How To Become An Airline Pilot

Robert Lawrence is a retired airline captain, author, sailor and adventurer. He served in the US Army 3/75th Ranger Regiment from 1985–86 and is a graduate of the University of Washington in Seattle. In his own words:

“I grew up lower-middle class and, like most people, I unconsciously accepted the limiting beliefs expressed by others, including parents, teachers and friends. The first half of my life mirrored my beliefs, even though I worked hard and got good grades in school. But hard work and good grades did not create the life I desired. In response, I read numerous self-empowerment books and discovered the only requirement to living the life of my dreams was to eliminate my negative thinking and limiting beliefs. And that’s what I did!

In my late 20s, I began envisioning the life I desired. I habitually thought positively, instead of negatively, and I looked for opportunities, instead of fearing and focusing on the worst that ‘might’ happen. Turns out opportunity and success are found everywhere. But if hardship and poverty thoughts occupy your mind, you’ll see they’re everywhere also.

The force beating our hearts and orbiting planets is unlimited. This force is also ours to use. Once you understand and accept this truth, you will realize that simply envisioning your ideal life, and knowing you are capable of anything that millions of others have achieved, you too will manifest your dreams. You are the creator of your life. You are the writer, producer, director and star of your life. This is my promise to you: change your thoughts and you will change your life. Simple as that.

I was fired at age 49, from a career that had become soul-crushing. I can’t say any more about that (read between the lines). However, I can say I now own a very nice second home, surrounded by beautiful mountains and a huge, deep-blue lake, where tourists flock both summer and winter. Turns out that my being fired from a job that did not appreciate me was not a tragedy, it was a blessing. I just didn’t see the bigger picture at the time. My termination allowed me to pursue my dream of becoming an airline pilot. I flew jets for ten years, for two different airlines, and retired as a captain at age 58.

During the ‘awakened life’ part of my current life, I also achieved financial freedom and was able to stop working while still young, and live abundantly from investments and other unforeseen streams of money. I even rented my Southern California home, located on a golf course with ocean and island views, and moved to paradise, also known as North Idaho, where I live today. I achieved the life of my dreams not by working harder. No, I simply changed my beliefs. This statement is too simple for most to believe. That’s okay. We don’t worry about what others believe. They’re living their lives and we’re living ours.

When my beliefs changed, my confidence increased. I pushed meaningless doubts and worries out of my head and focused on my desired outcomes. I wanted to retire young. Spend lots of time outdoors. Travel. Ride motorcycles, share precious time with my dear wife, and also take on new challenges and experiences. That’s what I am doing today. I simply had to believe that I am worthy of achieving my dreams — the same as you.”