When NASA selects astronauts for the Artemis missions to the Moon, they aren’t just looking for “The Right Stuff” in terms of flying jets or solving calculus. They are looking for people who are functionally excellent at humaning.
In the jargon of space flight, these are called Expeditionary Skills. But you don’t need a spacesuit to use them. Whether you’re at home, at work, with colleagues, family or friends, here is how to run your life like a NASA mission.
1. Self Care is Team Care
NASA defines Self-Care as the ability to manage your own hygiene, sleep, and mood so you don’t become a “load” on the rest of the crew.
- The Earth Application: We often think “grinding” through exhaustion is a badge of honour. NASA sees it as a mission risk. If you are sleep-deprived and cranky, you are more likely to make a mistake that affects your “crew” (your family or coworkers).
- The Move: Treat your sleep, nutrition, and stress management as professional responsibilities. You aren’t being “selfish” by taking a walk; you’re maintaining a critical piece of mission hardware: yourself.
2. Practice “Followership”
Everyone wants to be the leader, but a NASA crew thrives on Followership. This is the ability to support the person in charge, contribute to the team’s success, and—crucially—know when to let someone else take the lead.
- The Earth Application: You don’t have to be the loudest voice in every meeting. If a junior staff member has more expertise in a specific software, “follow” them.
- The Move: Ask yourself: “Does the mission need me to lead right now, or does it need me to be the best possible wingman?”
3. The 30-Second Rule for Resilience
When an astronaut makes a mistake, they are allowed 30 seconds of a high level of frustration. After that, they must “dump” the emotion and pivot to the solution.
- The Earth Application: We often spend hours (or days) ruminating on a bad email or a missed deadline. That “emotional residue” clouds your judgment for the next task.
- The Move: Set a timer. Be as annoyed as you want for 30 seconds. When it dings, say “Copy that, moving on,” and focus entirely on the fix.
4. Cultural Competency (The “Good Neighbour” Policy)
Astronauts from different countries and backgrounds have to live in a tin can for months. They succeed because they proactively learn about each other’s “operating systems”—their values, communication styles, and triggers.
- The Earth Application: Conflict usually happens because we assume everyone thinks like we do.
- The Move: Approach every “difficult” person with curiosity instead of judgment. Ask: “What is their goal here?” instead of “Why are they being difficult?”
5. Group Living: Be the Person People Want to Be With
NASA looks for “low-maintenance” individuals. In a crisis, you want someone who remains calm, shares their snacks, and doesn’t leave their “regolith” (space dust) all over the common area.
- The Earth Application: Reliability is the ultimate social currency.
- The Move: Be the person who does the “small things” without being asked. Refill the printer paper, wash the communal mug, and keep your “orbit” clean.
