Commitment

Commit to the Gear

There are times when, while riding a bike, we reach the easiest gear, yet the terrain tests our ability to proceed. We can commit to the gearing we have and do our best to ride on, perhaps adopting a very low cadence or swerving across the road to dampen the grade. Or we might accept that we are unable to proceed and walk our bike until the slope softens. We might note that our equipment is not ideally suited to the route and adjust the gear ratios or even upgrade our bike for future attempts.

Sometimes we encounter the unanticipated, and we challenge ourselves to commit our resources and energy to navigate the impediment. Often, these moments lead to our best stories.

Scale

Flying model airplanes is a passion for hobbyists. It is done on a scale that allows for smaller aircraft, and shorter runways and requires less restricted airspace. But it requires some of the regulations and precautions of a real airport.

Which parts of our work are performed on a smaller scale but still require attention to details that may not be obvious? How do we embed our values into each portion of our work, regardless if it is a mainstage or a pop-up performance?

Committed to the Journey

If you are committed to the journey, you are willing to get your shoes wet. It is a simple test early in an expedition.

The smoke from the wildfires cleared in our region for a day. I went for a long trail run and at the first water crossing, I waded through the river and prepared to continue my run. A group of hikers inquired if there was a crossing that did not require wading across the river. I said I was unaware of any immediate down trees that formed natural bridges or rocks that allowed for hopping across. Despite my reassurance that the alpine lake they had selected as a destination was remarkable and the water was not cold, they turned around and proceeded back to the trailhead. I was committed to my journey, thinking it was enhanced by the dozen stream crossings. They were committed to keeping their feet dry. A river crossing served as the barrier to entry.

Disoriented Precision

From a blinding snowstorm to a precision landing. Just because the real-time environment creates uncertainty does not mean the journey should be abandoned. A disappointing event, a missed donation, a strategic uncertainty, a departing staff member, or a change in membership does not mean that a dip is a permanent descent. How might we keep perspective, even when outside influences contribute to feelings of doubt?