You Cannot Fly Solo

March 31, 2025 by Leave a Comment

Day 90: 22.0 miles/1:14

“If you are going to do something bigger than yourself you will need something greater than you to accomplish it.”

Whatever our goals, we will not accomplish them alone and without help of some kind. The bigger the mission or more significant the journey, the more we will need to rely on the support, guidance, inspiration, and accountability of others. Our greatness is reliant on the strength of the team we surround ourselves with.

In earlier posts I have referenced the powerful influence those around us have on guiding us to success. The experience of others, their inspirational voices, their positive influences, their ability to push us or support us are all necessary resources toward accomplishment. The comfort that comes with knowing that we have a force of people behind us helps guide us to greater and sometimes unexpected levels of accomplishment.

The 100 Pedals journey is nearing its formal ending. With today’s ride I am only ten rides away from my goal. However, the rides have now created for me something that I could not have expected – the engagement, support and inspirational connection with others. These rides have provided me a source of clarity and energy. The daily writings have been my meditation. And, there were times, especially on the cold, dark early January rides, where I was out there all by myself. It was shortly after I started sharing my story and my thoughts that I realized I was connecting with others and they were connecting with me. The words of encouragement, the compliments, the sharing of your personal stories inspired me. I discovered that these rides weren’t about getting on the bike for another ride – they represented an opportunity for me to connect with a community of people who were working, like me, to find their way through their own journey. Together, through our connection in 100 Pedals we are discovering how to realize incredible breakthroughs or manage a challenging or frustrating situation. 100 Pedals is a physical accomplishment that I have embarked on; but, the real success is the ability of 100 Pedals is its ability to connect and inspire each of us to accomplish something big.

Whatever your journey, your mission, or your goal, you need not go it alone. In fact, your really cannot make it alone. To realize accomplishments that are bigger than yourself, you will need to embrace, engage, and enjoy the resources of a community that is much bigger than you. That is how you will realize your success and find peace in the journey.

Filed Under: Inspirational Perspectives, Learning From Experience, Uncategorized

We All Make Mistakes…

March 30, 2025 by Leave a Comment

Day 89: 25.7 miles/1:26

“Though your past decisions may at times haunt you, it is your current choices that will define your future.”

We have all made mistakes. In some cases these decisions have had a significant impact on our lives and may even cause us pain or discomfort today. While it does little or no good to dwell on these moments in our lives, there are times where something happens to remind us of those events or even gets in our way. While we cannot change the fact that these things have occurred or maybe even prevent the impact of those decisions from impacting our lives today, there is nothing more important than the choices we make today; for it is those choices that define our future.

What is in the past is in the past. You cannot take an eraser to it. You cannot prevent it from being part of your story. And, you cannot change what happened. However, your past does not prevent you from influencing the outcomes for your life starting today. Today is where your future starts. The choices you make today will determine the influence and control your past has on your life. When you consciously make good choices that reflect your commitment to your mission and your goals, the ability for your past to impede you are diminished. Conversely, if you continue to make bad decisions, your ability to make a break from the past becomes difficult. Great choices today, lend credibility to your resolve to change your life.

Brandon recently had an experience where some of his past legal issues have impeded his ability to get work. He had worked hard to create an opportunity for himself until they did a background check and decided they were not comfortable hiring him. It was an understandable setback. And, it is something that he had very little control over. What he has done in the past cannot be changed, altered, or simply wiped out. Unfortunately, he may deal with this a few times in his life. Faced with this reality, he really has two choices – make certain those types of choices stay in the rear view mirror and get smaller over time or, continue to make bad decisions that demonstrate he has not learned anything yet.

Commitment to change is easily reflected in the decisions and choices we make. One can only demonstrate resolve to changing their lives by making certain that the mistakes of the past are not repeated in the future. Internalizing, learning from and not revisiting bad choices or mistakes are how we define the new course for our lives. We cannot change or take an eraser to the decisions of the past; but, we can begin to define our future by learning from them and making certain our current choices aren’t repeats of old ones.

Filed Under: Learning From Experience, Maintaining Focus, Make A Commitment, Uncategorized

Celebrating New Routes on Your Journey

March 29, 2025 by Leave a Comment

Day 88: 21.1 miles/1:15

“You don’t always need to know where you are, as long as you are clear about where you are going!”

Today’s ride was on a new, gorgeous, pre-sunrise route. This course was a hybrid of two other courses. I was able to link these two courses together when I ventured off one of the known courses to see where the road would take me. Even though the bike lane ended, I decided to see how the courses might connect if I stayed on this particular road. I took a calculated risk that I would be safe and find my way. And, eventually I discovered how to safely link these two courses. Now I have an entirely new option for my rides in this neighborhood – all because I took a chance and broke away from what I knew and was safe with.

Sometimes getting lost, taking a risk, or trying our something different is good. As long as you know where you are going or what you want to accomplish, testing out a new process, idea, or program can be a productive exercise. Routines and habits are very helpful in keeping us on track; however, they can also prevent us from discovering and exploring new, unique, and exciting opportunities that may make our journey and our mission even more enjoyable.

I have always been a bit of a risk taker. I like to work on doing things differently more than the average person. So, it is easy for me to say, “Get out there and break your routine a little.” For many, it is the routine that keeps us on track and in sync. But, it is also the routine that simply creates a habit that limits growth, too. I ride different courses, at different times, and from different directions because the experience of the change is also illuminating and enjoyable. I discover something unique about each route as a result of that process. It provides me and opportunity to stay fresh and always be in discovery mode.

Being out of your element, in a new routine, or a little lost is all good. It is refreshing, challenging, and opens up new opportunities and possibilities. As long as you never lose sight of your mission and your goals, being on a different route is a new adventure – enjoy it and embrace it and learn from it. Because you know where you are going you will never be lost for long!

Filed Under: Celebrating Accomplishment, Inspirational Perspectives, Learning From Experience, Seizing Opportunity, Uncategorized

Celebrating the Little Victories

March 28, 2025 by Leave a Comment

Day 87: 25.6 miles/1:27

“Don’t let great ambitions overshadow small success.”

Regardless our hopes, dreams, and ambitions nothing great is accomplished without many small and seemingly insignificant steps. Sometimes we get caught up in the greatness of our task and the significant amount of time and energy it will take to get there that we can easily undervalue the little accomplishments necessary to keep us moving forward.

This quote is a great reminder that every time we accomplish something, no matter how small, we need to celebrate it for what it is – another successful step on our journey. As much as we would like to make giant strides and have big wins on our path to success, there are going to me more days where it is the little victories that enable us to maintain momentum.

When Brandon and I work together on his daily accomplishments or his daily gratitude, he struggles with the concept of celebrating what seem to be insignificant, positive occurrences. He has difficulty giving himself credit for those daily activities that are almost expected – working out, keeping his room in order, applying for a job, etc. I view each day that any, if not all of those things are done, he is consciously attending to activities that enable him to get to his goals. Doing none of those means he wasn’t focused. Completing all of them means he was aware and engaged in a program of accomplishment. A great conversation with a prospective employer is an accomplishment. For Brandon, there is no accomplishment without getting a job. However, a great conversation is one more interaction than he was having three months ago. This is progress. It is a small success with big implications.

We can all be way too hard on ourselves and expect that breakthroughs come in large chunks. That may be true. However, the momentum that catapults us forward is the result of a lot of little pushes forward until something gives away and we take a giant leap. Without the little successes there is no momentum. And, it is far too much pressure to put on ourselves to have a giant accomplishment every day. Getting to our goal requires a consistent effort. Little victories are big accomplishments and are to be celebrated as progress on a regular basis. Enjoy all the success you experience – no matter how small. Each one brings you closer to your goal.

Filed Under: Celebrating Accomplishment, Inspirational Perspectives, Seizing Opportunity, Uncategorized

The Power of the Open Road

March 27, 2025 by Leave a Comment

Day 86: 35.8 miles/2:02

“The open road provides a relaxing, insightful, and reflective resource on your journey.”

I really enjoy my Sunday morning rides. I also enjoy the early AM rides when I can see the road. These two times are my favorite times for riding because I have less to deal with as it relates to traffic, noise, and the sharing of the road. When I can simply get out and ride, take my thoughts with me, and allow my mind to wander, I am able to easily go to that place that allows me to both reflect and relax. Even though I am pedaling down the road and I am working out, there is something about the quiet rides that offers a little extra to the experience.

The last two posts talked about embracing your passion and allowing yourself to freely, without limitations, visualize and imagine the opportunities for your life. Getting out on the open road is another component of this. Allowing ourselves to recognize and embrace our passion is the important first step. Seeing us living and enjoying the potential of our passion without limitations is the next step. Now, taking a moment to break away from all the noise and restrictions that clutter our lives to explore what this all means is the next piece of the puzzle.

We cannot explore and celebrate change if we do not break away from all the clutter and demands that prevent us from relaxing and looking at our lives from a quiet, open perspective. Another way to look at it is –get off the grid. Little things like turning off the cell phone, pushing away from your computer, turning off the television, and going for a hike, to the beach, for a walk, or to the pool are all finding the open road activities. When you find the open road, your mind is free to roam – uncluttered and without distraction – and it is free to explore your passion and the wonderful vision of your dreams.

The open road is where you can discover the potential for what you are dreaming about. The open road allows you the time and the energy to escape and think freely and clearly. The open road gives you a place to store and record your thoughts and ideas. You will find that every time you return to the open road, the thoughts and ideas you developed there are waiting for you – except they have been developing while you were gone. It is a great place to travel to provided you make the time to get away and take the trip.

The experience of 100 Pedals is a testament to what happens in your mind when you make a commitment to break away from the clutter, the busyness, the unhappiness, the noise, and the challenges in your life. Without my trip to the open road I would never have been able to organize all the thoughts and ideas I had about my life, my purpose, and my passion. The open road is wonderful part of the journey. Make time to go there and make sure you go there often.

Filed Under: Inspirational Perspectives, Learning From Experience, Live With Passion, Living Your Purpose, Maintaining Focus, Seizing Opportunity, Uncategorized

How Many Crayons Do You Choose From?

March 26, 2025 by Leave a Comment

Day 85: 21.9 miles/1:16

“The realm of possibilities is defined by the limitations you assign to them.”

I remember shopping for school supplies when I was in elementary school. When it came time to buy a box of crayons my imagination took me right to the big box of 128 colors. I could easily envision all the possibilities of having access to all the colors like gold and copper and sky blue! Of course, practical mom limited my crayon selection to the box of 24. What a bummer! Every time I pulled that box of crayons out I resented the limitations it placed on my ability to use all kinds of crazy colors.

Limiting our color selection is what a lot of people do when they start to think about the possibilities for change and success in their life. Instead of opening themselves up to the big box with all those colors, they start to limit their thought saying, “I can’t do that”, “I tried that once before”, or “that will never work.” Next thing you know, the choices and the options for creating something exciting in their life have been limited to a very practical, safe, and dull set of options.

We have the ability to accomplish just about anything we define for our lives provided we allow ourselves to go there. Past experiences, preconceived limitations, and risk avoidance will not enable us to move to exciting places. The opportunities for our lives are like a big beautiful box of crayons – there are a lot of choices, selections, paths, and stories to be told. The trick is to allow ourselves the courage and the creativity to let our imagination wander as we define and clarify our dreams and our goals.

This is not the time to be practical; this is the time to go for it and discover the potential for your passion and your purpose. Put as many colors to work in your life, draw yourself a really cool picture, and then make it happen!

Filed Under: Inspirational Perspectives, Learning From Experience, Uncategorized

Finding Happiness

March 25, 2025 by Leave a Comment

Day 84: 25.2 miles/1:27

“Success found in one’s own passion holds the key to true happiness.” ~ Brandon Cooke

When Brandon shared this thought with me this morning, I asked him to share his ideas around it. Today’s blog post features Brandon’s perspective on the above thought. Thanks, Brandon for your contribution today.

I have often struggled to be happy with my life. I tend to focus on all the things I have either lost – my guitars, my $2,000 computer, or my damaged relationships with family and friends. I even focus on my lack of achievement in some of things that I want to accomplish such as recording and producing my own album and going on tour playing my music.

It all these missing things that I use as an excuse to keep myself stuck in the same place when I should be focusing on how turn them into motivators to create change. Happiness, like anything else, does not come for free and it does not come easy. It is something I have to work for.

I also believe there is a fine line between being content and true happiness. There are many things that could help me to be content in my life right now – having a stable job, a steady income, and maintaining good relationships with friends and family. Don’t get me wrong, these are very nice and important; but, I believe that my life needs to more than simply “vanilla.” I aspire to more.

I have frequently told my father that if I could just have enough money from my music to live, my life would be perfect. I view this as success because I would be able to live doing what I love. What could possibly be more rewarding and satisfying that to be compensated for pursuing your deepest passion? Mine is music.

There are many people in this world who have very successful careers, drive nice cars, and live in multi-million homes yet they still feel unfulfilled and unsatisfied with where they are in their life. I truly believe they will always feel this way until they take a step back and ask themselves “what am I truly passionate about?” and actually do something about it.

This is why I believe that success alone does not create happiness; rather, being successful through living your passion is the key to the happiness in life we all seek.

Filed Under: Inspirational Perspectives, Learning From Experience, Live With Passion, Living Your Purpose, Uncategorized

Anticipating Failure

March 24, 2025 by Leave a Comment

Day 83: 27.8 miles/1:35

“Everyone has obstacles – many of them are quite familiar to us; anticipate and plan for them so they will not be disruptive to your progress and success this time.”

Obstacles are not the reason goals are not realized. It is the unexpected interruption and distraction of these obstacle that derail momentum. Once momentum is lost, most have a hard time getting things started again. Getting to your goal involves taking action in anticipation of potential obstacles that could derail you. Since we have all experienced successes and failures, many of us are well aware of the obstacles that will most likely interrupt our progress.

We all know our strengths and our weaknesses. We know ourselves well enough to know what people, behaviors, situations, and activities have a tendency to disrupt our best intentions. These represent obstacles that are easy for us to anticipate. And, these are obstacles that we can plan and prepare for so they do not disrupt our progress this time. That leaves us free to focus on the real issues of the day – accomplishment and dealing with the junk we didn’t anticipate.

One of the challenges I recognized prior to starting 100 Pedals was simply riding every day and staying healthy enough to ride every day. In the past, when I would ride every other day I usually rode 25-30 miles. Since I knew I would not have any recovery days, I made certain that the early rides were shorter and at an easier pace than my normal rides. I needed to insure that I wasn’t putting myself in a position where injury would prevent my riding. To that end, I made sure I stretched at least ten minutes after every ride. I am not normally a big stretch person. But, I knew that stretching consistently would help me with the strain I was putting on my body by riding every day. Planning to stay healthy and minimize the potential of physical injury are two simple examples of anticipating obstacles before they affect or interrupt my progress.

I know enough about me and the challenges related to my commitment to plan and organize my activities in a manner that enabled me to avoid the obvious obstacles that could and will present themselves. There will always be something that comes up that we did not anticipate. Our will and our focus will be needed to guide through those challenges. However, the most likely culprits to our success are the ones that always derail us. We already know what most of those are. Hence, those can be anticipated and dealt with long before they arise. Just like you plan to be successful, I encourage to plan to deal with those obstacles that have always disrupted your success in the past. Once you have control of that you are free to focus on what is most important – daily accomplishments and the development of a successful habit.

Filed Under: Learning From Experience, Make A Commitment, Uncategorized

The Power of Your Will

March 23, 2025 by Leave a Comment

Day 82: 22.0 miles/1:20

“Champions aren’t made in gyms. They are made from something they have deep inside them: a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have the skill, and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill.” ~ Muhammad Ali

When it comes to realizing our goals for our lives, success has so very little to do with our skills or abilities as much as it has to do with our desire. Wherever we look, there will always be faster, smarter, better looking, more talented people than us. Potential is not where the battle is fought or won. Desire, drive, and will is where the battle is fought. There are hundreds of inspirational stories told every day where some unknown, undermanned, underfunded person willed their way to their desired outcome. In an earlier post I shared the quote, “the depth of your success is directly related to intensity of your commitment.” You can achieve just about anything you desire provided you have the skill and the will to go for it.

One of my favorite all-time athletes is Joe Montana. I can’t say I think he is one of history’s greatest quarterbacks; but, I will argue that he is one of football’s best winners. Joe Montana never accepted defeat. There are stories about his coolness under pressure, about his calm demeanor when the game looked lost, and his ability to will the team to victory in the unlikeliest of scenarios. Joe Montana didn’t have the best arm or the prototypical quarterback build – he didn’t need to. All he needed to do was possess enough skill to be the quarterback and then use his heart to will the team to victory. History will always look upon Joe Montana as a winner and a champion, but you will never find his name on a record book for his passing statistics. He wasn’t a quarterback; he was a leader and a champion.

Success is based on having a vision for who we are and where we are going and leveraging that vision into a course of action for our lives. Accomplishment of that vision is not dependent upon our unique skills and abilities – though it does help to focus on leveraging our talents. Accomplishing our vision is the result of a blend of skill and heart. Heart takes over and becomes passionate drive when obstacles and failures are thrown in our way. Skill can and will help you navigate these obstacles; however it is your will that pushes through the toughest of challenges.

What I have focused on doing everyday is reminding myself what I am building (objective), why I am building it (purpose), and what I envision the end result looking like (my vision). I make certain that I am taking action on this every single day. And, I treat any challenge, interruption, or obstacle to my progress as a test of my will. I do not let it stop me or distract me or upset me – I focus on my mission and use my commitment to that vision to solve the problem and keep moving. Your will is the foundation of your success, especially in tough times. Make it strong and let it drive you.

Filed Under: Inspirational Perspectives, Live With Passion, Maintaining Focus, Make A Commitment, Uncategorized

The Power of Hope

March 22, 2025 by Leave a Comment

Day 81: 22.0 miles/1:15

”Hope is the last defense against quitting; when hope is lost everything else is too.”

This probably serves as the least inspirational quote in one of my posts. When he was dying of cancer, former basketball coach Jimmy Valvano used to say “don’t give up, don’t ever give up.” In the face of enormous odds, resignation is preceded by a loss of hope. The desire to fight on is a byproduct of maintaining hope when there is nothing else to hold on to.

In my quest to understand that which cannot be understood – the mind of an addict – one of the things I have learned is that addicts are the masters of a loss of hope. They get to some point in their lives where being numb is more productive than forcing themselves to take one step forward to face more pain, frustration, or hurt. They become dead inside because they have completely lost hope. Through a series of events in their lives they have lost their passion, their purpose, and their sense of self. As a result, being high is the safest place to be. There is no hope.

How many times have you had a conversation with someone who, though they may not be addicts, have felt so much loss, failure and disappointment that they simply cannot see any opportunity for something different in their life? This is their loss of hope. Loss of hope is a loss of everything for all that left is a belief you have nothing. Hope is our last defense against quitting. Never lose hope.

My biggest challenge with Brandon is continually helping him to see the promise of his future. The first step in this vision is to help him discover where the positive energy is in his life. It is that positive energy is what helps him see a glimpse of what is possible. Becoming aware of what is possible allows him to re-discover who he is and where his passion lies. Once he becomes aware, he becomes more present to the times he has this experience and enables him to see and feel it more and more often. This is the foundation for re-discovering hope. Once he starts to see and feel something positive and real, he can begin to let go of his mindset that there is no hope; and, he can finally let go of the pain he is hanging on to.

Regardless of what is going on in our lives or our past experiences and failures, we must never lose sight of who we are and what our passion and purpose are. Hope is not a strategy and we cannot win on hope alone; however, without hope we have nothing left to fight against quitting. Never lose hope – never give up.

Filed Under: Live With Passion, Living Your Purpose, Maintaining Focus, Seizing Opportunity, Uncategorized
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