The Dr. Is In: Your Experience Is All You Need...

Do you remember when your seventh grade teacher told you about your "permanent record"? I remember it well... 

I had just orchestrated the most incredible book bomb of my early rapscallion career. A book bomb is when all the kids are commanded to forcefully and with conviction drop their books on the floor in total disruption of the teacher's instruction. The drop was planned for 1:45 - fifteen minutes into class. Our teacher, Sister Mary (I went to Catholic schools), was immersed in the finer points of US civics, when all of us a sudden she got the shock of her life... KABOOM... The books dropped. Immediately, I felt that urge to claim victory. You see, the book bomb was retribution! Earlier in the week, I experienced in-house suspension for going off campus to get an icee drink for my friends. Payback was mine! 

Well, 10 minutes later I, and three other "suspects", were in the principle's office. I was singled out as the leader, but who cares, right? I'm a seventh grader. Well, the principle pulls as quick one on me. She brings up my "permanent record". Immediately, I think of my pending career plans. Would this mean future employers would have full access to my shenanigans all through middle school? What would they think about the book bomb: leadership or trouble-maker? What about being the President of the Ferrari club? What about the ninja academy? I was shocked by her filing format! 

Today, I'm a manager at a software company as well as a serious cycling enthusiast. Let me tell you there is a permanent record, but it isn't an actual file. It is your collective experience. It is you! When I'm on the trail or in the board room giving presentations to my CEO I think of all that has brought me this far. When I come up to challenges, like the Teocali climb of death or a sales forecasting issue, I think of the book bomb: if I can coordinate a bunch of seventh graders to drop their books in unison, I can do anything. I have the mental/experience tools to make it! And so do you! 

When you're about to face a challenge, think of your total life. You've made it past more than you could possibly imagine. Now, take that and ride with it! Have conviction! Be motivated! RIDE!