On Changing My Mind

When I first started riding my handcycle, I didn’t care much about the results.

Good thing, because the results sucked. I was slow. I couldn’t ride very far. I couldn’t climb hills. I rode my bike because I enjoyed riding my bike. For a long time, none of that other stuff mattered. I simply loved riding.

Twenty-four years later, I’ve noticed a shift. If I’m completely honest, I don’t look forward to handcycling as much as I once did. But I ride more than ever. Why?

Results.

I get on my bike and I crank lots of miles because those miles matter to the kids at the Home of Hope. I do it because I’m told my riding inspires others to support the kids.

Somewhere along the line, cycling for me became less about the journey and more about the destination. That’s sort of a surprise. I’ve always thought process should come first, and results would follow.

I think one mark of wisdom is being willing to change your mind when you confront new information. Perhaps this is such a time.

Perhaps a worthwhile activity can be more about results than process. Perhaps it’s AND rather than OR.

Your thoughts?