These were words of advice from my son Bryce this summer.
The backstory: Where I’m living in South Carolina has a 6 mile trail along a river – right outside my door. It’s beautiful. Many mornings I hop on my bike and head out. To my surprise, there are hills in this part of SC and early this summer they were proving to be a little tough for someone who hadn’t spent a lot of time on a bike seat in many years. (Me!)
Bryce came to visit, and as we rode the trail he hit the hills and flew up them. I commented on how challenging they were for me and he said, “I just stand up and keep going.”
I began to apply his wisdom. And 3 months later the hills are not as daunting – and there are even some where I can stay seated!
Lately as I’ve been climbing those hills, and his words echo through my mind, I’ve thought about what it means to “stand up and keep going.”
What happens when we stand up? We take notice. We’re more alert. We get a new perspective. We see what’s ahead.
What happens when we keep going? We’re moving. We’re taking action. We’re not standing still.
I think most of us can apply these two concepts personally and professionally.
Stop and think – where do you need to “stand up?”
Where are you looking down and not seeing what’s in front of you? Or where do you have your head buried that you’re not taking full notice of what’s around you? Or where are you focused too closely not allowing you to see the big picture?
And where have you stopped going?
Where are you not taking action that you should be – or want to be? Where are you stuck and not moving forward?
I see both of these things happen with clients. They are focused so narrowly that they can’t see the many options in front of them. And very frequently I work with people afraid to “keep going.” Not taking action for fear of what’s at the top of the hill.
What I have found, if we do both – stand up and keep going – we’ve got a great combination. Keeping our head up, being alert, taking in what’s around us – while we take action – allows us to adjust as needed.
As I’m heading up those hills it means I adjust my gears. And yes, sometimes it’s smoother than others. But one thing I know, it’s better than sitting at the bottom of the hill!
So think about where you want to stand up and keep going. Personally, professionally, in a relationship. And if you find you need some coaching along the way, I’m here for you.
Hey, Coach
All good advice. I had a doctor’s appointment today and I am having a hard time accepting the physical and mental place I am sitting right now.
A friend and I sat in the outdoor chapel for awhile after and sitting there watching the leaves dance toward the ground gave me a much needed 3D panoramic view.
I’m not standing and riding bikes, but I am looking up and seeing more clearly. (Remember that song from Day by Day from Godspell?)
Enjoy your rides! 💕
Day by Day – yes! A great song – a great musical. Keep going! And just back from another ride – thanks!
Robin
Really great motivational ideas here, Robin. I love it!
Thanks Lisa! I hope all is well with you,
Robin
This is so true and a great mantra for many who want to give up! Thank you for sharing!
Awesome advice- and it came at the perfect time!
Hope you are doing well and enjoying your new adventure.
Robin – Relevant…realistic….and readily applicable to all aspects of our lives…and all situations.
I agree with Lisa…motivational insights abound!
TY TY TY
Robin—- Hello! Very Nice thoughts!
Reminds me of a poem my father had on his desk regarding not giving up.
KEEP A-GOIN’
If you strike a thorn or rose,
Keep a-goin’!
If it hails or if it snows,
Keep a-goin’!
‘Taint no use to sit an’ whine
When the fish ain’t on your line;
Bait your hook an’ keep a-tryin’–
Keep a-goin’!
When the weather kills your crop,
Keep a-goin’!
Though ’tis work to reach the top,
Keep a-goin’!
S’pose you’re out o’ ev’ry dime,
Gittin’ broke ain’t any crime;
Tell the world you’re feelin’ prime–
Keep a-goin’!
When it looks like all is up,
Keep a-goin’!
Drain the sweetness from the cup,
Keep a-goin’!
See the wild birds on the wing,
Hear the bells that sweetly ring,
When you feel like singin’, sing–
Keep a-goin’!
Author: by Frank L. Stanton (1857-1927)