I’ve always admired people who are achievers- their focus, determination and drive. The confidence that they exude impresses me. The other day when riding my motorcycle with a male friend, tables were turned in that I was the experienced rider and he was the learner. We shared our reasons for riding, which were quite similar. It was something we both had wanted to do for a number of years; however, we had to overcome certain fears to achieve our goal. In his role as an observer of life, he shared that the female riders he had met tended to be women who were confident and comfortable in their own skin.

This then was a part of his perception of me – a confident woman. How exciting that was; however, it didn’t match my self-perception. In fact, at times I don’t believe my endeavours will succeed so habits of procrastination and avoidance developed to distract me from doing what would be most beneficial in achieving more of my life goals. In mid-life, there are still several things on the “list “that hold interest and I am capable of accomplishing. Numerous motivational and inspirational speakers have said that as long as we are alive, it is truly never too late. Recently, I had the privilege of hearing and meeting Lori-Ann Muenzer, Canadian Olympic Gold Medalist, as she shared her own story. She stated that each of us has the same stuff that necessary stuff inside of us. If it is there in each of us, what is needed to spur ourselves to action? What will make the difference? What will get us started?

I believe it is a decision. Action is necessary for our dreams and goals to become reality. Reaching that goal isn’t only achieved through visualizing it. There is work involved. Malcolm Gladwell in his book Outliers talks of the number of hours that Bill Gates and The Beatles and others spent honing their craft. None were an overnight success. A consuming interest and passion keeps achievers on target. They are not easily distracted from the goal. Opportunities and people come into their lives at significant moments to rally them on.

The world today holds many distractions; however, if we are brave enough to let those we respect and honour speak to our lives and habits, getting on track is faster and staying on track is less of a struggle. Everyone appreciates support and encouragement. By letting others in, by making ourselves vulnerable opportunities appear to learn and to overcome things that we allow to hold us back. I am thankful that a couple of women have stepped up in my life and are challenging me about my behaviours. Whether it is being too formal or not working on an important piece of my business, their willingness to share is making a difference and spurring me to action. Our relationships have grown so that we hear each other without being defensive. These are strong women who are confident in who they are, what they know and what they are doing. They are successful businesswomen making a difference in others lives. Interestingly neither has expressed any interest in riding; although both their husbands are riders. I personally think everyone rides for different reasons but there is a freedom experienced on a bike on the open road that doesn’t compare to anything else in my life. I enjoy this freedom by facing my fears, gaining confidence through knowledge and obtaining my motorcycle driver’s license at age 50. Another goal realized.