Realistic expectations
View from HQ by Dave Mathewson, AMA Executive Director
Wow. The year 2015 went by at lightning speed. This is typically the time of year when we look back on the past 12 months and the things that went well and things that maybe could have gone a little better. I hope your look back shows that you had a great year.
For many, this is traditionally the time to make New Year’s resolutions for the coming year. There’s a funny thing about resolutions. Many of us make them with good intentions of following through, but it seems that sometimes we set unrealistic goals for ourselves, and before long our resolutions have gone by the wayside. Some statistics say that 88% of those who make New Year’s resolutions fail to achieve them.
The solution to this seems pretty simple. We simply need to have more realistic expectations for our resolutions. With that, I thought I’d offer a few suggestions that might fit nicely with what we do as model aviation enthusiasts.
I resolve to fly more in 2016.
Let’s start with something we enjoy doing and, for most of us, should be fairly easy to accomplish. We all want to get out and fly more, but life’s circumstances sometimes get in the way. If we set our minds to it, I’m sure we can find a little extra time here and there to get more flying in and, by doing so, help relieve the stress of dealing with what day-to-day life throws our way.
I resolve to be welcoming to visitors and potential new members visiting our field.
This is another relatively easy resolution to accomplish. Often when we have visitors at our fields, they are slow to take the initiative to reach out to club members. Sometimes it’s because they feel that they might be a bother. Other times it could be that they have a strong interest in model aviation, but they feel awkward asking questions about what we’re doing.
Some statistics say that 88% of those who make New Year’s resolutions fail to achieve them ... We simply need to have more realistic expectations for our resolutions.
If a visitor stops by your field, take a moment to introduce yourself and ask if you can help answer any questions your guest may have. Chances are that almost all of us became involved in model aviation by visiting a field somewhere.Remember what it was like when you were the visitor. You never know. The individual you’re reaching out to might become a great contributing member of the club as well as a wonderful new friend.
I resolve to introduce a young boy or girl to aeromodeling.
Model aviation is a great recreational family activity. More than that, for young people, it can be the perfect stepping stone to eventual careers in aviation and aerospace. The aerospace industry will tell you that it is concerned about from where the next generation of engineers will come. The answer is simple. They will come from the younger generation of model aviation enthusiasts who are involved in aeromodeling because you and I took the time to encourage them to become involved.
I resolve to participate in at least one club activity in 2016.
This could be a tough one for many. Time is sometimes at a premium. It’s a fact that many of us don’t have the time we’d like to devote to club activities. However, I think most of us can choose one club activity that’s of interest and plan to participate. It’s a good way to engage with other club members with whom you share a common interest and take advantage of the club atmosphere. Plus, it’s a good way to support your club.
I resolve to introduce a friend, neighbor, or coworker to model aviation.
This is another resolution that’s relatively easy to accomplish. Let’s face it. We enjoy telling others about our hobbies and other recreational activities in which we’re involved. The real advantage of doing this is that you just might spark an interest in others to get involved, make new friends, and create a level of camaraderie only found with others who share a common interest.
So there you have it—a few simple ideas you can add to your list of resolutions that should be pretty easy for most of us to chalk up in the “accomplished” column.
Best wishes for a healthy and prosperous 2016.
See you next time.
