Cycling is one of the favorite activities in the Scherer household. We really got serious about it when we decided to get intense about paying off our mortgage. Since we no longer had money in the budget for going out, we were desperate to find cheap things to do. We already had bikes and so the obsession was born.
It’s fitting that our love of cycling is tied to paying off our mortgage. They both require discipline and living with intention. And when taken seriously, both provide a whole new level of confidence and freedom. Here are three more ways cycling helps build strength and character.
1 – Lean into the Resistance
Strong headwinds will slow you down and can quickly drain your energy. But if you lean into it, that resistance will make you stronger.
If you’ve ever attempted to bike, run, or paddle a canoe against the wind you know the struggle is real. You use all the strength you can muster and feel like you’re barely moving.
This resistance isn’t limited to sports. We all go through periods of loss, unwelcomed change, and challenges in our everyday lives. We feel like giving up. We pray that the light at the end of the tunnel will appear sooner rather than later. But here’s what I learned from thousands of miles on the bike.
Just keep pedaling.
Eventually, the wind will be at your back. And when it is, you’ll be faster because of the strength you built up facing the resistance. So as you face challenges that make you want to give up, remember that the resistance is making you stronger.
2 – Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
If you want to get better, you’re going to need to get comfortable being uncomfortable.
If you want to get better, you're going to need to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Click To TweetIf you want to get faster, you might be achy after an hour of hill sprints. The same is true in everyday life. If you’re learning a new skill, you might fall down and screw up. Taking risks and trying something new is uncomfortable. But it’s in this discomfort that we learn and grow.
Embrace the discomfort because we simply cannot grow unless we step outside our comfort zone.
3 – Communication is Everything
Nothing is more important for your safety than good communication. Calling out while passing and signaling your stops and turns helps keep you and everyone around you safe. Being proactive will also make your ride more enjoyable.
The same can be said about our relationships. Disagreements and hurt feelings are caused by lack of communication. Take a tip from a cyclist. Be direct about where you’re going and what you’re planning to do. Clear communication will help you enjoy and smoother ride through life.
Everything we do can teach us lessons. We just have to stop and pay attention. Then we can take these lessons and improve any area of our life because it’s all connected.
What important lessons have you learned from your hobbies? Share in the comments below or in our private Facebook community.
Excellent advice! The simplicity of bicycle travel provides time to reflect and consider the beauty in one’s surroundings. So many lessons come to light in that perfect setting. How many people miss out because they can’t tolerate resistance or discomfort? Instead, they’re stuck in front of the television, computer, or phone while life passes them by.
Well said, Tim. Thank you for adding to the conversation.