Loosen Your Grip

So right away I felt singled out. She said that I have control issues. Well, not that she said, “Hey Jen! Get it together.” But I heard the message. This mountain bike instructor has been teaching others to ride in a resort setting for nearly 20 years. She says the ones who have the hardest time learning are the ones who are successful in their careers because they feel they have to control the bike and the trail. Knowing what I know about me in this stage in the game I made a full, highlighted, underscored note-to-self, loosen up chica! 

How many times have I made that mistake; so consumed with everything being perfect that I talk myself out of starting or fear of failing becomes a self fulfilling prophesy? A few years back, while touring Alaska Art Sales shops, Renee and I observed that even bad art sells to the right market. The only thing that has ever stood between us and successfully selling our creative ideas is our vice grip on perceived perfection/idealism, whatever you want to call it. Today, I'm ready to learn something new. I'm ready to go for it!

First steps in correct form is as follows:  head up, chin up, lead with your chest, elbows out, loosen your grip to flow with it, and exhale. With each tip she was giving Lesson #1 and #2 I don’t know everything about riding a bike and I certainly don’t know anything about starting a business so I’d better loosen my grip and flow with it.

It's Like Riding a Bike

October 3, 2011

Is building a business like riding a bike? That common phrase is said, indicating that once something is learned, you’ll never forget it and presumes most people can do it. Well, what if I’d never really learned or worse yet can’t? What if I’m too old to learn? What if I fall down?

Okay, I know “how” to ride a bike, but October 1, 2011 was my first experience riding a mountain bike on a mountain trail. My discomfort and lack of ease led me to question if I really ever knew what to do on a bike. I mean, I remember riding with Gretchen and Erin and Kelly around Cottonwood’s dirt roads, without a helmet, I might add. It was freeing. I peddled fast and when I decided to stop, I would force my peddles backward and skid to a stop. I thought I was a good rider and I thought I had it under control. Really, only one wreck comes to mind, but I don’t remember riding much after that.

On this hot Arizona morning I found myself on top of a borrowed bike knowing I had better pay attention or the consequences could be dangerous. Then I found myself wishing I had consumed just a little more coffee so I could pay attention so the consequences could be dangerous. I dialed in, ready to learn.