| Hi there, Don Pettit just returned to Earth at age 70, finishing seven months on the International Space Station. After so long in zero gravity, he needed help standing—his body was tired, but his spirit was steady. I’m more interested in what that takes than the view from orbit. A mission like Pettit’s isn’t just about space travel; it’s a study in personal growth under pressure. Here are a few lessons anyone can use: | What Astronauts Know About Growth Lessons from the ISS anyone can use: - Resilience over comfort. In space, there’s almost never a “perfect” day. Astronauts train to handle things going wrong: missed connections, odd noises, equipment that demands improvisation. Growth often happens where comfort ends, and real progress means choosing resilience over ease.
- It’s never too late to learn. Pettit became the oldest person to fly long-duration on the ISS. At 70, he tackled new experiments, kept up with a high-stress routine, and learned fresh skills. The idea that growth has a deadline doesn’t stand up to reality.
- Preparation and flexibility pair well. Astronauts prepare for every imaginable scenario—and most they can’t predict. Instead of waiting for certainty, they get good at adapting. Change and uncertainty aren’t obstacles to growth; they’re fuel for it.
Try this: Identify a spot in your life where comfort is running the show. Maybe it’s a routine you don’t question or a skill you think you can’t improve. Today, do one small thing differently. Even a minimal step—like volunteering for an unfamiliar task or reading about a field you’ve avoided—counts, as long as it’s a step away from “default.” Growth doesn’t start with firework moments. Usually, it’s slow, steady, and surprisingly ordinary. If you believed it wasn’t too late, what mission would you try next? | | “Growth isn’t reserved for the young — it’s for the persistent and curious at any age.” — Leon Ho | Deeper Resources for Growth & Resilience Want more strategies and tools for building resilience, tackling comfort zones, and leveling up your skills? Get full access to LifeHack All-Access, including personalized guidance from an AI Life Coach. Learn more about LifeHack All-Access → | | Best,
Leon
Founder & CEO, LifeHack |
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