Maintenance

Maintenance for your body.

Maintenance for your mind.

Maintenance for your soul.

Activity gets all the attention. The action gets the chapter head, the title, even the subtitle and byline. It’s all about what we see out there. But what we expect to see out there won’t happen again and again without doing the maintenance.

"Computers are like a bicycle for the mind." - Steve Jobs

Much like software updates to fix bugs, and regular maintenance on a bike, the mind, body, and soul also need regular maintenance to stay true.

A lot of what’s out there is about growing, getting better, and swinging for the fences. These are the areas that get the most attention. But adjusting axles, balancing brakes, and cleaning cables are the basics that run behind the scenes to enable the show to go on day after day.

Identify your maintenance parallels and recognize that it’s normal and necessary for your personal peak performance.

Appendix: In the context of a bicycle wheel, the term "true" refers to the state of the wheel being perfectly straight and not deviating from its intended alignment. When a wheel is true, it spins smoothly and evenly without wobbling or rubbing against the brake pads or frame.

Achieving a true wheel requires proper tensioning and alignment of the spokes, ensuring that they are evenly tensioned and pulling the rim in the correct direction. If a wheel is out of true, it may need to be adjusted by tightening or loosening specific spokes to bring it back into alignment.

"Truing" a wheel involves making adjustments to eliminate any lateral or radial deviations, ensuring that the wheel runs straight and smoothly. This is typically done using a truing stand or by observing the wheel's alignment against a reference point, such as the brake pads or a visual marker.

A true wheel is essential for optimal performance, stability, and efficient power transfer when riding a bicycle.

• Body:

  • Physical Sensations: Pay attention to any discomfort, pain, or tension in your body. Are you experiencing any physical symptoms or signs of fatigue?

  • Energy Levels: Assess your energy levels throughout the day. Do you feel consistently tired or drained?

  • Nutrition and Exercise: Consider your eating habits and physical activity. Are you nourishing your body with nutritious food and engaging in regular exercise?

• Mind:

  • Thoughts and Emotions: Observe your thoughts and emotions. Are there any recurring negative thoughts or patterns of thinking? How are you managing stress?

  • Mental Clarity: Assess your ability to focus and concentrate. Do you find it challenging to stay present and focused?

  • Mental Stimulation: Reflect on whether you are engaging in activities that intellectually stimulate and challenge you.

• Soul/Spirituality:

  • Values and Beliefs: Reflect on your values and beliefs. Are you living in alignment with your authentic self and what matters most to you?

  • Meaning and Purpose: Consider whether you feel a sense of purpose and meaning in your life. Are you connected to something greater than yourself?

  • Spiritual Practices: Assess whether you have any spiritual practices that nurture your soul, such as meditation, prayer, or spending time in nature.

• Overall Well-being:

  • Self-Care: Evaluate your self-care routines. Are you prioritizing activities that recharge and rejuvenate you?

  • Relationships: Reflect on the quality of your relationships. Are you maintaining healthy connections with loved ones and a support system?

  • Work-Life Balance: Consider whether you have a healthy balance between work, personal life, and leisure activities.