Cycling and Tunnel Vision

Turn the Light on in 2010

by Kathryn C. Wilder, Ph.D.

In your mind's eye, picture yourself riding your bicycle through a narrow underground tunnel that is pitch dark, and unknown territory for you.  Likely, this negative image invokes feelings of fear, and a sense of being restricted or held back.  In contrast, picture yourself riding your bicycle through a wide above ground tunnel, that you have traveled before that is brightly lit.  The width of the tunnel gives you the freedom to choose your "line", and likely you will have less fear of crashing into an obstacle.  This positive image of the above-ground tunnel, may elicit feelings of excitement, and adventure.

In your cycling program, if you give yourself a narrow path to accomplish your goals you may feel more easily frustrated, than if you give your self a wide path that is more forgiving.  Are you interested in learning how you can be the facilitator in your own life to live your dream to achieve your goals?  Will you take the challenges that I present to you?  Think about it for a moment.  Do you truly want to ride from inspiration, and not fear?  If yes, let’s move on to challenge number one.

First, I challenge you to ask yourself this simple question.  How does cycling make you feel?  This basic question will provide the underlying foundation of setting goals for peak performance in 2010.  Cycling is one way to experience an incredible sense of freedom, passion, and euphoria. One of my, sport psychology, clients told me, “I experience a sense of exhilaration when I am riding my bicycle."  Another client, a former professional cyclist told me, "I became enthralled by the competitive nature of the sport.  Racing on the elite circuit is a whole lifestyle that you become part of, and it made me feel satisfied that I had made the commitment to reach my goals."

After a ride you may strong physically, and mentally your mind is clear.  Set goals, and experience a sense of happiness, and intensity while riding or racing your bicycle.

Authentic Performance

Once you answer the question on how cycling makes you feel, you will be able to explore the notion of yourself not just as a cyclist, but as an authentic performer. The performance is a process or journey. Performance is finding an activity that you are passionate about, and then trying to re-create this magical feeling as often as possible on your bicycle.  Performance is not about the outcome, or about comparing oneself to others.  It is about each individual defining, and measuring their performance by their happiness, and how they feel during, and after a bicycle ride or race.

Once you find your magic, then work to protect your magic.  It is only natural that if you feel the way that you want to feel that you will have fun, and experience happiness.  The happier that you are with your experiences the more likely that you will be successful.

Goal-Setting Strategies

The second challenge is to set goals. Ask yourself the question, “What are my goals for 2010?”

A Sport Psychology client of mine who is a National Championship cyclist, Laura Van Gilder emphasized the importance of goal-setting. Van Gilder said, "I am goal-oriented both on and off the bike, and cycling has heightened that personality trait.  I am a competitor, and a finisher and often times in real life if I don't feel that I have clear-cut goals and a means for success, I am lost and unfulfilled.”  Even though your students aren’t U.S. National Champion Cyclists, nor do they have those aspirations, it is effective to learn from our successful role models.  With a 17 year cycling career that has notched over 250 wins, Van Gilder has demonstrated a long-term commitment, and accomplishment of her goals.

Journal Writing for Self-Efficacy and Commitment

Write down your goals in a journal.  Recording thoughts, and goals in a journal will help you to connect with your purpose.  In the journal, write down your goals.  By recording your goals, and sharing them with others you are more likely to be committed to your established goals.  Dr. Fayyadh Yusuf, a renowned performance consultant, said, “The journal let’s you record your goals in a systematic manner. Once recorded, the journal is a place, where they can go back, and review their progress, self-efficacy, and consistency. For example, you can learn more about how you feel (living the dream) after a bicycle ride or race, if you explore your thoughts in a journal."

Take the more forgiving path, and have a fabulous 2010 on and off the bicycle.  Cheers to many adventures in the year ahead!

Dr. Kathryn C. Wilder is a renowned Sport Psychologist and Adjunct Professor with a doctorate in sport psychology, and a supporting area in counseling. She is a well published author, national champion athlete, and applied performance educator.