Avoiding the Rock in the Road
When I’m riding my bike, and I see a rock or stick in the road, I remember the advice from when I was first learning to ride. “Your bike is going to go where you look. If you focus on the rock in the road, your bike is going to hit it.” Were you ever given this advice?
Yet, I find it so hard to look away! I see the hazard in front of me, and my eyes fixate on it. “Oh no!” Sure enough, my front tire hits the rock, and I have to hold tight to the handlebars so I don’t crash.
Do you see where I’m going with this? In life, the “rock in the road” represents challenges, fears, or obstacles. If you fixate on them, you may steer your thoughts, emotions, and actions toward those very challenges, magnifying their impact or causing you to stumble. Instead, by focusing on the path you want to take, you can navigate around obstacles and enjoy a smoother ride.
Living Your Life Like Riding Past the Rock:
Focus on Your Destination: Keep your mind centered on your goals, aspirations, and the positive outcomes you want to achieve rather than being consumed by fears of failure or setbacks.
- Example: Instead of obsessing over what could go wrong in a new project, focus on the steps to make it succeed.
Acknowledge Obstacles Without Obsession: It’s essential to recognize challenges but don’t give them undue attention. A brief glance to assess the “rock” is enough to plan your way around it.
- Example: Acknowledge negative self-talk or setbacks, but don’t let them dominate your thoughts or derail your efforts.
Guide Your Energy Toward Solutions: Directing your energy toward solutions and progress helps you avoid being consumed by problems.
- Example: If you’re facing a financial challenge, focus on creating a budget or finding additional income sources rather than panicking about debt.
Where you direct your attention is where your energy flows. Fixating on problems anchors you to them, but focusing on your path allows you to steer toward success, growth, and fulfillment. The rocks may always be there, but your journey depends on where you choose to look.
What “rock” are you fixating on? How can you shift your focus?
