Priorities and Core Values

Last week a good buddy of mine said to me…“If you’re as busy as you say you are, how can you get out there for all those long rides?”.  “Priorities, my friend”, was my simple reply.

In essence there are only three main ingredients that fill my days….Family, Cycling, and Work.  If I’m good with those three then I’m doing alright.  This blog contains a little bit of all three categories, so you know it’s definitely up there on my priority list.

Everything else gets done when I have the time, but the only thing on my mind each and every day is making sure that my core values get satisfied.  What are core values, you ask?  It’s my personal list of my absolute most important things.  For me, they include everything from getting in my ride to spending the day in shorts, sandals, and a t-shirt.

But how do I do it?  Well, I’m far from having it all running nice and slick….there are definitely days when I don’t feel that I spent enough time with my family, or felt like I was running around in 10 different directions without really getting anything done.

It’s one of those, I’m a work in progress things..

But what does seem to work is this:

Being aware and focused on my core values.

Being totally in the moment.

When I’m working, it gets my full attention.  It’s my goal to spend each and every working moment being productive so that I can accomplish as much as possible during that time.  If I’m with my Family, I need to be 100% with them.  Not checking messages on my phone or computer…and being completely in the moment. When I’m on the bike….it’s all about the bike.

I do find however, that when I’m out cycling my mind is constantly coming up with cool ideas for posts, tweets, and also ideas for my day job as well.  I guess even Einstein knew where to find his inspiration:

I thought of that while riding my bicycle.

– Albert Einstein

I love being in the moment when I’m out riding, but I also really enjoy it when I’m out there and my mind is racing with thoughts.  I often wish I had a voice recorder with me to make sure I remember what I was thinking during a ride.

Us humans are incredible beings….if we push ourselves, there is so much more that we can accomplish.  With clear priorities, good focus, and passion we are able to take on the world.

And win.  #MakeitHappen