Flight Quote by Stephen R. Covey
““Think about taking a trip on an airplane. Before taking off, the pilot has a very clear destination in mind, which hopefully coincides with yours, and a flight plan to get there. The plane takes off at the appointed hour toward that predetermined destination. But in fact, the plane is off course at least 90 percent of the time. Weather conditions, turbulence, and other factors cause it to get off track. However, feedback is given to the pilot constantly, who then makes course corrections and keeps coming back to the exact flight plan, bringing the plane back on course. And often, the plane arrives at the destination on time. It’s amazing. Think of it. Leaving on time, arriving on time, but off course 90 percent of the time. If you can create this image of an airplane, a destination, and a flight plan in your mind, then””
About This Quote
Source Book: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen R. Covey, 1989
Success requires a clear goal and a flexible plan, allowing frequent adjustments while staying focused on the intended outcome.
In simple terms: Clear goals plus adaptable actions lead to success.
Key Takeaway
Set a vision, adjust continuously.
Themes
goal setting
adaptability
feedback loops
Mood
determined
optimistic
reflective
Type
motivational
strategic
When to use this quote
- project management
- personal development
- entrepreneurship
- team leadership
Key Concepts
systems thinking
self‑regulation
continuous improvement
Questions to Reflect On
- What feedback mechanisms do you use?
- How do you balance flexibility with staying on target?
A Different Perspective
Without feedback, you may never know when you’re off course.
![“I've used the Phoenix Centrifuge to replicate what the body's going to go through on the flight up. I've also done some gravity tests with ZERO-G [a charter-flight service in Arlington, Va., that uses modified Boeing 727s to simulate weightlessness], which went great.” quote by Richard Branson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/aa1/richard-branson-256_adventure_i-ve-used-the-phoenix-centrifuge-to-repl_903.jpg)
![“Tell them you came, and saw, and looked into my eyes and saw the shadow of the guard receding. Thoughts in time and out of season, the hitchinker stood by the side of the road and levelled his thumb in the calm calculus of reason. [...] Why does my mind circle around you? Why do planets wonder…” quote by Jim Morrison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9ae/jim-morrison-1692_bird_tell-them-you-came-and-saw-and-looked-in_18280.jpg)
