"My Program"

After training several hundred riders, one of the things I see, especially with the younger riders is, whose program is this anyhow? Sure I understand for kids under 12 or so, much of the total program will be shared to a large degree by the parents or maybe a close relative, and most, if not all of the expenses will come from the same. And what I am calling a "program," would be the total package of ingredients we put into the sport. Such as, buying the motorcycle(s), buying any parts or accessories, riding gear, tools, bike maintenance, washing the bike(s) and gear, your image and presentation, physical training, mental training, riding, goal setting, diet and nutrition planning, traveling, rest and recovery days, decision making, your conduct and personality, and more. Even the little things like prepping your goggles are part of the total program.

But at what point does the program become yours? And why is this important? You may ask, why should I do everything when everything is being done for me? Let’s explore.

If you don’t mind using me as an example, I started riding when I was 14. My Dad helped me get started, but seriously after 6 months, I told him I wanted to do everything myself, except driving his truck of course (although that would have been cool too!). My love for moto was so strong at that early point, I wanted to know and do everything myself with this new sport. It was total trial and error, everything I did was new to me, but everything I did was an investment in the sport, and MY PROGRAM. Maybe it was because of selfishness, I don’t know, but my way was the best way, and to this day, my way is the way I want it. Nobody has ever worked on my motorcycle and nobody packs my gear. You see I have so much time and effort into "my program" that when I do go to a race; it means the world to me. I want results, I expect results and I get results.

Another factor is by me running my own program; it makes me responsible, I have no one to blame if something goes wrong, except me. I’m not looking for scapegoats. But even better than that is, when I win, I WIN. I won because I trained, I ate the right food, I’m rested, my bike ran perfect, my focus was there, and everything I prepared for was due directly to my own efforts.

So at what point does the program become yours? When you’re ready to take action and make it yours, move over Dad.

Why is it important? Because if you want to have Motocross and Supercross become your career, then you must treat it like you are starting a business. If you don’t believe you will have the best business (RIDER), you won’t. If you don’t have a business plan (GOALS), you will fail. If you don’t work extra hours (TRAINING), you will fail. If you aren’t flexible and willing to change your business due to certain circumstances (NEW BIKES, PRODUCTS ETC.), you may fail. If you burn bridges (TALK SMACK), you may fail. So my point is, plan for success. Remember if you don’t make it in motocross, do you want to work for Mc Donald’s down the street?

And why should I do ANYTHING, when everything is done for me? Let’s say you worked over 10 years to finally have a successful business. You started with nothing but a dream, you worked 60 hours a week, you ate peanut butter sandwiches for way to long, and you never had a vacation. You laughed, you cried, you had to take out loans, were always broke, and your car was a pile. You wanted to give up so many times, but you knew you just knew you would make it. And you know what, you persevered, and you did make it! At this point, how much does this business mean to you? With all that you have put into your business, I guarantee it means allot! Much more in fact than say a business that was handed down to you? A business that you had no parts in creating, working or investing in. How many times have we seen a second or third generation business fail? You must have PRIDE in what you do. If it’s YOU’RE PROGRAM, who’s going to hold you back?

So get to work, my program is solid, how’s yours?