The Power of Positive: From Relationships to Trail
What does relationship advice have to do with mountain biking? Neural Pathways!
Positive feedback can be non verbal as well as verbal. A high five, smile, or fist pump is just as effective as a specific complement.
As humans, we are hardwired to notice the negatives. The success of humans as a species relied on us staying alert to ensure the sound in the woods was not a saber toothed tiger looking for a tasty human snack or that your neighbor was not going to stab you in the back. But in today’s world, we have the luxury to choose observing the positive over the negative. This choice in observational power does profound things to our brain. I’ve written before about “The Magic Ratio” of 5:1. That’s 5 praises for every 1 criticism. Research from The Gottman Love Lab has shown relationships last longer when an average of 5 positive comments are dished out for every 1 negative. Similarly, Robert and Evelyn Kirkhart have shown this same 5:1 ratio is ideal for stimulating kid’s learning.
Let’s take the magic ratio to the trail! While out riding, you will encounter two main types of feedback: Internal and External.
External feedback looks and sounds like, “That stick is a snake. Those rocks are bears trying to eat me, and that exposed ledge will send me tumbling down!”
Internal feedback sounds like this: “Man I sucked at that rock garden. Wow, really screwed up that berm. That felt sketchy! That was lucky! I almost died! Braked way too late on that turn…” You get the idea.
You get to control if your inner dialogue is positive or negative!
Flip the script! “You can reprogram that squirrelly brain of yours to scan for the positive instead of the negative, reprogramming your neurons to notice what’s right instead of what’s wrong, which has trickle down effects throughout your brain, body, relationship, and experience of life.” - The Love Prescription, John and Julie Gottman
Try these exercises on and off the bike:
Focus on the positives!
On the bike: Focus on the positives. Literally say out loud what you are doing right! This could sound like, “That berm was fun!” “I felt smooth through those rocks.” I did a great job looking down the trail.” Shoot for at least 5 positives before you allow a negative thought into your head!
Off the bike: Focus on the positives. Tell your spouse, friend, or co-worker what they are doing well! Notice, observe, and share. Share at least 5 positives with the same person before offering a suggestion or criticism.
Looking to change your neural pathways in a more structured, on bike format? Sign up for a MTB Skills Clinic! I’d also love to hear if you notice a difference at home or at work, simply by focussing more on the positive than the negative actions of those around you:)