A couple of sound bites that I have memorized in my head to survive:

– any action that starts with “watch this” is bad – STOP
– a boring flight is a good flight. We aim to be boring, especially with passengers – they have enough excitement just being on a small plane.
– minimize time below 1000ft AGL – no exceptions
– be prepared to put the plane down any time and accept the damage. late saves kill.
– make a decision and stick with it
– keep the airspeed up until you don’t need it any more
– if something is risky, make a conscious decision to accept or reject it (aerobatics, towing, weather) – don’t just “let it happen”
– surprises kill, don’t get surprised
– checklists checklists checklist – don’t deviate from routine
– you can’t beat statistics. Once you’ve convinced yourself you can, – WELL, you can’t.
– formation flight is a bad idea without parachute

IF I end up dying from flying, there’s a good chance I will have violated one of these rules to fly by.

But do what you love and love what you do – it is worth the risk. – As long as you consciously manage it.