Stay Behind
Dear
Girlfriends,
Most
motivational speakers, self-help gurus, and professional mentors will tell you
that to live a successful life, you must be aggressive and "get out front". I
think this is flawed thinking. If you really
want to live a life of difference, get behind someone who knows the track.
Several months
ago, Steve and I took up bicycling. Most weekends we log between 30 and 50
miles on the trails around Dallas atop our sleek silver street bikes (complete
with riding gear - it's so about the
"outfit"). Sometimes my confidence kicks in and I take the lead, but most of the
time, I hang back. I've found there are some significant benefits to staying
behind.
More
knowledgeable about the sport and more familiar with the course, Steve serves
as my guide. Often I hang back several feet, watching him zig and zag - alerted
in advance that the path is about to become more difficult to navigate or that a
gaggle of marathoners have congregated. He provides a "heads up" when the path
becomes tricky and it's time to put on the brakes. Do you allow someone to help
you navigate the potholes? Or are you facing a wipeout? Girlfriends - ask for
direction or get behind someone who has successfully dealt with life's blows;
they make great trail guides.
I haven't
quite accomplished this but there's a practice in racing, and common amongst
cyclists, known as drafting. This is
where you follow only inches behind the lead biker's back tire (yes, this can
be disaster with one wrong move by either of you - which of course, is a Truth
Nugget topic for another time). When you're drafting, the lead biker faces the
resistance, allowing you to keep up while exerting only a fraction of the
energy. It's like being a slacker. When the winds are blowing hard in life,
many high achievers try to face it alone. How often do you let someone block
the headwind for you? Girlfriends, allow someone the privilege of helping you
face your adversity - you'll both be better for the experience.
When
Steve's out front he's usually "cookin'" - thus, I have to pedal like there's
no tomorrow just to keep up. His pace makes me a better athlete (although I'm
not so sure his Speedy Gonzales
impersonation is doing much for our marriage). He sets goals for us. He encourages
me to make it to the next mile marker. So, who is your personal life-trainer? Who's
kicking your butt to make you a better, stronger, wiser, more balanced person?
Girlfriends, get behind someone who can inspire and motivate you. If you get too
comfortable with this scenic ride of life, you're going to miss out on the
adventure.
Self-reliance
is important but to live intentionally, we need to surround ourselves with
quality people: people who are wise because of experience gained; honorable people
who are strong in character and who can provide us a buffer zone when we're
tired; and people who can be objective enough with us to say - "get your fanny
in gear". Even as grownups, we're still only as good as the company we keep.
He who walks with wise
men shall be wise.
Proverbs 13:20
But just a
quick note of caution to you: while you're biking behind those who are
motivating you, don't forget that someone may be on your back wheel, too. We're in this race together.
Shifting
gears,
Ellen
Posted by Ellen on November 7, 2007 9:05 AM
| Category: Living Intentionally
|
