Alessandro Cotrufo, an aspiring pilot and aviation enthusiast, is encouraging individuals to adopt a simple personal standard he follows in flight training and daily life: Preparation First. The idea is straightforward. Do the basics well, every time, before moving forward. According to Cotrufo, many poor outcomes in work, health, and learning stem not from a lack of talent but from skipping fundamentals.

“In aviation, preparation isn’t optional,” Cotrufo said. “If you rush or assume things will work out, the system reminds you very quickly why basics matter.”

Why Ignoring the Basics Has Real Consequences

Research across industries shows that overlooking fundamentals leads to measurable harm:

• The FAA reports that over 70% of general aviation incidents involve pilot error, often tied to incomplete preparation or checklist use.

• Studies in workplace safety show that simple procedural lapses account for nearly 60% of preventable incidents.

• In education, research on learning suggests that students who skip structured review retain up to 40% less information over time.

• In health, the CDC estimates that preventable behaviors contribute to nearly half of chronic disease cases in the U.S.

“These numbers don’t point to complex failures,” Cotrufo said. “They point to people skipping steps.”

The Preparation First Standard

Cotrufo’s standard centers on slowing down before acting. In-flight training means reviewing weather, aircraft condition, and procedures before every lesson. He applies the same thinking to career decisions and personal growth.

“You can’t wing it in aviation,” he said. “If you’re not prepared, it shows immediately.”

He believes the same principle applies outside the cockpit. Whether starting a project, learning a new skill, or making a decision with long-term impact, preparation creates margin for error and better judgment.

“Discipline isn’t about being rigid,” Cotrufo said. “It’s about respecting the process.”

A 30-Day Implementation Plan

Cotrufo suggests adopting the Preparation First standard over 30 days, with simple weekly milestones.

Week 1: Awareness

• Identify one area of life where outcomes feel inconsistent.

• Notice where steps are skipped or rushed.

• Write down what “basic preparation” would look like.

Week 2: Structure

• Create a short checklist for that area.

• Use it before every related decision or task.

• Keep it visible and simple.

Week 3: Consistency

• Apply the checklist daily without exception.

• Review what improved and what still feels unclear.

• Adjust steps to match real conditions.

Week 4: Reflection and Expansion

• Review results after 30 days.

• Decide whether to apply the standard to a second area.

• Share the checklist with someone else.

“Repetition is where confidence comes from,” Cotrufo said. “Not from guessing.”

One-Page Personal Checklist (Copy This)

Preparation First Checklist

• What is the objective?

• What information do I need before starting?

• What assumptions am I making?

• What could go wrong if I rush?

• What is the first safe step forward?

• Have I reviewed this once already?

• Am I acting because I’m ready, or because I feel pressure?

“I use checklists because they remove emotion from decisions,” Cotrufo said. “They keep you honest.”

A Simple Standard With Broad Impact

Cotrufo believes the Preparation First standard is especially valuable for younger professionals who feel pressure to move fast.

“Speed without direction feels productive,” he said. “But preparation is what actually gets you where you want to go.”

He encourages individuals to treat preparation as a skill, not a delay. Over time, the habit builds better judgment, stronger learning, and fewer avoidable mistakes.

Call to Action

Adopt the Preparation First standard for the next 30 days. Use the checklist. Follow the weekly milestones. Then share the checklist with someone who could benefit from slowing down and doing the basics right.

About Alessandro Cotrufo

Alessandro Cotrufo is an aspiring pilot and aviation enthusiast based in Simi Valley, California. He is currently pursuing flight training and is focused on building a career grounded in discipline, safety, and continuous learning. Through aviation and everyday practice, he emphasizes preparation, accountability, and clear decision-making as foundations for long-term success.

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