How often do we get the opportunity to make a new start?
This was a question I was pondering over recently. In life there are so many changes that confront us, some small some rather bigger. Mostly we just look to get around them and move on.
This picture is the start line of the Shelsley Walsh Hill climb in Worcestershire, England. It is the oldest continually used racetrack in the world, having started in 1905; the motor club whose home it is was founded in 1901.
The objective is for a car to race as quickly as it can from the bottom of the hill to the finishing line at the top. This is timed and the winner is the person who achieves the shortest time. Quite simple really!
I am sure that many a driver would dispute the last statement from the expertise required to get to the top of the hill – it is steep, narrow, very bendy and if you do make a mistake there is either a very solid bank to hit or a tree to stop you. And if you misplace a wheel it is all too easy to come off the track and risk life and limb by cascading back down the hill – via the ‘short route’.
On the day I went up the hill it was all very slow and sedate, making you realize the steepness, narrowness and the skill each driver needs to change gear, steer and keep the power on to achieve a fast time, whilst avoiding an accident. Speeds on the hill do exceed well over 100mph, so this is not some ‘Sunday afternoon stroll’!
It struck me that with a racetrack like this each new run up the hill was a fresh start. The past was written in the scorebook, but this next run may just be the one to make the difference – to make the record book – to win the prize. There being no value in dwelling on the past performance. But it does mean using the experience of the previous runs to position the car be better for each bend, select the correct gear, ensure the engine is at the right speed, just going that bit faster to challenge the boundaries of tyre adhesion and personal nerve. And all of this is just on the day of the race……what about the preparation beforehand!
Also for each run you are competing against the clock and yourself – there is no one else on the hill, you have no one to compare yourself with.
So what are the messages for us? Well I was thinking about the following:
- How often have I missed the opportunity of a new start because I have not even recognized the start line? And crucially what can I do next time to spot the opportunities?
- How often have I been on the starting line of a new opportunity only to turn away? Why – was it because the opportunity was not for me or was it because I did not have the courage to make that new start?
- If I had taken the chance would I have an accident, as I was truly ill prepared or could I have learnt much in spite of being fear struck (or is that excitement)?
- How could I be better prepared for opportunities I am seeking?
- How often do I play safe rather than have the excitement?
And perhaps the biggest question of all:
- How often do I compare my performance with others when in my race of life the only real competitor is myself?
Tough questions – and I had some great answers. What about you?
My best wishes,
Peter
PS If you wish to see the some action at Shelsley Walsh mouse click here. You can experience what it is like to go up the hill!
