The little computer on my bike tells me all sorts of things; the best is whether or not my speed and fitness are improving. Last week I was riding along at a good speed (for me) and suddenly the low battery icon showed on the computer. That meant I wouldn’t be able to record my ride…bugger! The computer on my bike has three batteries, so to ensure I had all bases covered I replaced all three.
The next time I rode the battery icon flashed again. Once more there was no ride information…bugger again! Now I didn’t know what the issue was. There were brand-new batteries in the computer, but it still wasn’t working! I went to the bike shop to look at buying a new computer, but instead bought another battery; I figured spending $3.75, was better than paying around $200 in case the battery was a dud.
I was thinking about my battery ‘episode’ as I read about the revelations of Lance Armstrong during his time winning multiple Tours de France. For years there have been accusations – particularly from the French – which I didn’t want to believe. In the Letters to the Editor section of the newspaper, readers who have been fans of Armstrong for years are describing themselves as having been deceived. Perhaps it brings into question our ability to judge correctly…and what does that mean about us?
I asked Sydney sports psychologist Paul Penna of Focus Performance Psychology about the importance of believing and what happens when our beliefs are shattered. He said,
“Believing is one of the most essential parts of being human, let alone being a successful athlete or performer. When our beliefs are challenged radically it causes great pain, disbelief and fears. It makes us search to find answers; to determine the real from fraud; the right from wrong. And in time we will believe again, before our world is shaken violently from an unpredictable source, and we will try and control it all over again…… and so the cycle of beliefs being shattered and reformed continues. The difference between Believe and “Make Believe”, is what we make of it – not someone else…us. The need to believe exists within us.”
Thankfully my $3.75 strategy proved successful and I am now happily riding again knowing my progress…well I would be happier if my average speed was a little higher…