More insights from the bike.

As per last note – so many parallels can be drawn between sport and business.

This morning I managed a personal best on a route I do most mornings and this has a few parallels I’d like to share.

1. I only know it’s a PB because I have been measuring and recording each ride.  Business parallel – we only know if we are doing better than before by recording what we do and then comparing. 
2. Along the route I know where there are areas (or sections of the route) I might improve on because I am able to see where I am not giving my best effort (via a heart rate monitor).  Business parallel – with KPI’s you can check the areas for improvement by reviewing these regularly (monthly) against what you know your business is capable of.
3. On some sections, although I was going really quickly my HRM showed that I was only at 70% of max.  Business parallel – sometimes we know we are cruising and accept it.
4. On some sections I had gone over 100% of max heart rate, these sections are also where I got the best performance, however it’s not sustainable for the whole ride.  Business parallel – pace yourself, sometimes you may have to really stretch resources for short periods but long term it’s more efficient and sustainable to work between an acceptable bands.  Know what these bands are for your business.
5. Finally all this training is for a clear goal, which is to attain a certain time for an event in the near future.  Business parallel – clear goals are required so that you know what you are doing it all for and what you hope to achieve which is critical before you can work out the how.