A few weeks after I was insured on my bike, I went out for a ride to a nearby town to run some errands…any excuse to ride was fine with me.
This particular morning was warm, sunny and a perfect opportunity to get some practice on a busy road. As I was travelling along the two-lane highway outside of where I live, while my lane was clear, the oncoming lane had a line of vehicles approaching. This is when you make yourself as visible as possible should someone decide to pull out and pass.
It just so happened that I noticed a white van at the rear of the pack pull out into my lane. He was still well back but I kept my eye on him wondering what his intention was. There was no way he was going to pass all 6 cars so I figured he was simply going to leap frog the car in front of him.
I continued to watch him with increasing intensity and realized that he was not moving back into his lane. Instead he continued in mine. Thankfully I remained calm and did all I could do to hug the shoulder of my lane. Of course he was driving at a passing speed and I was going over 90km/ hr as well and in a blink we passed each other with about eighteen inches to spare…if that. If his window had been open we could have “high-fived” each other; but I wouldn’t want to injure my clutch hand.
As I stretched out my arm in a “what are you doing?” gesture, I couldn’t tell from the expression on his face if he was surprised to see me (in other words he never saw me in the first place) or he was indifferent to the fact I was there. In all my years of driving, and I’ve driven a lot, I have never seen someone stay in the passing lane with another vehicle there. I avoided a terrible incident and continued on my way, but it wasn’t lost on me that I came close to meeting Jesus in that moment. I carried on with the rest of my day and later reluctantly recounted the story with Kathy. But it wasn’t until I was lying in bed that night when it really struck me of how close of a call that was.
No it didn’t discourage me from riding, in case you were wondering.
Here’s my point.
Just as that driver nearly ended my ride, when you step out and try something new (the point of last week’s blog) not everyone is going to support you in that pursuit.
You may have dreams and goals and maybe you’ve already stepped out of your comfort zone and taken steps to see them come to fruition. That’s awesome. Just don’t be surprised that not everyone is going to share your enthusiasm. In fact, they may even attempt to discourage you from moving ahead.
So what can you do? Here are a few thoughts for you to consider…
Share your ideas with someone you trust and seek honest feedback
This is invaluable. When Kathy and I decided to open a cafe 6 years ago, many people thought we were crazy for even considering it. But we have some wise people in our life and shared in detail what we wanted to do. To a person they encouraged us to go for it. The truth is, we probably wouldn’t have proceeded without their blessing and it made all the difference.
With my motorcycle, I talked to friends who ride, I watched endless training videos before making a decision. I asked questions and feedback from people I trusted.
Listen to those who push back against your idea…you may still learn something valuable
I did listen to some people who had concerns and questions. They forced me to get more clear on why I wanted to get a bike. The truth is, they were asking the same questions I was and they were sincere in their concern for me.
Consider motives
Do the naysayers want the best for you or are they generally a negative person. Many individuals want to maintain what I call, “the lowest common denominator”. They are only happy when no one succeeds or stands out in any way. Do you know the type? Yeah, I do too. I tend to dismiss those types of individuals.
Do your homework and get as much information as you can
As I said last week, there is risk in virtually anything we choose to do. But just as I did what I could to be best prepared to ride, you can do the same. Count the cost. Consider the pros and cons. Consider the impact it will have on you and those closest to you.
Make a Decision and act on it
This is perhaps the most difficult step of all. At some point you just have to decide to do something. I meet many people who dream but never see them through. But if you’ve gained insights and support from trusted resources, if you’ve done all you can to educate yourself, if you have the support of those closest to you, then take action. Take a step. Make the call. Set up the meeting. Make the investment. Do something! Do one thing!
The driver of that white van came close to sabotaging my goal of riding that day…maybe permanently. Was it intentional? I don’t know. But the truth is, when you have a dream, a new goal or adventure you want to take on, there will likely be someone who doesn’t want you to succeed.
When you’ve done all you can to succeed? Go for it anyway.
Feeling stuck? Not sure what to do next? Your life not where you want it to be? Life coaching can help. Contact me for a free 45-minute discovery call. Let’s talk.
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