Work The Problem And Fly The Plane

From "A MINUTE FOR CAREGIVERS - When Every Day Feels Like Monday.

Several pilots I know express a standard command often given to less experienced pilots.

“Work the problem and fly the plane.”

The context involves pilots who fixate on a problem like a storm, console light, or other issues. Riveting one’s eyes on a single point to the exclusion of the bigger picture can quickly result in disastrous outcomes—particularly when piloting an aircraft.

Locking in on one issue while dangerously losing perspective is not exclusive to pilots. Caregivers frequently spiral out of control while arguing with an impairment like Alzheimer’s disease, alcoholism, or addiction—all of which easily overpower a caregiver and divert eyes from “flying the plane.”

Our responsibility as caregivers is to see the bigger picture when our loved ones can’t. Just like every passenger in the plane depends on the pilot not losing focus, so do all who rely upon us as caregivers.

While no one would think of handing over a plane to an untrained individual, caregiving sadly serves as the ultimate “on-the-job training” environment. Even the best of caregivers discover they are outmatched and ill-prepared. That’s why each of us requires regular reminders to keep calm and “work the problem and fly the plane.” 

Let your eyes look directly forward,

and your gaze be straight before you. —Proverbs 4:25