Soft Skills. My Space Training

One of the reasons why I love the profession of cosmonaut is the following: the whole process of preparation for a space flight gives you a wide range of tools for personal development, namely to increase the level of self-confidence. And the influence of this trait on our life achievements and satisfaction in general is hard to overestimate.

I bet one of these tools is training to work in outer space. I will never forget my first feelings of being inside a spacesuit. I wanted to scream: "Let me get out of here!" It was cramping, stuffy, uncomfortable; but even when I got somewhat used to it, I was still full of indignation: "How can you do anything dressed up in that???" The next thought was: "I will never be able to do this". And then, in such circumstances, you take a few deep breaths and say to yourself: "Well, other people are humans as well, and if they did it, so can you". Then, step by step, you slowly begin to painstakingly look for ways to move forward. Again and again.

My experience includes: survival training in various climatic and geographical zones; tests in a soundproof chamber; special parachute training for cosmonauts; training actions in case of fire and other emergencies in flight... Having gone through all that many times, you understand that it is not as terrible and difficult as it seemed at first. With each obstacle overcome, you gain another portion of self-confidence.

As a result, extravehicular activity, or spacewalk, is the most difficult, but nevertheless my favorite part of work in space. I was lucky enough to have had four EVA’s, and twice I set the record for the duration of work in outer space wearing a Russian spacesuit.

This experience gives me great satisfaction and confidence. I can say for sure: no matter how far you are from your goal today, you always have room for a step forward. And the more effort you put in this step, the more it means to you and the more it gives you. Overcoming what seems impossible is the best way to develop self-confidence.