An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth: What Going to Space Taught Me About Ingenuity, Determination, and Being Prepared for Anything by Chris Hadfield

When former Canadian astronaut Commander Chris Hadfield returned from his five-month mission aboard the International Space Station, he was determined to share the unique perspective on life he had gained from living in outer space. This perspective would serve as the basis for his 2014 bestseller, An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth.

In his book, Hadfield outlines the lessons he learned over the course of 35 years of space travel, offering a refreshingly practical view on success that eschews the stereotypical idea of superhuman intelligence or innate talent that’s necessary to attain accomplishments. “The primary lessons I learned in my years as an astronaut were not about human spaceflight,” he writes. “They were lessons about how to live well on Earth.”

The first piece of advice Hadfield offers is the importance of attitude. He explains that it’s often the least tangible factor that determines success. Since astronauts’ lives are highly regimented and can be quite isolating, a good attitude is essential for morale. “Astronauts develop an acute awareness of how attitude affects performance,” he writes. “The team member who finds the humor in every situation, or who makes up a little dance when things are seeming particularly grim, is invaluably useful.”

Hadfield also emphasizes the importance of being prepared. Training for space exploration requires a tremendous amount of diligence and attention to detail, and Hadfield argues that similar habits are necessary for achieving success anywhere. “You can’t be prepared for everything, but you can be prepared for anything,” he writes.

In addition to attitude and preparation, Hadfield emphasizes the power of persistence and focus. “We don't necessarily have to be the smartest people in the room—just the ones willing to work the hardest,” he asserts. He explains that astronauts must handle immense challenges, and it can be easy to get distracted or overwhelmed. However, the best astronauts stay laser-focused on the task at hand, even when the odds seem stacked against them.

Finally, Hadfield celebrates the power of ingenuity. He explains that this quality is often crucial to survival in unpredictable situations—and it's something astronauts must constantly hone. For example, when he was faced with a broken water pump that prevented him from bathing, he managed to rig up a makeshift shower out of a plastic bag. This kind of creative problem-solving is often necessary for tackling even the most complex assignments.

Overall, An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth is an inspiring and thought-provoking account of one man’s extraordinary journey and a collection of invaluable wisdom. Through anecdotes and real-world examples, Hadfield encourages readers to maximize their potential by tapping into the tenacious spirit of exploration that astronauts embody.