Three Things Cycling Taught Me About Social Media

IMG_0064 I must admit to being a reluctant cyclist. Sure, I like the benefits and I even like getting out in the weather – but it can be hard to overcome the initial inertia. There is one thing, however, that fascinates me about cycling – and that is the way that your mind begins to make the most wonderful connections as your body starts to get “into the zone”.

As I start to feel my body warm up and my heart rate hit a comfortable cadence, there is always a collision of thought and experience. Here are five things that I learned as a cyclist that I value in social media:

  1. It’s harder to build momentum than to maintain it. As you approach a hill on your bike, it can appear insurmountable. But on the flat you have momentum – it is easier to build your pace down low and to carry that up the hill. If save your effort until you lose momentum halfway up, it takes much more effort achieve a much smaller outcome. When it comes to social media, keep a steady pace. You’ll find it much harder to re-start if you stop, pause or suspend your efforts.
  2. It’s no point being in the right and being in the hospital. Cycling can be dangerous. There are potholes, glass and plenty of cars around you. And while taking five seconds off your personal best time is an achievement, if you put yourself at risk in the process, it’s not worth it. Ease off, suck up the 5 seconds and finish in one piece. In social media, you are bound to come up against people with opinions that rub you the wrong way. Are they the audience you are seeking? Are they provoking a response from you? Maybe they are just trolls.
  3. Five minutes of planning and preparation can change your day. It’s easy just to jump on your bike and head off for a ride. But have you got water? What about a spare tyre? A pump? If something goes wrong and you get a flat, it’s great to know that you can fix it and keep going in a matter of minutes. But realising that you left your repair kit on the bench and walking your bike home can be demoralising. The same applies to social – when you step out online, make sure you know where you are going and that you have what you need to enjoy your efforts. Don’t be caught short.