Episode
The Mental Game of Academy Success- The " I'm Behind" Trap
- Podcast
- The Side by Side ATC Podcast
- Published
- Mar 16, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1556
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://rss.com/podcasts/the-side-by-side-atc-podcast/2631438
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Summary
In this episode, I talk about one of the most universal feelings for students at the Academy: the feeling that they are behind. It happens at some point for almost every student who has ever gone through the Academy. It doesn't matter which option you are going through or how much experience you may have, at some point you will feel behind. Remember: Slow is Smooth. Smooth is fast. - Navy Seals Fast is Slow. Slow is Smooth. Smooth is Fast. - Air Traffic Controllers Everyone will feel behind, the worst thing you can do is to try to speed up. Trust your processes. Trust your steps. Trust the work you have put in. When you feel behind, focus on 1 aircraft, 1 step, 1 action. Keep working 1 thing at a time until you are out of things to do. Thank you all for listening! FOR HELP: To set up a FREE call: sidebysideatc.com/scheduler/free-consult Pre-Academy If you are heading to the Academy in the next few months, I put together a structured 90-day preparation blueprint that walks you through exactly what to focus on each month before you go. It's designed to help reduce shock and build confidence before day one. You can download it at: sidebysideatc.com/page/blueprint . I also have a video where I explain the different things that are on the enroute Non-Radar Map. You can get that video at: sidebysideatc.com/page/map-video . Already at the Academy If you are already in the enroute radar portion of the Academy and feeling a little behind or lost, I have a 72-Hour Radar Recovery Plan that will help you get past those feelings and start building confidence. You can download that at : sidebysideatc.com/page/72-hourplan . If you are interested in my Coaching Programs , you can get information at : sidebysideatc.com/page/non-radar-lab-program sidebysideatc.com/page/radar-lab-program…