Monday, 8th July 2024 — Sometimes in life, we really don’t know how to manage the pace of the things we want to do. Sometimes it’s good to go fast, but at other times we might have to go slow. But sometimes we just have to find a balance between being fast and being slow. My blog today is inspired by my cycling adventure, and I want to talk to you about climbing the hills of life.
The day started well. I had a couple of work emails to review, which I completed, and then I was preparing to go for a writing retreat in Canterbury. Just before I left, I needed to print off some documents, so I decided to cycle down to campus. But before I could get there, I needed to pass through a neighbouring town. So I took my bike and got ready. In fact, it was drizzling. So I got on the bike and went from Chatham through Rochester to Strood. It was quite easy actually, though stressful going up and down the hills. But upon arriving at Strood, just between Rochester and Strood, the hill was so steep. However, I had something in my mind. I told myself I was not going to put my feet on the ground. I would keep it slow and steady. When the hill was too steep, I kept it in the lowest gear.
Sometimes our lowest gear can be our most effective gear. Moving slowly, like a snail, can be a strategy because you are able to progress, even while pedalling with less effort and less stress. I did it gradually, gradually, with the focus that I had a destination to reach. While cycling, I kept my feet off the ground and continued without stopping. There’s a saying: slow and steady wins the race. I went on, slow and steady, with my eyes on the goal. Although I couldn’t see it physically, I had it in my mind that I was going to get to my destination. Imagine cycling; I did it just the way I conceived it in my heart.
Believe me, whatever you can see, you can achieve if you stay focused on it. Sometimes you go fast, and if it becomes difficult, you may go slow. Even going slower can be a strategy. Imagine cycling up a hill. If you know how to use your gears, they become a strategy to continue cycling. You can’t be in the top gear while climbing a hill; you won’t be able to pedal. That’s why you’ve got to use the lower gear to make it easier to move. That’s the purpose of the gear. So I pedalled slowly. But just by looking at me, would I be able to complete it? I did. And before long, the heights came into sight and I faded away.
You meet people on a journey; some will just come and go. But only you know how you started, and you know where you want to end. Keep going. Life sometimes can be like a bicycle. Remember, when you are on a fast lane, even if you don’t pedal, if you are going downhill too fast and if you are not careful, it can be very dangerous, especially if your brakes are not working. So be prepared and check that your brakes are working when it’s time to slow down.
So that was that. I cycled about 17 miles in total from there to campus. At my first stop, I showed the map of how I climbed the hill. My London Grandma said no, nobody can pass there cycling. I said, oh, I did. I cycled and didn’t stop because I had made up my mind to. They said wow. I was panting, sweating, and more. See the featured image; that’s me. Well, I did it, and from there I moved on to campus, Universities of Medway and then cycled back home to pick up the car to begin the journey. I knew the next couple of days I was going to be indoors, doing more formal things, but the writing retreats, talking and sitting down. I needed to keep my body fit and ready for that next days without exercise, and I needed to do this.
So if there’s anything you take away from today’s blog, it’s that you need to know when to go fast, when to go slow, and when to go slower. And sometimes, knowing when to balance between these three paces is key. Let me know how this relates to you, what you’ve learnt, and how it reflects in your personal journey.
My Top 3 Lessons:
1. Pace Yourself Appropriately:
• Understand when to speed up and when to slow down. Finding the right balance between these two can lead to more effective progress in achieving your goals.
2. Persistence Pays Off:
• Stay committed to your goals, even when faced with challenges. Persistence, as demonstrated by the determination to keep cycling uphill without stopping, is crucial for success.
3. Use the Right Strategy for the Right Situation:
• Just like using the appropriate gear while cycling uphill, applying the right strategies in life’s various challenges can help you overcome obstacles more efficiently.
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