100 Pedals

Significant Outcomes in the Face of Adversity

## Where that inner calm can take us

November 25, 2025 by Dave Cooke Leave a Comment

True peace comes from having the courage to focus on the mission at hand while ignoring the chaos of the storm.

Peace is that inner calm that does not distract you from the task at hand so you can focus on what you have committed to without worry, regret, fear, or doubt. It takes courage to make a focused choice. From that place of inner calm we are able to be strong and willful to follow through.

I have witnessed many people go into highly stressful, chaotic situations. Those moments where the pressure is at its highest point and nerves are frayed and tested. They step up and take command and seem to be completely oblivious to the environment that they are in. Many refer to this state as “staying in the moment.”

When you ask them later how they did it, they confidently and humbly reply I simply focused on what I needed to do. Easier said than done!

This is the difference between bold, confident execution and missing opportunity. Instead of finding peace — that inner focus, calm and confidence — that enables someone to step into an opportunity and shine, many (me included) hesitate, examine the situation, assess our ability to succeed and then take action, most of the time. The minute we hesitate, we have lost our focus in the moment and are now in conflict with ourselves. We are not peaceful anymore and our courage is tested.

When I get up to give a talk, I think nothing of the situation. I know that whether the room is filled with ten people or five hundred, that I have a story, a message and a gift. I have been called on to speak because they trust me, believe in me, and want me to step up. I focus on the talk, the stories, and engage the audience without hesitation. If I took one moment to reflect on the situation, I would be distracted, interrupt my energy, and likely create unnecessary internal tension at that moment when peace is my most powerful ally. The outcome of that distraction likely will have some impact on my talk.

We are thrust into situations or presented opportunities because we are capable of succeeding in them. Having the courage to boldly, unhesitatingly, and confidently seizing the moment without distraction or doubt is what peace is all about. Don’t give in to the chaos of the moment, find peace in your ability to be awesome in the midst of it and boldly move forward.

Filed Under: Embrace Responsibility Tagged With: courage, dealing with conflict, finding peace, having courage, managing chaos, peace, personal leadership

## The fix begins with you!!

October 9, 2025 by Dave Cooke Leave a Comment

We are ALL members of a very large, diverse, and complex community — the human race. It is unfortunate that we have become so fragmented by ego, hate, fear, despair, judgement and anger. The situation is rapidly becoming more intense and unstable. Even more frustrating is that it seems there isn’t anyone capable of or willing to rising above the choas and guide us through this mess.

It is okay — we don’t need them!!

The only force capable of changing what is destroying and dividing us is ourselves.

The end to this insanity starts with you and me!!

Avoid engaging in actions, comments, behaviors, and decisions that reflect an adverse, disruptive, disrespectful emotional response to the situation.

Why fan the flames of adversity with negative, disrespectful, hurtful comments? What problem does it solve?

Do you honestly believe you are the only one upset, frustrated, disappointed, or angry about the situations we find ourselves in?

What problem does blame, name calling, and finger pointing solve?

You are not alone.

While we do not have the answers yet, they will not be found, discovered, or created by alienating the only people that can help you solve the crisis. The frustrated, disappointed, and angry people standing on the opposite side of the street as you are the only ones who can help you get to a peaceful, intelligent, and sustainable solution. They are just as frustrated, confused, disappointed, and angry as you!

The time has come for each of us, in our everyday lives, to declare that we are and will be committed to bringing superior emotions — love, joy, peace, encouragement, and gentleness — to our world every single day!!

Instead of dividing, judging, hating, or disrespecting be a positive, loving, peaceful, and gentle inspiration to everyone in your world — even the ones you don’t understand.

The lives you touch will be inspired. Only in a state of inspired collaboration can we create a movement of understanding and change.

The first step requires releasing the desire to be right and begin to embrace a commitment to collaborate to find a solution. Standing on the corner screaming out the answer does nothing.

Working in collaboration to discover a solution actually solves problems.

Change begins with me. I am committed to loving, understanding, encouraging, supporting, and listening. Along the way, I hope to learn and discover perspectives and opportunities for change that I did not previously understand were possible. I look forward to the interaction and the experience. Go in peace and give your love to the world!

Filed Under: featured, Giving Love Tagged With: collaboration, happiness, inspiration, joy, leadership, Managing Adversity, peace, responsibility, solving problems

## Removing the Obstacles

April 24, 2025 by Dave Cooke Leave a Comment

On Sunday I started a new 100Pedals 100Day Challenge. My current challenge is to “consult” the I Ching or “Book of Changes.” I started thumbing through this book and found the inspirational perspectives resonate with much of how I live, think, and feel. There are great insights for living in this book and I find freshness of these inspirations most enjoyable. Upon occasion, I will share my daily inspirations. Today, is one of those days.

Wednesday, April 24: 7. SHIH/THE ARMY and .59 HuAN/DISPERION

> “In times of war it is desirable to be led by a cautious and humane general.”

> In the face of adversity, how we prepare, who leads us, and how we conduct ourselves defines the outcome. Discipline, perseverance, and balance are key references. Putting inferior emotions under the guidance of superior emotions help achieve peace and detachment from the situation.

> ”Disperse hard attitudes with gentleness.”

> When we find ourselves in a negative state our attitudes have a tendency to be structured and inflexible. Finding that place of peace opens our mind and enables us to be more flexible and receptive.

The 100Pedals View:

In the face of adversity, trust the path you are on. Be at peace with the obstacle in front of you. Have faith and confidence that you will find your way through it. Have the discipline to keep moving. Be open, receptive to and aware of opportunities that present themselves to help you work through or go around the obstacles in your adverse moments.

Filed Under: Focusing On Your Vision, Inspirational Perspectives, Managing Adversity Tagged With: Book of Changes, dealing with conflict, dealing with obstacles, faith, I Ching, managing adversity, managing distractions, peace, staying focused, trust, trusting the journey, trusting the path, trusting your vision