4 Valuable Life-Lessons Inspired by Cycling

Summary

The article discusses valuable life lessons that can be learned through the experience of cycling, emphasizing the importance of character, consistency, control, and competitiveness.

Abstract

The author of the article reflects on the personal growth and life lessons derived from cycling, an activity they took up at the age of 31. Despite the challenges of cycling against adverse conditions, the author found that the sport taught them resilience and the four C's: Character, built during difficult uphill journeys; Consistency, by pedaling even when it seems impossible; Control, especially during the ease of downhill rides; and Competitiveness, which pushes one to improve and respect others' achievements. The author encourages readers to embrace the unpredictability of life's journey, just as one would navigate various terrains on a bike, and to find joy in the process rather than focusing solely on the destination.

Opinions

The author believes that the struggle of uphill cycling is analogous to overcoming initial challenges in life, such as learning new skills or starting a business.
Consistency is key to success and finding a state of flow in any endeavor, according to the author.
During times of ease or success (downhill), it's crucial to maintain control and not lose sight of one's goals or values.
A healthy level of competitiveness is seen as motivating, driving individuals to perform better without disregarding others' efforts or achievements.
The author values the importance of enjoying life's journey, with all its unpredictability and challenges, rather than fixating on the end goal.

Character, Consistency, Control, and Competitiveness

Credit — Author’s photo

As opposed to the majority, I learned cycling at the age of 31. But, I am not ashamed to say that. Learning is just the first step. Showing up each day is what matters. I cycle 12 km each day — it isn’t a lot, but I am happy I am in the top 15% of the population that cycles for fitness. In Australia, only 13.8% of the people surveyed by the Bicycle Network rode regularly, and in the US, this statistic drops further to 12.8%.

I have cycled against the wind, in torrential rains, and through rugged terrains. It has taught me grit and determination, among several other things. I still have a long way to go. But, most importantly, it has taught me the 4 C’s of life — Character, Consistency, Control, and Competitiveness.

Build character during the uphill journey

The more strenuous the uphill, the stronger you get. If you cycle regularly, you’d know the pain of the arduous ascent at each turn. My quads cry in great agony each time I have to cover the uphill course. But I also know that’s what makes your stamina and muscles. So, I keep pressing each day, getting a little better than before. I am much stronger than I was six months back.

Similarly, in life, when you are trying something new, learning a new skill, starting your venture, or embracing parenthood for the first time, remember it will be difficult initially. Nevertheless, don’t give up. Remember, you will fall a hundred times. But get back up each time and start peddling again. With consistent practice, there is nothing you cannot ace in this life.

Peddle when you cannot peddle anymore

Starting is easy, but keeping consistency is rather challenging. When you keep pedaling despite the pain in your hamstrings is when you find the flow. If you disregard it, you’d be very sloppy, and the routine will be painful. Instead, keep pedaling, know that your muscles get stronger, and it will hurt less in a few days.

In life, most times, I am quite sloppy. There isn’t a rhythm to the chores I do. However, when I am in the zone, I find it easy to ideate. Words flow like music, and writing becomes effortless. But it’s not always the case. To reach this state of flow, I have to block disruptions, follow a pattern, and focus on writing.

Similarly, in whatever you do, find your flow. You will find this flow only by consistently showing up every single day. It doesn’t matter if you are sloppy on some days and a champ on other days — just show up. Once you have laid the foundation, build a regimen, and stick to it. Trust me; you won’t feel any different each day, but you are growing every time you show up. Keep pressing and maintain the rhythm.

Exercise control during downhill

Now that you have built your foundation and got the rhythm, and tread that dreadful uphill, it’s time to enjoy the downhill — you are relaxed and let gravity do its job. It’s easy to catch speed when cycling downhill, but now is the time to exercise control. A rolling stone gathers moss, but don’t be that stone — you’d rather exercise restraint and caution than roll down. However, you also want to leverage that speed to set you in momentum for the next uphill.

In life too, there are times when one wrong decision can trigger a series of misjudgment and failures. Do not get carried away and lose control over your life. It doesn’t matter why you made that error of judgment. What matters is how you handled it afterward. Did you let the circumstance get the better of you? Or did you try to use that trigger to turn your life around? Exercise restraint, and don’t let your life spiral into a free-fall.

Compete to push yourself

The best part of this journey is the people you encounter — sometimes you overtake someone, and other times people pass you. Life is just the same. Many are ahead of us, and many are behind. A little competitiveness doesn’t hurt anyone. That person ahead of you can help you push harder. And the person behind you — don’t count them less because you never know when they can get ahead of you. Always be considerate of others’ shortcomings and modest of one’s achievements.

Lastly, don’t forget to enjoy your journey.

Your cycling trail can be narrow, wide, bumpy, smooth as butter, slippery, muddy, concrete. Similarly, the path you are treading in life is going to be anything but predictable. Be prepared for the unknown. The fun lies in uncertainty.

Imagine if you knew exactly how your life would turn out to be, it would be rather dull and monotonous. So enjoy the journey and worry less about the destination.