The Next Big Idea Daily Fear is Your Co-Pilot
24 snips
Sep 25, 2025 
Michelle "Mace" Curran, an Air Force combat veteran and former lead solo pilot for the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, dives deep into overcoming fear. She shares how the scariest moments weren't in the cockpit but in everyday challenges like public speaking. Michelle discusses the importance of acknowledging your inner critic and taking small bold steps. She introduces a practical framework for managing fear and highlights how simple physical cues can disrupt stress. Her insights reveal that resilience and recovery matter more than perfection.
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Treat Your Inner Critic As A Clue
- Michelle Curran reframes the inner critic as a clue not a command and recognizes it as fear speaking in absolutes.
- She treats doubt as a sign she’s stretching into meaningful work and acts despite it.
Bird Strike During An Airshow
- Michelle describes hitting a six-foot vulture midair during a Columbia air show and relying on training instead of panic.
- She assessed instruments, maintained control, and used a checklist to avoid turning a bad moment catastrophic.
Use One Minute, One Hour, One Month
- When crisis hits, ask what matters in the next one minute, one hour, and one month.
- Start with grounding, then gather facts, then adjust habits for long-term response.
