E-couragement: Get Up
“You must accept that what you want to do may not be an easy task, which means you must be patient with yourself. Be patient when it seems things are not going right and may never be right again. Accept that what is yours will come to you in the right way in just the right moment.” Iyanla Vanzant A few years back I was updating my personal vision document. Arriving at the health and well-being category I decided it was time to act on a dream of competing in a triathlon. It was a long-term goal that was about to materialize.
One step in the preparation was to reacquaint myself with cycling using my “clip on cleat” peddles. These cleats are crucial for triathlon competition as they provide the power necessary to cover long distances as efficiently as possible. This takes some coordination and getting used to as your feet become “locked” in the bike pedals.
Stopping at traffic lights and stop signs can be particularly challenging with these cleats. I created a system to ensure my safety. It involved stopping in the right lane, unclipping my right foot, and balancing on the right hand curb. This process had proven effective on my inaugural rides.
Towards the end of a training ride I found myself in a left-hand turn lane at a red light. I unclipped my cleat and placed my left foot on the median. Unfortunately, my brain was still in the “right-hand lane” mode. Out of habit, my body slowly shifted right and my left foot lifted from the security of the solid earth. Nano seconds before impact a conversation occurred in my mind, “I am going to fall—falling while at a complete stop is not cool—what story can I concoct to tell my friends that won’t sound so dorky…”
A few seconds later I was flat on the road, pinned under my bike, right foot still firmly attached to the pedal. I flopped around like a fish out of water, attempting to untangle myself and quickly regain my upright position—all while trying to maintain some semblance of coolness. Finally free, I made a big production of kneeling next to my bike and inspecting it as if some mechanical error had occurred. Certain that I’d fooled the multitude of onlookers in the cars surrounding me; I climbed back on my bike and rode home with a bruised right hip and ego.
What does this incident have to do with being an engaging leader? Everything! The moment of “falling” is not the time to make the critical decision to get back up. Your resolve to get up should be determined long before your inevitable fall. We all fall from time-to-time. We make mistakes. We resort to old habits and patterns. We’re human. The decision to climb back on my bike was made while writing my vision and goals. As a result of rising from that fall, I had the opportunity to hear my name called at the awards ceremony after winning the Novice Master’s Class at my first triathlon competition.
Next time you find yourself on the asphalt from a fall, be forgiving, compassionate, and patient with yourself. Ice your bruises and renew your spirit. Revisit your purpose, vision, and goals and continue your journey. You owe it to yourself and those you lead. Get up…I’ll see you at the finish line.
Leave your comments: How have you encouraged yourself, or others, to “get up” after a professional or personal fall?