“Without ownership, there is no learning and evolution. Only pointed fingers.”
John Kim & Vanessa Bannett, It’s Not Me, It’s You.
Song: Something Real by Post Malone
Thought: Mountain biking is a thrilling sport that demands athleticism, unwavering focus, and a wealth of experience to really enjoy. However, last weekend, I discovered that a fourth ability is equally crucial: the determination to try again. The holiday provided me with a few opportunities to hit the trails, and despite my regular sessions at the gym, I quickly realized that nothing can truly substitute the unique demands that biking places on both body and mind.
My go-to trail, Shane’s Loop, requires a bit of a warm-up before even reaching the trailhead. Usually, I’m pumped and ready to roll by the time I arrive. However, this time was different. Exhaustion set in before I even reached the starting point. Nevertheless, I pushed forward, determined to conquer the trail. Sadly, it wasn’t my physical abilities that fell short, but rather my mental state. Doubts crept in, convincing me that I simply couldn’t make it. This negative mindset led to feelings of fatigue, weakness, and being completely overwhelmed. Frustrated, I turned back, my spirit defeated. Looking back, a brief rest before that final ascent would have likely made all the difference. It’s remarkable how something as simple as rest can be a powerful act of rebellion against the prevailing ‘keep moving’ mentality.
Later that weekend, I decided to give it another shot, and this time, I conquered it. Physically, I was even more fatigued compared to my first attempt, but this time, I powered through effortlessly. What had changed? A bit more rest and regular breaks along the way. In retrospect, who cares if I took an extra 5 minutes? I wasn’t in a race, and there was no one else riding alongside me. That day, that trail, and that moment were solely mine.
Are you feeling stuck, whether on a mountain trail or in life? Perhaps it’s time to embrace the power of rest and give it another shot. Remember, sometimes the greatest victories are born from the willingness to try again, armed with the wisdom of knowing when to pause and recharge.