ISummit7
02-08-2011, 01:19 PM
EMOTIONAL RESCUE
Good motorcycle riding starts with the right attitude, it's how you set your body up for the ultimate control. Ask any professional athlete or motorcycle rider and they'll tell you that a good mental attitude is the key to maintaining or developing any skill. Yet in many ways the approach to developing a good attitude is a skill in itself. So how do you develop that skill?
First is an AWARENESS of your personal emotional state. Are you angry or pissed off, and wanting to go out on a ride "to get your head cleared?" Are you calm, and feeling excited to get on the road riding
new terrain? Are you fatigued and hung over from the night before and riding because your friends are waiting for you? Are you nervous about riding your new bike? Is there anxiety about new skills you may not be able to tackle and are unsure of your skill? These are all realistic emotions. It's ok to actually feel that you are nervous, anxious, or stressed, just try not giving in to that emotion fully, but do let it guide you as to what you may or may not do that day.
Second- develop a positive ATTITUDE. Riders who have a flagrant disregard for other road users, the law, even their own safety have a hugely disproportionate accident rate compared with the average motorcycle rider. Even those with excellent attitudes can succumb to moments of poor judgment brought about by distractions or conditions that alter their emotional state. Attitudes change throughout the day, awareness of these changes allows you to "connect" with your emotions. Stop and get off the bike. Take a break- sip on some water- refuel, and do some deep breathing exercises. Remove yourself from the situation creating that attitude adjustment. Take 15 minutes and regroup. Our attitude to ourselves and road users are two of the most important things that can influence our own emotions and our safety. Motorcycle riders who show consideration for others are much less likely to be involved in accidents – and consideration means more than just giving way if you have the opportunity to do so. It also means understanding that everyone makes mistakes, including yourself. Be good to yourself when you error, but stay calm.
Third, a REALISTIC evaluation of your current skill will keep moods and emotions balanced. About 80% of rider's think they have above average ability, when simple math tells us that 30% of them have a higher regard for their own skill level than they should. Does this make you more susceptible to accidents, injury(s)? Absolutely!
Developing a good positive attitude that includes a realistic evaluation of your current skill level will help keep you safer – and it will actually allow you to enjoy your motorcycle riding more. You'll be less frustrated, experience fewer stressful moments and have a more relaxed, cheerful appreciation of every motorcycle ride.
Developing a positive attitude is a learned behavior and does not happen overnight.
I've found the four C"s below helpful in bringing my personal emotions and skill level to a more balanced platform:
Each time I out off roading, I remind myself over and over again - FOCUS, BELIEVE, BE CONFIDENT, and COMMIT myself to my goals.
* Concentration - ability to maintain focus
* Confidence - believe in one's abilities
* Control - ability to maintain emotional control regardless of distraction
* Commitment - ability to continue working to agreed goals
Strong emotions can also be harnessed to enhance your sports performance.
Using the 4 C's daily you can learn how to perform better by challenging the way you think about things and regulating your own emotions.
Remember: ""You only achieve what you believe").
I'm going to have an incredible day out there today!
Good motorcycle riding starts with the right attitude, it's how you set your body up for the ultimate control. Ask any professional athlete or motorcycle rider and they'll tell you that a good mental attitude is the key to maintaining or developing any skill. Yet in many ways the approach to developing a good attitude is a skill in itself. So how do you develop that skill?
First is an AWARENESS of your personal emotional state. Are you angry or pissed off, and wanting to go out on a ride "to get your head cleared?" Are you calm, and feeling excited to get on the road riding
new terrain? Are you fatigued and hung over from the night before and riding because your friends are waiting for you? Are you nervous about riding your new bike? Is there anxiety about new skills you may not be able to tackle and are unsure of your skill? These are all realistic emotions. It's ok to actually feel that you are nervous, anxious, or stressed, just try not giving in to that emotion fully, but do let it guide you as to what you may or may not do that day.
Second- develop a positive ATTITUDE. Riders who have a flagrant disregard for other road users, the law, even their own safety have a hugely disproportionate accident rate compared with the average motorcycle rider. Even those with excellent attitudes can succumb to moments of poor judgment brought about by distractions or conditions that alter their emotional state. Attitudes change throughout the day, awareness of these changes allows you to "connect" with your emotions. Stop and get off the bike. Take a break- sip on some water- refuel, and do some deep breathing exercises. Remove yourself from the situation creating that attitude adjustment. Take 15 minutes and regroup. Our attitude to ourselves and road users are two of the most important things that can influence our own emotions and our safety. Motorcycle riders who show consideration for others are much less likely to be involved in accidents – and consideration means more than just giving way if you have the opportunity to do so. It also means understanding that everyone makes mistakes, including yourself. Be good to yourself when you error, but stay calm.
Third, a REALISTIC evaluation of your current skill will keep moods and emotions balanced. About 80% of rider's think they have above average ability, when simple math tells us that 30% of them have a higher regard for their own skill level than they should. Does this make you more susceptible to accidents, injury(s)? Absolutely!
Developing a good positive attitude that includes a realistic evaluation of your current skill level will help keep you safer – and it will actually allow you to enjoy your motorcycle riding more. You'll be less frustrated, experience fewer stressful moments and have a more relaxed, cheerful appreciation of every motorcycle ride.
Developing a positive attitude is a learned behavior and does not happen overnight.
I've found the four C"s below helpful in bringing my personal emotions and skill level to a more balanced platform:
Each time I out off roading, I remind myself over and over again - FOCUS, BELIEVE, BE CONFIDENT, and COMMIT myself to my goals.
* Concentration - ability to maintain focus
* Confidence - believe in one's abilities
* Control - ability to maintain emotional control regardless of distraction
* Commitment - ability to continue working to agreed goals
Strong emotions can also be harnessed to enhance your sports performance.
Using the 4 C's daily you can learn how to perform better by challenging the way you think about things and regulating your own emotions.
Remember: ""You only achieve what you believe").
I'm going to have an incredible day out there today!