What Mountain Biking has to do with Business - Part 4

Last weekend I entered my first endurance mountain bike ride.  An 8 hour race through the Australian bush doing laps with my neighbour.  See Part 1 of 4, here and Part 2 here, and Part 3 here.

19.    Be polite - When being overtaken on a narrow track, I would pull over an let people pass.  I 'always' got thanked and it made me feel better.  It also gave me someone to chase for a few moments, and to perhaps learn a new technique.   If I was doing the passing, I would tell the person in front not to rush pulling over because I had all day.  They would then thank me when I overtook them.  Go figure.  Are you being polite and courteous in the middle of battle,  in a tough negotiation or uncomfortable staff interview?

20.    Smile - the easiest face of all is the grimaced race face.  There was a crowd near the finish line, and people scattered over the track.  It was easy to ignore them and keep concentrating.  Whenever I smiled at the crowd, or another rider, it took a great effort, but then I'd lose the pain.  Remember to smile.

21.    Rest - the 35 minute break between laps was all about recuperation.  Managing the breaks was critical. sit, drink, eat, chat, wonder.  It may seem unproductive, but it was critical to a successful day.  We progressed by going no where and resting.

22.    Knuckle down - At one stage I had to back-up for a repeat consecutive lap.  My partner wasn't there for the transition so I went around for another lap.  It was tougher and slower, but I enjoyed the thought of carrying the extra load.  Are you really doing all you can in your business?  Will you step-up when required?

23.    Disaster - Disaster can strike at any time.  My partners son broke his thumb 3/4 through the day.  We had to abandon the race and get him home for x-rays.  No matter what you do, uncontrollable circumstances can wreck your plans.

24.    Enjoy the ride - pun intended.  I kept thinking to myself that I was lucky to be doing what I love on a glorious day, with my son and good friends in a unique part of the world I would never have known.  I was having fun, though sometimes I had to remind myself.  Enjoy the ride.

I hope you enjoyed the series.

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