Confessions of a Career Coach
Mountain biking is my passion and I have finally braved up enough to enter my first stage race in November, called Wine 2 Whales, and training began at the beginning of this month with my team partner. Part of that involves skilling up, and today was a particularly challenging combination of slow skills and mastering uphill riding through technique rather than power at the Uitsig Bike Park with the formidable Trail Angels coaches.
Another skill I am practicing in my life is not saying No to things that are good for me or that will get me to the goal in question. Even if I don’t feel like doing it.
Today was one of those test-your-resolve days. Standing at the top of a steep descent into the biggest wooden berm construction I have ever seen, and never done, designed to help you build up speed in order to ride up the steep ascent on the other side to practice this newly acquired uphill technique.
All I wanted to do was back pedal and I was hoping my partner would buy into my fear factor so I would have someone who would also chicken out. So as we watched the other riders going down one after the other (all equally nervous), I asked if she was going to do it and she said, “Of course! We have to.” The end. No debate. Get on your bike and go. So I thought about my deal with myself about not saying no to things that will get me to my goal. And I thought, well action is the only way to get to any goal, so down I went, heart in mouth. I was a teeny bit slow on the berm cos I didn’t want to go too high up the wall, and I made it to the top of the ascent with my front wheel. And had to push the back one up onto the bridge. But I did it!
And then I did it again. And this time I went a bit higher up the wall and a bit faster and I made it onto the bridge! And now I am one step closer to my goal. And I am one skill stronger and wiser. And I feel more capable than I did when I woke up this morning.
And that has to be the best feeling ever. Yes, I could’ve chickened out. But I would still have to do it another day. But it would be that much harder, having allowed it to defeat me the first time.
Tackling any goal in life is just taking one step at a time. In time. When it counts. And each time you do that, the goal seems more reachable. The obstacles more manageable.
Have a good week,
Love Vanessa
If you are looking for your career path or want to create meaningful change in your life, contact me at 076 778 2787 for a free 30-minute exploratory session.
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