It’s not so small minded, to get out on a bike each day and ride. On the surface it may seem like it’s about fat burning, fitness, freedom, or to soothe an aching soul. And it is. I might even argue that, depending on the day, any one of those is the main reason I go out.
There’s one reason though — one aspect of why I ride that I don’t talk about too much, that’s as important as any of the other reasons I ride. The benefit, I think, is greater than all the others combined. Given the social climate we’re navigating these days, I thought I’d share it this week.
For a couple of hours each evening, as I pedal my way past the groves, orchards, and vineyards that decorate this area so well, I have a chance to reflect on the day I’m trying to leave behind. It’s a nightly meeting of the Roys within — the business man, the family man, the citizen, and the social guy.
I review my day in a linear fashion. I examine as many of my actions and interactions from the day as I can remember. I make note of what I think I did right, but more importantly, I attempt to take inventory of the mistakes I made and to consider ways I might improve. This is a daily process of honest self-appraisal.
I reflect on conversations with clients and consider what I might have said better or done differently. I think about ways I could’ve been a better fitness trainer or a better businessman. I review my social interactions from the day and how I might improve on those as well. I even consider how I treated my animals, and based on that, how I might treat them the following day — so that they feel even safer.
Me being me, I’m not likely to make the improvements I direct myself to, at least not immediately. This is a cumulative undertaking — like Gladwell’s 10,000 hours hypothesis. I figure if I do this daily, and I do it consistently over time time, I might actually improve in those areas that matter most — business, personal relationships, community, and family matters.
There’s one other benefit that this rolling ritual provides to me, and I can honestly say it’s made a big difference in my life over the past few years. Taking inventory of my day like this, is an excellent reminder that my world is much less about me, than the people who enrich it so well.
This is what I think about when I ride… Jhciacb
This week by the numbers…
Bikes Ridden: 7
Miles: 204
Climbing: 9,200’
Mph Avg: 15.1
Calories: 11,613
Seat Time: 13 hours 31 minutes
Whether you ride a bike or not, thank you for taking the time to ride along with me today. If you haven’t already, please scroll up and subscribe. If you like what you read, give it a like and a share. If not, just keep scrollin’. Oh, and there’s this from Junior Brown. Enjoy…
The Spoke And Word™ 
Roy, May I suggest that if you do not do it already, make sure you add to that inventory everyday a moment to reflect on what you are grateful for. I find that this practice helps you begin to fill your mind with some positivity and increases one’s self love.
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Thank you, Jean. In the morning I have what I call, a meditation of gratitude, where I take inventory and give thanks for the many blessings in my life. It’s a fantastic way to start the day.
As always, thank you for your time and your support here…!
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Right on brother, continuous improvement. I tell my kids it’s okay to be a little bit selfish, by first taking care of yourself so you can be well enough to care for others. Mind,body and soul. Keep taking inventory on yourself, and look around at all the blessings you have. The W.I.N. “ What’s Important Now” Faith,Family,Friends❣️
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As always, my friend, thank you for taking the time. As I see how your kids have grown and developed, every time I think of them, I think — I smell good parenting…
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This is a wonderful action and a great idea for anyone to apply in their life. Every positive change we can make in ourselves will turn our course, even if only slightly, and move us further in a good direction. Thank you!
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