This past weekend, I did the Tour de Palm Springs. It’s a century bike ride in the desert. Participants cycle 100 miles fighting headwinds, crosswinds, and hill climbs along with the desert heat. That’s not to say it’s all hard. There are speedy descents and mountain scenery to enjoy. You’re out there with other cycling enthusiasts embracing the opportunity and challenging yourself. All in all, it’s a great way to spend the day.
Like all endurance challenges, there are always lessons to take away that apply to other areas of your life. Here are five business lessons from the desert:
1. You Get Further With Others
If you cycle, you know that if you’re in a pace line with other cyclists, you can go faster without as much effort on your part. It’s all part of drafting. As you tuck in behind the cyclist in front of you, your wind resistance is decreased and your pace increases with less exertion. It’s the same principle of geese flying in a V-formation. Each individual benefits from the others, allowing you to go longer and stronger as a group than any one person could do on his own.
So be part of a team that can pull you. You take turns helping each other and it’s a win/win for you and your group.
2. Break It Down
In the ride, there were SAG stops every 20-30 miles. At these stops, you can refuel, take a brief break and get ready for the next segment. Having periodic stops on the long course is great because you can chop the long ride into smaller chunks. It’s a lot easier to stay focused and motivated to get to the next stop, then to get lost in your thoughts of “Oh crap, these hills are taking it out of me and I’ve still got 72 miles to go.”
Breaking a big goal up into smaller tasks makes the overall goal more manageable. Reward yourself along the way to stay motivated.
3. You Have More To Give Than You May Realize
Towards the latter part of the ride, I was definitely feeling the fatigue kick in and my pace was dropping off as I struggled on my own. As I was cruising along, three cyclists in a pace line passed me. Despite feeling like I was giving it all that I had, I picked up my tempo to join them. I knew if I did, I would be rewarded. I was motivated to pedal faster and harder so I could recalibrate my own energy with theirs. In a long effort like this, there are ebbs and flows – good moments followed by ones that test you. You can let the tough moments wear you down or you can realize that you are stronger than how you feel in that moment. Being a bit competitive can also work in your favor. I could have let those three riders pass and just said to myself, “They’re stronger than me today.” Instead, I thought, “You got this. Push yourself because you are just as strong as they are.”
Know that if you are feeling down and out, it’s just part of the journey. It will pass. You will get a second wind and you’ll likely surprise yourself with what you are capable of achieving.
4. Encourage Others & Express Gratitude
If you see someone else struggling, an encouraging word can go a long way. It can get lonely out there in the desert. Giving support to others, takes nothing away from your energy; in fact it connects you with the energy of others. In addition, the volunteers and other cyclists are supporting you. Take the time to express your gratitude. As I chugged up a steep hill passing another cyclist, I gave a smile, “You got this!” His smile back told me that those three simple words hit the right cord. I later saw him at a SAG stop and we struck up a great conversation.
Encourage those around you and be grateful for the support of others. Being helpful and appreciative will always carry you forward.
5. Finish What You Start
I recently read an article that said that many projects get 90% done and for whatever reason, that’s where they end. The author sited how many people fall short for a number of reasons.
I found the same to be true on the ride. By the time you get to Mile 90, you are tired, your muscles are aching, the noon heat is blazing and you’re ready to call it quits. In an event like this, you usually don’t have the luxury to stop early, because you still have to get back to where you started. Even so, you see others who are calling it quits in their own way.
I was with a group of seven other riders with 20 miles left to go. By the time we got to the 90-mile mark, three of the seven had slowed down considerably and dropped off from the group. Perhaps they physically didn’t have anything left. If they were like me, however, they were probably fighting more of a mental battle at this stage. And unfortunately, they lost. They accepted the messages from their brain that they were tired and they had to slow down or stop. I had those same thoughts countless times. And each time I did, I had to dig deeper and use another mental strategy to push them away and address my growing discomfort.
To finish strong, you have to fight to the very end. Sometimes that’s fighting your internal demons and sometimes that’s overcoming other obstacles. Coming up shy only short-changes all the effort you’ve put into this, so commit to finish.
