The Power of a Simple List
If you’d told me early in my career that a piece of paper with a list of steps would become one of my most valuable tools, I might have been skeptical. After all, I was flying an F/A-18 Hornet—a supersonic jet fighter capable of some of the most complex maneuvers in the world. How could a simple checklist possibly help me navigate all that?
But as any pilot will tell you, checklists are not just helpful—they’re essential. Over my 20 years as a Marine Corps F/A-18 pilot, flying more than 4,700 hours and completing five combat tours, I learned that the checklist is more than a list. It’s a mindset. It’s a discipline. And it’s a tool for staying ready, focused, and safe—not just in the air but in life.
Why Checklists Matter in Aviation
Flying a fighter jet isn’t like driving a car. There are hundreds of controls, complex procedures, and critical steps that must be done in order. Missing one step can mean equipment failure, mission failure, or worse.
Checklists in aviation are designed to keep pilots from relying solely on memory. When you’re in a high-stress environment or handling a complex situation, it’s easy for your brain to skip a step or get overwhelmed. The checklist helps break the process down into manageable parts, guiding you through pre-flight inspections, emergency procedures, and landing protocols.
In combat, the stakes are even higher. I remember missions where following the checklist was the difference between returning safely and disaster. The checklist isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a safeguard that ensures you’re doing everything you can to succeed.
Bringing Checklists Into Everyday Life
When I retired from the Marine Corps, I realized that the mindset behind checklists is just as useful off the flight line as it is in the cockpit. Life can get overwhelming with so many responsibilities—work deadlines, family commitments, health goals, and unexpected challenges. It’s easy to forget the small but important steps that keep everything running smoothly.
That’s why I started applying a “checklist mentality” to everyday situations. Whether it’s planning a big family trip, managing home maintenance, or preparing for an important meeting, having a clear list of steps helps me stay organized and focused. It prevents last-minute panic and reduces mistakes.
The Discipline of Preparation
Checklists teach you the value of preparation. In the military, we learned early on that the more prepared you are, the better you perform. Preparation isn’t just about memorizing procedures; it’s about mentally and physically readying yourself for what’s ahead.
In daily life, preparation might mean setting your clothes out the night before, mapping out your day’s priorities, or keeping a running grocery list. These small habits build discipline and reduce stress. They keep you ready to face whatever the day throws at you.
Handling Emergencies Calmly
One of the biggest lessons I learned from checklists is how they help maintain calm during emergencies. When something goes wrong in the air—like a system failure or sudden weather change—panic is the enemy. The checklist breaks down what needs to be done step-by-step, giving you a clear path forward.
This lesson applies to life’s unexpected moments as well. When a crisis hits—whether it’s a health scare, a financial issue, or a family emergency—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But approaching the problem systematically, like you would an emergency checklist, helps you stay calm and focused on solutions rather than spinning in anxiety.
The Importance of Routine
Checklists also build routine, and routines create stability. During my time at The Citadel and in the Marine Corps, daily routines reinforced discipline and readiness. Checklists were part of that routine. They became habits that didn’t require extra thought but made a huge difference in performance.
In civilian life, routines and checklists keep us grounded. When the world feels chaotic, having a morning routine or a regular review of your weekly tasks can provide structure. This foundation allows you to be flexible when needed, because you’ve already taken care of the basics.
Avoiding Complacency
One hidden benefit of checklists is how they combat complacency. After years of flying, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you know everything or that some steps aren’t necessary. But skipping even a single step can lead to errors.
Checklists remind us to respect every detail, no matter how small. They teach humility—that success comes from consistent attention, not shortcuts. In life, this mindset keeps us striving for excellence, preventing us from cutting corners when it matters most.
Lessons for Everyone
You don’t have to be a pilot to benefit from checklists. Students preparing for exams, parents managing busy households, business leaders planning projects—anyone can use checklists to improve focus, reduce mistakes, and boost confidence.
For me, the checklist mentality isn’t just about getting things done—it’s about building a mindset of readiness. It’s a way to face challenges head-on with discipline and calm.
Final Thoughts
The checklist might seem like a simple tool, but it carries a powerful message: success isn’t about remembering everything; it’s about having a system that supports you. In the cockpit or in everyday life, staying ready means breaking complex tasks into clear, manageable steps—and committing to follow through every time.
Military aviation taught me that lesson in the most intense ways imaginable. Now, I carry it with me in all aspects of life. Whether you’re facing a high-stakes mission or just trying to keep your day on track, remember: a checklist is more than paper. It’s preparation, discipline, and peace of mind all rolled into one.
So, next time you feel overwhelmed or unprepared, try making a checklist. You might be surprised how much control and calm it brings.