Shifting gears is much smoother when we’ve done an assessment of our machine and understand its strengths and weaknesses, capacities and shortcomings.
Much like an automotive engine, our minds and bodies operate under certain fluctuating conditions. Sometimes we will be in a position where everything fires in perfect harmony, and other times transitions will be clunky and inefficient.
What really matters is not the capabilities of the machine at a given time, but how the driver operates the machine in its given state. With an awareness of internal and external conditions, the driver can manipulate the machine to perform in a more efficient manner.
We wouldn’t alternate a vehicle between redlining and coasting out of gear, so why do we put ourselves into similar situations? Pushing as hard as we can until we can’t anymore, then crashing and dropping to zero, before taking another stab at it and revving to max capacity.
Understanding whether it’s hot or cold outside, you’re on the freeway or in reverse, or if you need an oil change can make all the difference in shifting gears smoothly and maximizing output from input.
With a lack of awareness, we continue to stubbornly force improvements and demand higher performance. With proper perspective, we can appreciate the points of leverage we have, not rush to upshift, and better understand where our machine will perform best. When we become the master of our machine, it’s nearly as simple as clutch-stick-gas.