Mindset Neuroscience Podcast Suppress, Switch, Engage: The neuro-mechanics of your inner voice and how to fuel your purpose – Season 4 Ep 7
Aug 29, 2024
Michelle Mace Curran, a former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and the fifth woman to fly with the Thunderbirds, shares her inspiring journey of overcoming self-doubt and embracing purpose. She discusses the mental challenges of transitioning from fighter pilot to keynote speaker, emphasizing vulnerability as a catalyst for growth. Curating thrilling tales of air refueling, Curran highlights unique mindfulness techniques, like toe-wiggling, to enhance focus. Ultimately, she reflects on finding purpose through service and the transformative power of authenticity.
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Early Career Struggles
- Michelle initially thrived in the structured pilot training environment.
- She struggled with self-doubt and isolation in her first combat unit due to the ambiguous nature of the work and fear of vulnerability.
Shift in Motivation
- Michelle's motivation shifted from positive goal-chasing to negative avoidance.
- She was driven by fear of letting people down and shame rather than the joy of the job itself.
Approach vs. Aversion Motivation
- Approach-oriented motivation is more sustainable and conducive to learning than aversion-driven behavior.
- Reframing arousal, or changing how we interpret challenging situations, is key to resilience.