Stop Fighting the Jet: The Fix for Burnout and Overcommitment

Read time: 4 min.

Aircraft like the F-16 are built to be inherently unstable, with finely tuned computers keeping them in balance.

As fighter pilots, we know that over-controlling the jet almost guarantees failure. And yet, it’s easier than you think to get into an out-of-control situation.

When a pilot tries so hard to correct a minor deviation, the jet can pitch and wobble wildly, causing pilot-induced oscillations (PIOs).

It’s a perfect example of how trying to control every detail can throw the whole system into chaos.

The same principle applies to life and work. When we grip too tightly, trying to control every outcome or seize every opportunity, we create the problems we’re trying to avoid: overwhelm, burnout, and loss of direction.

In this installment of "Inverting Your Mindset," we’re exploring what it means to stop fighting the jet in your own life. Whether it’s overscheduling, overcommitting, or overcorrecting, the solution lies in learning when to let go and trust the process.

The Trap of Over-Control

While transitioning out of the Air Force, I was in constant motion. Endless networking calls, entertaining every pitch, chasing every opportunity—I said “yes” to everything because I didn’t want to miss out. But instead of finding clarity, I ended up exhausted and stuck.

Two pieces of advice from mentors snapped me out of this spiral:

1. "If it doesn’t fall under passion, profit, or politics, why are you saying yes?"
2. "If it’s not a 'hell yeah,' then it should be a no."

These became my filters, my "Go/No-Go" criteria. In aviation, go/no-go criteria are pre-defined parameters that decide whether to proceed with a mission or abort. They strip emotion and overthinking from decision-making in high-stakes situations.

Applying this approach to my post-military life was a game-changer. It allowed me to focus on what truly mattered instead of fighting the jet every step of the way.

Signs You’re “Fighting the Jet”

How do you know if you’re gripping too tightly in life? Here are three warning signs:

• Constant exhaustion: Despite working harder, you feel like you’re spinning your wheels instead of making real progress.
• Fear-driven decisions: You say yes to everything out of fear—fear of missing out, falling behind, or disappointing others.
• Overcorrecting: You swing between extremes—from overcommitting to completely ghosting, from hyper-focused to zoning out.

If this sounds familiar, it’s time to reassess.

The Fighter Pilot Fix: Controls Release

The first step when dealing with an out-of-control aircraft is to release the controls. The jet’s natural ability to stabilize often exceeds our inputs in the moment.

When you stop over-controlling, the aircraft can often correct itself.

It’s not about giving up—it’s about recalibrating. The same principle applies in life. When you’re over-controlling, the solution isn’t to abandon ship but to decide what deserves your energy.

The Shift: From Chaos to Clarity

Once I started filtering opportunities through passion, profit, or politics, I noticed a shift. I no longer felt like I was drowning in tasks. My energy returned, and my focus sharpened.

Just like an F-16 that rights itself when the pilot stops fighting the controls, my path became clearer when I let go of the need to micromanage every detail.

When you stop fighting the jet, you make room for flow. This doesn’t mean abandoning the effort. It means focusing your energy where it counts, trusting that the systems you’ve built—your skills, preparation, and core values—will guide you.

ACTIONABLE STEPS

To stop fighting the jet in your own life, start with these steps:

1. Write down your Go/No-Go criteria. Use these questions to guide decisions: Does this align with my purpose? Is it worth my energy?
2. The next time an opportunity doesn’t meet your criteria say no without guilt. Remember, every “no” to distractions is a “yes” to your priorities.
3. When you notice yourself over-correcting or swinging between extremes, pause, reassess the situation, release unnecessary controls, and trust your system.

Bringing It Home

Letting go doesn’t mean giving up—it means trusting your preparation, filtering your decisions, and allowing progress to unfold naturally. When you release the need to control every detail, you free up energy for what truly matters.

The next time life starts wobbling, ask yourself: “Am I fighting the jet?” If the answer is yes, pause. Reassess. Use your Go/No-Go criteria to decide if it’s worth your time and energy. If it’s not, let it go without guilt. Remember, every no to distractions is a yes to your priorities.

So, when turbulence hits, don’t panic. Release the controls. Trust your system. And remember: if it’s not a “hell yeah,” it’s probably a no.

That clarity will guide you to the steady, focused path you’ve been looking for.

Until next time,

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