should do is get off the flight simulator program. I was on that thing so much at one time; not only did I develop bad habits, but I became more addicted to flying on a computer I was wasting critical time I could've been using to study.

I love flying, but I found that with getting hired and working that I don't have time for flight sims anymore anyway, and I don't know how I could've ever kept them both going. Let me guess and be honest. Time comes around that you could be getting some sleep and you decide to fire up the computer and fly a trip....it really takes away from productive time.

Here are some things you can do to help with your study habits to keep from getting tired...

1. Before you study...tell yourself you are going to be a pilot! Sit for five or ten minutes of just you time and motivate yourself. Give yourself a gameplan and be honest with how far you've gone and achieved.

2. Read a chapter or section and then give yourself a lecture like you're teaching the subject in front of a classroom. This will help you put things you've learned into verbage...this will help greatly enhance your communication in an airline interview someday.

3. Creatures of habit theory- Everything we do comes by our habits that we create in life. Set a time for studying daily. Here's the trick! During that time...if you need a break...take it! But go back and force yourself to read again...take another break when you need it! Let your body and brain know what you demand of it to achieve your goal. Example- I wanted to start working out, but everytime I joined a gym I would stop going about 2 months into it. So I decided to just work out at home and do what ever I wanted for my workout. So I started with 10 pushups and 10 situps...the next I felt I could do more so I did. By the 6 month I was doing 200 per day...but sometimes I feel like doing only 80 or so...so that's what I do. It's worked great for me.

4. Consider other reason why there may be lack of motivation....like fear of flying...What! Fear of flying! Yes, sometimes such things held deep down can cause a loss of motivation even though we love it as much as we fear it. Talk to your instructor if this is the case and discuss certain things that may bother you that you haven't had a clear understanding yet. Fear is a good backbone to build on...keeps pilots from doing stupid stuff sometimes! We just have to learn how to control it.

5. Eat right...sleep right....and workout with the purpose of giving you the energy to climb out. Sometimes depression can lead to the very things you cite so these things can all help with that energy level and motivation level.

6. Sometimes pilots think they aren't moving ahead in knowledge or flighthours so their motivation starts lacking. Keep focused and understand if you are studying regularly then you are moving forward period.

7. All those pilots that you see on the ramp have all gone through the same tests and training as all of us for the most part and we've all had to overcome our various demons...you're not alone!

8. If you never quit then you will never fail! Press on!

9. As far as you not being smart enough...Smart is relative to what you need to learn to achieve your goal in life......AND THEN LEARNING IT!

[Panda]

Ameri, thank you so much for your reply, it just comfirms what i've been feeling. Flight sim is like a drug, once I dont fly it for a few days and detox from it, I feel GREAT!!

A whole new world full of motivation and will opens up, and I feel I can take this dream to the skys!


Thanks to everyone for there input ... here we go!