The problems happen when you look too far ahead. When I was doing my PPL(A), I'd see other students returning from solo flights, and the very idea terrified me; I was sure I'd never be able to fly alone. Later, that was OK, but having learned at a small airfield, I was sure I'd never ever be able to fly into a big airport. I nearly didn't try for my CPL(H) because I was sure I'd never pass the exams. Now, over halfway through the instructors course, I can't really believe that I'll ever be able to teach anyone to fly; I can't even do it very well myself yet.
I'm still nervous before I fly anywhere, unless it's a local jolly or something really simple. Of course, as soon as I get in and switch on the engine, I'm fine. And extending myself happens fairly naturally, unless I really try and do too much too quickly.
I remember as a child wondering how grown-ups did...all sorts of things. Of course, once I grew up it was actually fairly easy. I think flying works roughly the same way. So I'll try to take my own good advice, and not look beyond the next lesson. Certainly not to the absolutely terrifying prospect of teaching students helicopter engine off landings.
