I was recently asked how mountain biking applies to life and I felt like I bumbled my response. So I’ve taken the time to write out my thoughts on the matter. To be honest I have several more I’d like to add, but for now I’ll stick to 3. I hope. you find them useful both on and off the trail:)

Where you Look is where you Go

When you set your gaze too close to your front wheel your reaction time is slower, you can’t anticipate what’s coming down the trail, and your balance suffers. Pick your eyes up and look far down the trail to predict what’s around each twist and turn. This effort will set you up for success with braking, body position, and line choice.

In life, where we look is where we focus. Do you focus on the things that are out of your control and they get you so distracted you’re unable to focus on what’s truly important? Off the trail, I like to think of our eyes as our focus energy. Focus on the things that are truly important and the distractions will fade away. When you’re blasting down the trail you don’t think to look off into the woods because you know you’d crash. In life, those off trail glances are all the distractions from social media, too much news, gossip, and drama. Stay focussed on what’s truly important and where you look is where you’ll go!

2. Practice Makes Progress

When it comes to mountain biking, and life, there is no perfection. We are looking for improvement. I tell all my athletes they don’t get to say they suck at something until they’ve tried it at least 1,000 times. It’s unreasonable to expect success on the first, third, or even 20th attempt if what you’re after is a difficult and worthwhile skill. The highlight real rarely shows the hours upon hours of struggle, the countless failures and frustrations, and that often there were far more failures than successes. Be patient with yourself and before you get frustrated that you haven’t “nailed that skill,” think about how much effort you’ve truly devoted. This mantra applies to many trail skills such as wheel lifts, wheelies, cornering, drops, and techy climbs.

Off the trail, bring this approach into your daily life. Are you practicing the art of parenthood, business ownership, or being a good spouse? Give yourself leeway when you mess up and know that failure is part of the process of improvement!

3. Small Wins added up over time result in Big Accomplishments

My coaching philosophy is based around progression. We start with small obstacles that allow you to build confidence and learn proper technique before tackling larger obstacles. With a thoughtful and proper progression, you are soon riding over and down features that terrified you initially.

It is important to celebrate your small wins as they add up to the confidence nuggets that will get you to the next level. I have experienced this numerous times in my own riding on everything from gap jumps, to drops, to insanely steep and techy descents, as well as steep and techy climbs!

Is there a mountain bike-life analogy that rings particularly true for you? I’d love to hear! If you’re ready to put these words into practice sign up for a skills clinic today!

MTB Skills Clinics