Ok, no advanced degree here, I'm just a farmer.

For me flying is very similar to farming because of how much both depend on
and are effected by the weather. Planning is essential, lack of planning is
disastrous, thinking on your feet is imperative, and "the next three things"
are always in the front of your mind while things four through twenty-four
are close behind.

Risk evaluation plays a huge part in both farming and flying. Both farmers
and pilots must know their limitations of risk. Over step your limitations,
your abilities, or your proficiency and you will pay for it. Farmers and
pilots know that operating equipment improperly, in adverse conditions, or
when your head or your body isn't up for the challenge can get you killed.

Farmers and pilots know when it's best NOT to do something and when doing
something NOW is the only path to a successful outcome. Farmers and pilots
know not to loose focus until the wheels stop turning and the engines stop
turning. Farmers and pilots know they are often their own worst enemy, they
have to put their job ahead of their family and must block other pressures
from their mind.

Farmers and pilots know to listen to those who have "been there and done
that", they learn from others or suffer their fate. They know themselves
and will freely admit their own shortcomings and mistakes. They will seek
answers and knowledge from those that they trust. They know that good
judgment will produce better results than emotion, brute force, or
showmanship. They know that there have been many that have gone before them
and that they themselves are not the best nor will ever be the best in their
field yet it is that for which they strive. They are humble and willing to
learn from others yet proud of who they are and what they have accomplished.
They are willing to pass on what they know to others if not only to prevent
them from repeating mistakes that they once made, but hopefully to save a
life. They know to leave their ego tucked away in the back of their minds,
only to come out while alone and away from those who are impressionable.
They know they should act as if somebody is watching them, even if there
isn't, because the people that look up to you and depend on you are always
watching.

They also know that they must continue to learn and that if they fall behind
it is often impossible to catch up. They must be alert to the newest
technology because without it they loose a competitive edge, sometimes the
ONLY edge they have to make a profit or allow them to reach their
destination safely. Every decision must be thought out with immediate
goals, long range goals, and consequences taken into consideration.

Farmers and pilots, especially airplane owners, also know that the effort is
well worth the cost and that the fun is in the journey, not at the
destination.

Jim

F.A.R.M.E.R.
CP/IR/CFI(I)/AGI/IGI
SEL/MEL
none of which really matter
and no advanced degrees