As I grow, I find more and more that the synergy between different activities in my life creates an identity I rather enjoy embodying. Cycling and leadership are a part of my whole, each essentially bringing out the best version of myself with each milestone accomplished.
A simple indulgence like bike riding can teach so much that attains to life. In this article, I share with you a few lessons that I have learned from mountain biking that have helped my leadership journey.
These include:
- Goal setting – A few months ago, I set a challenge to ride 530 km in 5 days, which does not fall into the routine of things I have done in a long time. Breaking down the challenge into smaller manageable goals made it more achievable. As a leader, setting fewer goals and rewarding yourself once achieved makes it easier to see results.
- Focus on what lies ahead – With mountain bike riding, I have learned that you must use your eyes to look further down the path or trail rather than on the most immediate obstacles. By looking up and out, one is better prepared for what lies ahead in life.
- The meaning of mindfulness – Each pedal stroke on a bike is deliberate. Life presents distractions and only a level of steadfast focus can move us towards our chosen goal.
- Embracing change and new opportunities – Mountain biking requires one to navigate in uneven, unfamiliar terrain. This has taught me to be flexible, adaptable, and more open to trying out new things.
Through my passion for cycling, I have been able to ignite a level of personal evolution that continues to transform me as a whole. I can sense more clarity in my thoughts, increased levels of patience, and better mental and physical resilience to handle the weight of my profession.
With each outdoor pursuit, from the moderate and fun cycle with friends to the grueling experience of MTB race training and cycling through some of the roughest terrains, I remain purposeful in transferring this energy towards positive outcomes.
