Lessons from my Ninja - Tools of Hope ToolsLetter #116

Ana-Christina on her new "Ninja"

If you've seen me at workshops, I probably wasn't dressed like this...

Denver's fall has been quite warm (we have snow right now, but it's been warm up until right after Christmas), so I was able to ride my new bike for months after motorcycle season usually ends.

I have always wanted to learn how to ride a motorcycle.

This fall, I took myself up on my own challenge to "do something you always wanted to do." I talk about it, and it's a chapter in my book for a reason.

So, I took steps. First, I looked into classes. I budgeted for the class. Signed up for the class. Showed up for class with all of my appropriate clothing and shoes. Passed the tests. Got the "M" endorsement on my license. Shopped for bikes. Talked Jerry into being ok with me riding. (THAT was a big step!!!)

Got a killer deal on just the right bike on Craigslist. (For those of you that know bikes, it's a 250. You KNOW it's small because all the guys who see it say "oh, that's so cute." And guys never say "cute." Unless it's really tiny.)

Gathered (and wear) my protective gear. Spent the first 35 miles (yes, you read that right) in PARKING LOTS right by my home. I figured - this is risky enough, I need to learn as much as possible by myself, out of traffic, and get to know my machine.

Then, I started going on little rides on roads around my house that I'm very familiar with. I'm still a beginner, I still have a lot to learn. And,

I DID SOMETHING I ALWAYS WANTED TO DO.

***

It is so scary, sometimes, to try something different. There are so many roadblocks. So many "if only" and so many "yes, buts." There are some basic, simple steps that you can use to try something you've not tried before. It may or may not work, but at least you tried!!

1) TAKE A STEP.
Take a step to gain some momentum.
I think it's good to have a general overall plan BUT allow yourself to take the first step without having the rest of your steps detailed.

2) TAKE LITTLE BABY STEPS.
I listed a few up above - in reality, there were more than that as I worked my way up to a 160 mile road trip.

3) MITIGATE YOUR RISK.
I didn't say "eliminate" your risk. You can never eliminate all risk, or you'd never end up doing anything. I did this by taking classes, being very mindful when I get on my bike to be in the proper mindset, by riding with very experienced riders (and learning from them), and by wearing my protective gear.

4) KEEP TAKING STEPS TOWARD YOUR GOAL.
I can't stress this enough. Even if you have a set back, and it looks like you took a step in the wrong direction, it's ok! Now you have some momentum, and you can get "back on course" easier.
It's easier to turn a car that's moving than a car that is stopped, right?

5) CELEBRATE AND ENJOY!
I have had several moments in the last few months where I quite literally yelled inside my helmet just from the sheer joy of finally riding a motorcycle.

I challenge you to try something new.

Try something you've always wanted to try.

Don't let fear, or inertia, rob you with regrets.

ACW in coral

Building you up - Ana-Christina

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