The One Essential Element Needed to Thrive and not just Survive

I still have so many fond memories of being a kid growing up on my parents acreage.

I had high hopes for life, adventures were abounding and the possibilities for life seemed endless. I was a very active kid (still am) and there was rarely a day that did not go by that I was not out exploring.

I still remember the exciting day when my parents bought my first memorable bicycle: a Raleigh 20” MX!  It was a beauty and I could not wait to take it out for a spin.

Living on an acreage meant gravel roads surrounded us. My first ride ended in tears, with ripped jeans and bloodied knees and elbows. I had just learned a harsh lesson about the importance of braking and balance, especially on loose gravel. I was devastated and reluctant to ride again. The bike, once a symbol of freedom, had become a source of fear.

However, as time passed, the wounds healed, and the memory of that painful fall began to fade. The sight of my friends enjoying their bikes rekindled my desire to ride again. I eventually got back on that bike, ready to explore once more. This experience taught me a valuable lesson about resilience and the importance of persistence.

I have come to learn that all truth works on simple principles that this story helps us understand. It would have been easy to experience the fall and hurt and as a result to decide to quit biking. There is always the hope of the joy and exhilaration that will come from learning to ride a bike.  But this is often snuffed out due to the fear of falling and the risk of hurting ourselves. 

Isn’t that how most of us default as we go through life?

We go out of our way to avoid struggles and pain and as a result we never fully develop to meet our full potential. It is so much safer to be a bystander in life vs embracing the courage necessary to live outside our comfort zones – the only way we can actually expand it. 

Whether it is mustering up the hutzpah to step out on that stage to make a presentation, asking the girl who intimidates you out on a date, or launching a new business idea. This all requires embracing courage, meaning taking action despite the certainty of the outcome. In doing so, there is the risk of failing; making a mistake, falling down, scuffing our knees and questioning if we should do it again. These should all be expected as it is part of the process required to learn and grow. When we fall down, the key is to not just go through the struggles but rather to grow through it. Look for the purpose in our pain to help us become our best and brightest versions of self.

There are few things that we as humans need in order to survive: food, water, sleep, shelter and companionship. These all make up the base level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. 

To this list I would add one more essential element: we need struggles. No different than going to the gym to break down muscle to build it back stronger, your struggles in life will either beat the strength out of you or build the strength into you. The only way we build resilience is to embrace our pain and struggles and in the process to grow back stronger which then increases our capacity to do more. 

There is a famous quote by Zig Ziglar: 

“Success occurs when opportunity meets preparation.” 

With that in mind, I am glad that I decided to get back on my bike and ride it. It is truly a healthy passion of mine that has led me to so many incredible places and adventures.

This past summer it culminated into one of the most memorable rides of my life. I had the opportunity to travel with a group of fellow founders to Necker, the infamous island owned by Sir Richard Branson. I have since come to learn it is the ultimate playground as all of Richard’s passions in outdoor pursuits can be found there.

On the third day of the trip a bike ride was scheduled on Virgin Gorda. I had been warned ahead of time that it was not for the faint of heart with several steep hills to climb. In my mind it was a no brainer as it was an opportunity to bike with a legendary entrepreneurial icon and a hero of mine. 

Early that morning I got up and noticed that it was windy and raining and so I thought that perhaps the ride was going to be canceled. At 6am there was an announcement over the messaging app that the ride was on and those who were joining should meet down at the docks.  When I arrived I was stunned to see only Richard and his assistant. 

We hopped on the boat and as we crossed the channel Richard leaned over and asked me “are you open for an adventure?” My response was “Richard, if you want to do it, then I am in!”  What I later learned is that they typically do a shorter ride; however on this trip, I had just signed up for doing the full Strive Cycle Loop. 

The ride was hard and while under 20 km in length, it was made up of some very steep and punchy climbs. Now, after completing it, I understand why there was not a crowd of people waiting at the dock to join us. For the average person it would have been very physically demanding; however as a result of years of consistent riding, I was in a position to say “yes” when the opportunity came knocking. 

I still pinch myself, thinking about the rare air experience I had the privilege of enjoying. Not only was I physically challenged, I had the opportunity to go on an exclusive solo ride with one of my heroes. The lap around the island left us breathless and sweaty but it was filled with rich conversation. 

According to Jocko Willink: Discipline equal’s freedom. Meaning, if we do now what others won't, we can do later what others can't. With that in mind, the real story is that at 74 Richard is in incredible shape and it was inspiring to see him complete the lap. Years of consistent training and a willingness to push through many painful moments is one of the key attributes as to why he is strong both physically but also in how he shows up in his family and business. 

As I consider this and reflect on my life and upbringing, I am grateful that I got back on my bike, and that fitness and vitality have been an important value in my life. As a result when the opportunity came along to ride with a business icon, I was able to say yes.

The question we should ask ourselves is this: What other opportunities are coming our way that we want to be prepared for?