It is a new year, full of promise, opportunity and new lessons to learn. It is a time to reflect, to look forward and dream. A time to plan out your coming year and all that you wish to accomplish. Personally, I always set goals for the year in all aspects of my life, including paragliding.
The one thing I have learned through the years is that when it comes to paragliding, setting goals will absolutely make you a better pilot, but you may not have as much fun along the way. Let me share a personal experience I had related to setting goals.
About 8 or 9 years ago I found myself setting out to accomplish some new paragliding goals for the year. At that time I had completed all my training, had all USHPA endorsements from XC to Ski Launch (and everything in between). I held a P4 rating, but was still looking for more. I was a pretty ambitious pilot at that time and thought I needed a challenge, needed to grow, needed to progress. So, I decided to set an annual Cross Country (XC) distance goal. That year my XC goal was to fly 2,000 kilometers.
I learned more that year than you can possibly imagine. I learned every little nook and cranny, thermal trigger, and sink hole along the Wasatch. I flew internationally, the Alps, the Islands, and several other spots here in the US. Through it all I learned how to read (and understand) the air around me, the terrain, the subtle movements of my wing, the leaves, the birds, etc….etc. On the flip side, I also learned what it is like to fly too close to clouds, be shredded in valley winds, and be stuck in a leeside washing machine. I learned why launching at 1:00 (or even 3:00) can be a really, really stupid idea. That year I ran from clouds, flew through snow storms, landed going backwards…and the list of mistakes goes on and on.
The point of this story is, as I look back on that year, sure I learned a lot in pursuit of that goal, but it wasn’t all that fun. I spent too much time focused on trying to find that last thermal, eek out that last kilometer, never stopping to enjoy the view. When I landed, I was more interested in logging my distance and measuring my goal than reflecting on, or even appreciating the actual flight. I left too many of my friends standing on launch as I headed off on my own under the premise of the “Pirates Code” (he who falls behind is left behind). I made my wife spend too many hours chasing me around the state as my dedicated retrieve driver. Flying became my only priority.
That year I learned many lessons, became a better pilot, but in turn became a worst human being. Totally not worth it. The silver lining lesson from that year was the realization that paragliding is an extremely special endeavor, beyond magical actually, but it demands balance. I learned that paragliding offers so much more than a lonely line on a map; so much more than just the empty glory of achieving a goal.
Yes, I still set goals each year, but not so much the hollow XC or number focused goals. I find myself more interested in helping my friends succeed, or helping another pilot unlock a new skill. I rarely leave my friends behind these days, but often just hang out in the air until we can accomplish something together. Last year my goal was to pioneer several new flying sites. I didn’t quite make my “number” and that is completely fine. I am not disappointed in the least because I did each one safely, with friends by my side. We hiked together, traveled together, learned, shared and laughed together. In the end we had pioneered 13 new sites, which created 13 new adventures, and together appreciated the accomplishment and experience of each one.
As the new year begins I encourage you to set some goals to advance your paragliding career. However, from past experience my advice is to put aside the number goals, and focus on those things that will bring more safety, enjoyment and meaning to your life. Things like being quicker to share with others. Introducing yourself to other pilots. Kindly asking for help or advice. Offering a ride instead of always just asking for one. Being quicker and more methodical in your preflight routine. Helping another pilot on launch. Taking time in the air to actually enjoy the view (and not always worrying about the next thermal). Of course this list can go on an on. Only you can set your goals, but make sure you are setting the “right” kinds of goals that will enhance your own experience and the experience of those around you.
Happy New Year and I will see you in the sky soon!!
