I was reminded of this mindset while out on a 42-mile bike ride yesterday morning, while training for a competition in Memphis in October. This particular race involves three events covering a total distance of 70.3 miles. It is called the Ironman 70.3.
Six months ago, in a moment of weakness, I figured since it was half the full Ironman distance of 140.6 miles (which I lived to tell about) this one would be a “piece of cake.” I forgot to figure in the fact that my legs where 23 years younger when I accepted that initial challenge.
I ride in the country, past farms and fields dotted with cows, horses, wild turkeys and an occasional herd of deer. I often find myself waving to an Amish family hooking up their well-kept black buggies. It is a great way to forget about Covid-19, and the insulting political news of the day, for a couple of hours while feeling the blood coursing through your veins from a strong heart pumping as designed.
While “whizzing” past farmhouses yesterday in the morning summer heat, I took notice that, more often than not, there was firewood already piled neatly in rows six feet high and sometimes as much as 20 feet in length. The wood was cut in uniform pieces which will fit nicely in the wood burning stoves five months from now. (Cut now. Needed later.) That is when I made the connection between what I was doing and the importance of preparedness.
Measuring, cutting, stacking and drying wood makes sense while you have ample time and warm weather to get the necessary chore completed. When the first snow begins to blow later this year, your “ducks will already be in a row.” All you will need to do is stoke the fire.
The similarity struck me yesterday as I was preparing for my future event, long before the starting gun sounded, to make sure all my “ducks where lined up properly.” It would be easy for the farmers to say, “There is plenty of time to cut wood in the fall. After all, it is only July.” It would have been easy for m to say, “I’ll skip today’s ride. There is plenty of time before October 3rd. After all, it is only July.”
The best time to begin preparing for tomorrow was yesterday. The next best time is today. Regardless of what your next competition is, begin “sharpening your saw today.” Fill your water bottle and grease your rear sprockets ASAP. Don’t put off what you know needs doing. As sure as death and taxes, the snow will soon need shoveling.
There is another saying that sums up this mindset, “Make hay while the sun shines.” Translation: Don’t procrastinate. Do it now.
Mike Marchev is always looking for a few more proactive travel professionals to join his Sales and Marketing Club. Send for details.
mike@mikemarchev.com.
