This is an interesting poll. To your primary question "Do rewards matter?" I think the answer is Absolutely! :-D
During the first 2 questions I felt like the definition of 'reward' was a bit vague. But for some folks it might be appropriate.
For the last question, I put 'other' as a reward because I don't always use positive self talk on the skills I am working on. But I _DO_ use positive talk on things I shift my practice to. I always try to do some skills which I will be successful at which makes the positive self talk easy.
Also I do listen to music while practicing often. So I suppose that is a reward _during_ practice.
That is an interesting question. 🤔 I really enjoy listening to music. As a musician (guitar and banjo) I listen when I do lots of things. I guess it just carried over to biking/MTBing.
Biking with music is like listening in the car though. When you are doing skills subconsciously you hear the music but when you have to do something with the conscious mind the music fades away. So I suppose it helps to fill in the gaps a bit. This does not really apply to trials practice, as I don’t find it boring; but general riding often involves long stretches of plain pedaling. For example, long climbs or even flats to get to our local park (where the dirt trails are). So it is nice to just listen during those times.
Also for those wondering I have the bone conducting headphones which allow me to hear others around me as well as traffic for safety! 😀
Ira, I've started experimenting with 'workout' music while doing my weightlifting/exercise regimen. I think of it as an energizing reward once I'm in the middle of a hard routine or as a reward at the end. But I flip a coin to decide whether or not to do either one so as to retain its ability to give me a dopamine boost.
I've also just started experimenting with using binaural beats and white noise as tools for increasing learning and focus. I learned about it on a recent Huberman Lab podcast episode:
After every practice I ask myself what I learned from that practice. There is usually something. Sometimes a realization will come during my practice as well. I find those flashes of insight rewarding.
There aren’t too many practice sessions when I don’t learn something. Maybe one in 7 or 8? There are days when I don’t feel “with it” or coordinated. I have learned to cut myself some slack and adjust my practice to skills that I know and can have some fun with. Everyone has off days.
Having an off day with a skill I am trying to learn was one of the reasons why I switched from devoting a practice session to one skill. I now have a routine of skills I want to practice ongoing and I include the new skill in my routine. I spend maybe 25% of my practice time on the new skill. If I am having an off day with it, I simply stop doing it for the session and do something else.
I have learned from experience that practicing a single skill during a session can lead to overuse injuries due to the repetition of doing that one movement over and over. It may take longer to learn a new skill the way I am doing it but it also keeps me proficient with the skills I want to maintain.
It was not until I read Ira's comment below that I recognized positive self-talk as a type of reward. I was thinking more like ice cream cone!!
That being said I absolutely use self-talk feedback continuously through practice. I use it on rides as well; not only in the moment but even after a ride or session when I am reviewing. I even find myself hours later asking myself "what was special about - what did you get right and what might you do differently the next time you are visiting that feature, section of trail etc.
Renee, when you're doing that feedback/reflection type self-talk, either during or after a practice session, does it ever include some self-affirmation? And if so, what does it consist of/sound like?
I might comment on a skinny - "Good Job! You focused well ahead on that section of trail - picked a spot and then advanced beyond that spot by picking your next spot!"
Conversely - on an oops - "Yup - you looked right at that tree and hit it - go figure!"
It is all in good humor - I have not had a bad fall in a longggg time. I believe it is because I am more confident but not cocky in my balance skills. I know stuff can still happen but I am floored by what slow-riding and trackstands have done for my confidence and skills.
How about positive self-talk when you're practicing something to learn, like an element of the 3/4 pedal stroke, but after X minutes or X attempts, you're thinking that you're not making any progress?
Maybe not so good with that - More likely "EeeShhhh Renee! let's go do something else before you get hurt!" Chalk it up to a bad day - tell myself either you are too tired or your head is in another place. Then I will go do something fun before I quit!
I feel when trying to establish new habits or patterns it is important to reward yourself . The act of setting aside a dedicated practice session to build on the skills which will ultimately lead to more flow and fun on the trail should be recognised.
You are denying yourself the easier option of going for a ride whether solo or a group ride. This shifting of focus and practicing in a way that others dont should be rewarded so it becomes a habit and helps in the progression of your riding.
I tend to view the practice session as a reward in itself, but will occasionally pat myself on the back after a session where I have achieved something. Although perhaps the act of editing video and posting up a 'shredit' and discussion topic to the practice lab or to RLC is also a reward as I'm seeking approval from peers? Oddly I'll often 'give myself' a beer after a good ride, but not after a practice session - I think there's a mental reward for the calories out.
On the flip side - how many people punish themselves after a bad session? I do. Not physically, but I can drop into an 'I'm so shit' mindset if I don't perform as I wanted. This is one of the reasons I started setting adaptive and achievable goals during a session instead of constantly practicing to failure.
Dogtank, I'm glad you mentioned the "approval from peers" reward for posting a progress or 'shredit' video online. I do that quite a bit. I do see that as a reward, but I sometimes wonder: at what point does it become a liability?
Also, what does your pat-on-the-back self-talk sound like now that you've "started setting adaptive and achievable goals during a session"?
Here's an example from how I remember my last fakie session -
Driving out to practice zone - hmm, reckon i'll warm up with around 10 double rollbacks and then start on a three pedal rotation & maybe try to do 5. Will also start to play around with weight forward / back
5 minutes in - wow feeling gumby today. Can barely manage a single rollback. That's all good, part of the learning experience and you always think you're better than you are. Instead of getting frustrated with that goal, how about 10 x single pedal rollbacks
10 mins later - OK starting to get this, lets try a few double rollbacks
5 mins later - yeah, starting to feel good. Can you do 5?
10 mins later - roargh! Fecking bikes!
1 min later - can't believe I threw my bike away. Pathetic. Griff would say that frustration is good so don't beat yourself up over it but maybe next time just stop and take a breath? Still, no-one saw and nothing damaged. Have a break and a drink (water!)
5 mins later - excellent, that's 5 double rollbacks and although some were a bit wobbly they'll do. I've got a few decent ones I can stitch together in a video too. May try a three oedal rollback now
5 mins later - well that was sketchy but it'll do. Getting tired now, brain is full so time to go home.
Thank you! That's really helpful to get that snapshot of your self-talk.
Do you remember if there was any self-talk in that fakies practice session about specific sensations you were feeling (e.g., the pressure of hands on the bars) or movements you were trying (e.g., lean back/lean forward more, etc)?
Tricky definitions, perhaps relating to our basic motivations?
Basically -- I don't think of "rewarding" myself. That seems to imply I am biking for some extrinsic reason........and that I have 2 separate sides: one that performs and one that rewards.
I enjoy biking.....that is it's own reward.......like Patrick says.
But of course there are immense "rewards": exhilaration, fitness, satisfaction, communing with nature, a feeling of growing mastery, survival.......to say nothing of a pint or two afterwards.
This is kind of nit picky perhaps, but I like to have my ideas very straight..........especially if I risking Life and Limb or putting out a major effort.
After a few injuries, and some sweating in the desert sun, "positive thinking" didn't cut it anymore. I needed something as real as sweat and blood.
We are translating deep and complex motivations and processes into words, which we are then using to structure, guide and inevitably limit our actions. It's always been a kind of square-peg-in-a-round-hole thing and, right from the start, when therapists and self-help folk started "talking the therapy", it has seemed limited.
Maybe if the sheer act of talking implied some kind of opening-up or sharing -- and there was value in that, then the form of the jargon would not be critical?
But here, I'm thinking that the whole concept of "Reward" may need reworking.
So........what is an intrinsic "reward"?
Maybe a feeling of positive reinforcement that is not at a higher cognitive level? .......We don't have to be very conscious about doing it...........it happens "naturally".
I find it necessary to consider all cognition as conscious.........without allowing useful but fanciful concepts like the "unconscious" or "subconscious" to bale us out..........so I wouldn't find it useful to define an "intrinsic reward" as a positive feeling that arrives unconsciously.
A better measurement might be whether you continue with the activity/sport or find that you skills level improves and you can undertake more advanced challenges safely.
I expect there has to be some acknowledgement that you have acquired a new skill level (or not). This will be needed to set future plans. I would like to substitute something like "a glow of satisfaction or pleasure"..........something that is a simple and pure outcome and does not lend itself to verbal or mental manipulation.
And so I guess I am attempting to see the "growing mastery" as self-evident and self-rewarding.
For me, and we are all different, the formal practice comes hard. I love biking, the formal practice not so much. It's not that I mind the discipline and I do enjoy the skills I learn but I'd rather be riding free.
Maybe the "reward" comes from appreciating that a short time opportunity can better be used for practice than a free ride........or just in anticipation of shredding to come?
OK........so you are not succeeding -- in spite of working hard at it...........
We'll assume that you really do want to improve this skill.......it would be useful to you and improve the quality of your rides.
So you do have to do some thinking and analysis. Something is wrong and needs correcting.
It could be a lot of things and I think it would be good to consider them all:--
eg:
1)
You are not using a good learning progression........maybe trying a move without having prepped the best moves leading up to that? Maybe you don't understand the mechanics of the technique?
2)
Your gear is not rigged right, saddle too high, or too low, wrong gear, weight incorrectly distributed etc......?
3)
You are in the wrong terrain. Maybe too steep or too loose?
4)
You were too tired or not fit or strong enough?
All these possibilities can be fixed if you just change a simple item of approach or focus. If you want to improve you can just do that.....and get off the plateau.
Then there are some factors that cannot be changed without more personal introspection. eg:--
5)
The physical risk or effort required is not suitable for your lifestyle. The goal is unrealistic and unattainable without a major reappraisal and reconstruction of your condition...........maybe not even then......maybe you have reached your limit in this endeavor?
Maybe you don't actually enjoy biking THAT much? Maybe you would be much happier doing something else?
The point, in this discussion, is that I would not consider "bargaining" with myself by offering a reward.
As I mentioned, such a process would imply that I could divide myself up; one part, who "knew best" considering itself in charge and calling the shots -- trying to tempt or coerce the other half (the weaker, ignorant partner) into doing what was "best" for it.
It may be possible to construct such a Master/Servant relationship but I prefer the possibility of a simpler, more unified and dignified option.
Doing an inside backflip may not even be absolutely critical in my life, actually.
There may seem to be elements of sophistry in this arguement.......and language is an inexact tool, but I suspect that there are profound implications here for how we harness and direct our will and purpose.
Rusty, I'm trying to understand why you don't list any specific elements that could contribute to "growing mastery" (you say it's "self-evident and self-rewarding") but you have at least 5 elements that could contribute to being stuck on a plateau.
Getting stuck on a plateau is when you are not improving but when you are growing your mastery you are, and things are rosy..........but how do you know you are on the right track?
.........thats the question?
It seems a bit like a trick question, but I suspect you are looking for a more detailed measurement of "improvement" than I usually am? Maybe something more applicable to a competitive or super-advanced technical challenge. I expect that the greater the complexity, the greater the need for careful discrimination......
What usual suffices for me is a simple performance-based score sheet:
Is it working?
Am I performing the necessary techniques to produce a safe and successful run?
ie. Am I crashing or having near-misses?
Do I feel satisfied that I pulled the run off smoothly, and sustainably, or did I just squeak by through luck and karma?
Was I justified in thinking I could learn to do this trick?
Do I have a future in this direction.
Is this fun?
"Mastery" is not just an objective measurement of performance, but a key to pleasure and delight...........great rewards indeed!
These are subjective criteria but that's probably why I'm doing this stuff. Factoring in the expense, time, effort and occasional pain, there has to be a significant reward just to keep going.
The motivations involved have to be deep and secure.......or we could just go gravel biking or bikepacking.
It's these emotional, internal and organic drives that I find difficult.....and counter-productive.....to quantify.
BUT
I do appreciate that one must be clear, honest and correct in the above evaluations. Though a criteria may be subjective, it should not be delusional.........that's a solid recipe for OTB!
Does that lead back to formal meditation?
This treatment is working. A good ride yesterday up our steepest hills.........in Eco!
This is an interesting poll. To your primary question "Do rewards matter?" I think the answer is Absolutely! :-D
During the first 2 questions I felt like the definition of 'reward' was a bit vague. But for some folks it might be appropriate.
For the last question, I put 'other' as a reward because I don't always use positive self talk on the skills I am working on. But I _DO_ use positive talk on things I shift my practice to. I always try to do some skills which I will be successful at which makes the positive self talk easy.
Also I do listen to music while practicing often. So I suppose that is a reward _during_ practice.
Thanks for the details, Ira.
What are the reasons you listen to music when practicing?
That is an interesting question. 🤔 I really enjoy listening to music. As a musician (guitar and banjo) I listen when I do lots of things. I guess it just carried over to biking/MTBing.
Biking with music is like listening in the car though. When you are doing skills subconsciously you hear the music but when you have to do something with the conscious mind the music fades away. So I suppose it helps to fill in the gaps a bit. This does not really apply to trials practice, as I don’t find it boring; but general riding often involves long stretches of plain pedaling. For example, long climbs or even flats to get to our local park (where the dirt trails are). So it is nice to just listen during those times.
Also for those wondering I have the bone conducting headphones which allow me to hear others around me as well as traffic for safety! 😀
Ira, I've started experimenting with 'workout' music while doing my weightlifting/exercise regimen. I think of it as an energizing reward once I'm in the middle of a hard routine or as a reward at the end. But I flip a coin to decide whether or not to do either one so as to retain its ability to give me a dopamine boost.
I've also just started experimenting with using binaural beats and white noise as tools for increasing learning and focus. I learned about it on a recent Huberman Lab podcast episode:
https://hubermanlab.com/the-science-of-hearing-balance-and-accelerated-learning/
I bought a binaural beats app called Brainwave:
http://www.banzailabs.com/brainwaveapps.html
I never have rewarded myself for practicing MTB or Trials skills. Just being able to practice is reward in of itself.
Pat, are you aware of using any type of positive self-talk related to practice, but that you don't consider a reward?
After every practice I ask myself what I learned from that practice. There is usually something. Sometimes a realization will come during my practice as well. I find those flashes of insight rewarding.
That's cool. I experience that as well.
What's your self-talk when there's seemingly no progress or learning, maybe even frustration?
There aren’t too many practice sessions when I don’t learn something. Maybe one in 7 or 8? There are days when I don’t feel “with it” or coordinated. I have learned to cut myself some slack and adjust my practice to skills that I know and can have some fun with. Everyone has off days.
Having an off day with a skill I am trying to learn was one of the reasons why I switched from devoting a practice session to one skill. I now have a routine of skills I want to practice ongoing and I include the new skill in my routine. I spend maybe 25% of my practice time on the new skill. If I am having an off day with it, I simply stop doing it for the session and do something else.
I have learned from experience that practicing a single skill during a session can lead to overuse injuries due to the repetition of doing that one movement over and over. It may take longer to learn a new skill the way I am doing it but it also keeps me proficient with the skills I want to maintain.
I’m now curious about what is going on when we say/think we’re having an off-day. So thank you for mentioning it!
It was not until I read Ira's comment below that I recognized positive self-talk as a type of reward. I was thinking more like ice cream cone!!
That being said I absolutely use self-talk feedback continuously through practice. I use it on rides as well; not only in the moment but even after a ride or session when I am reviewing. I even find myself hours later asking myself "what was special about - what did you get right and what might you do differently the next time you are visiting that feature, section of trail etc.
Renee, when you're doing that feedback/reflection type self-talk, either during or after a practice session, does it ever include some self-affirmation? And if so, what does it consist of/sound like?
I might comment on a skinny - "Good Job! You focused well ahead on that section of trail - picked a spot and then advanced beyond that spot by picking your next spot!"
Conversely - on an oops - "Yup - you looked right at that tree and hit it - go figure!"
It is all in good humor - I have not had a bad fall in a longggg time. I believe it is because I am more confident but not cocky in my balance skills. I know stuff can still happen but I am floored by what slow-riding and trackstands have done for my confidence and skills.
How about positive self-talk when you're practicing something to learn, like an element of the 3/4 pedal stroke, but after X minutes or X attempts, you're thinking that you're not making any progress?
Maybe not so good with that - More likely "EeeShhhh Renee! let's go do something else before you get hurt!" Chalk it up to a bad day - tell myself either you are too tired or your head is in another place. Then I will go do something fun before I quit!
Okay, thanks for that. You'll be interested in an alternative!
I feel when trying to establish new habits or patterns it is important to reward yourself . The act of setting aside a dedicated practice session to build on the skills which will ultimately lead to more flow and fun on the trail should be recognised.
You are denying yourself the easier option of going for a ride whether solo or a group ride. This shifting of focus and practicing in a way that others dont should be rewarded so it becomes a habit and helps in the progression of your riding.
Alan, I'm curious:
* what form does your reward typically take?
* precisely when do you do the reward?
* do you always do it?
If you'd rather not share this info, that's fine! I'll delete my question.
I tend to view the practice session as a reward in itself, but will occasionally pat myself on the back after a session where I have achieved something. Although perhaps the act of editing video and posting up a 'shredit' and discussion topic to the practice lab or to RLC is also a reward as I'm seeking approval from peers? Oddly I'll often 'give myself' a beer after a good ride, but not after a practice session - I think there's a mental reward for the calories out.
On the flip side - how many people punish themselves after a bad session? I do. Not physically, but I can drop into an 'I'm so shit' mindset if I don't perform as I wanted. This is one of the reasons I started setting adaptive and achievable goals during a session instead of constantly practicing to failure.
Dogtank, I'm glad you mentioned the "approval from peers" reward for posting a progress or 'shredit' video online. I do that quite a bit. I do see that as a reward, but I sometimes wonder: at what point does it become a liability?
Also, what does your pat-on-the-back self-talk sound like now that you've "started setting adaptive and achievable goals during a session"?
Here's an example from how I remember my last fakie session -
Driving out to practice zone - hmm, reckon i'll warm up with around 10 double rollbacks and then start on a three pedal rotation & maybe try to do 5. Will also start to play around with weight forward / back
5 minutes in - wow feeling gumby today. Can barely manage a single rollback. That's all good, part of the learning experience and you always think you're better than you are. Instead of getting frustrated with that goal, how about 10 x single pedal rollbacks
10 mins later - OK starting to get this, lets try a few double rollbacks
5 mins later - yeah, starting to feel good. Can you do 5?
10 mins later - roargh! Fecking bikes!
1 min later - can't believe I threw my bike away. Pathetic. Griff would say that frustration is good so don't beat yourself up over it but maybe next time just stop and take a breath? Still, no-one saw and nothing damaged. Have a break and a drink (water!)
5 mins later - excellent, that's 5 double rollbacks and although some were a bit wobbly they'll do. I've got a few decent ones I can stitch together in a video too. May try a three oedal rollback now
5 mins later - well that was sketchy but it'll do. Getting tired now, brain is full so time to go home.
Thank you! That's really helpful to get that snapshot of your self-talk.
Do you remember if there was any self-talk in that fakies practice session about specific sensations you were feeling (e.g., the pressure of hands on the bars) or movements you were trying (e.g., lean back/lean forward more, etc)?
I did, that came into play during the double rollback session -
Ok, got the hang of that. Let's try five with weight forward and five with weight back
Weight forward really loads the arms, need to be careful with my shoulder
Hard to get the momentum to roll back. Need to have a more focussed pull back, try to feel it tugging in my palms
Arg, foot down halfway through again. I suck!
Oops, forgot to think about weight on the last two attempts. One more with weight forward, really emphasise it for the video
Ok now five weight back attempts
Much easier to get the momentum. Weird that Griff doesn't like this option
It is harder to steer though *feck, foot down early*
Weight back godammit!
Ok, curious to see how different it looks on the video
*Virtually no difference*
Bugger!
That's an impressive string of chatter! I'm so glad I made a cameo appearance 😂
I'll quit bugging you now. Time to get to work on a post about all this.
Tricky definitions, perhaps relating to our basic motivations?
Basically -- I don't think of "rewarding" myself. That seems to imply I am biking for some extrinsic reason........and that I have 2 separate sides: one that performs and one that rewards.
I enjoy biking.....that is it's own reward.......like Patrick says.
But of course there are immense "rewards": exhilaration, fitness, satisfaction, communing with nature, a feeling of growing mastery, survival.......to say nothing of a pint or two afterwards.
This is kind of nit picky perhaps, but I like to have my ideas very straight..........especially if I risking Life and Limb or putting out a major effort.
After a few injuries, and some sweating in the desert sun, "positive thinking" didn't cut it anymore. I needed something as real as sweat and blood.
Rusty, you may have missed it, but in the 3rd poll, "Instrinsic (eg positive self-talk)" was an option.
You mentioned "a feeling of growing mastery" as one of several examples of "immense 'rewards.'"
There's likely some internal self-talk when you have that feeling. Precisely when does it occur and what does it sound like?
"Positive Self-talk"
I'm afraid the terminology tends to worry me.
We are translating deep and complex motivations and processes into words, which we are then using to structure, guide and inevitably limit our actions. It's always been a kind of square-peg-in-a-round-hole thing and, right from the start, when therapists and self-help folk started "talking the therapy", it has seemed limited.
Maybe if the sheer act of talking implied some kind of opening-up or sharing -- and there was value in that, then the form of the jargon would not be critical?
But here, I'm thinking that the whole concept of "Reward" may need reworking.
So........what is an intrinsic "reward"?
Maybe a feeling of positive reinforcement that is not at a higher cognitive level? .......We don't have to be very conscious about doing it...........it happens "naturally".
I find it necessary to consider all cognition as conscious.........without allowing useful but fanciful concepts like the "unconscious" or "subconscious" to bale us out..........so I wouldn't find it useful to define an "intrinsic reward" as a positive feeling that arrives unconsciously.
A better measurement might be whether you continue with the activity/sport or find that you skills level improves and you can undertake more advanced challenges safely.
I expect there has to be some acknowledgement that you have acquired a new skill level (or not). This will be needed to set future plans. I would like to substitute something like "a glow of satisfaction or pleasure"..........something that is a simple and pure outcome and does not lend itself to verbal or mental manipulation.
And so I guess I am attempting to see the "growing mastery" as self-evident and self-rewarding.
For me, and we are all different, the formal practice comes hard. I love biking, the formal practice not so much. It's not that I mind the discipline and I do enjoy the skills I learn but I'd rather be riding free.
Maybe the "reward" comes from appreciating that a short time opportunity can better be used for practice than a free ride........or just in anticipation of shredding to come?
Rusty, you wrote:
"And so I guess I am attempting to see the "growing mastery" as self-evident and self-rewarding."
And how would you see "hitting a plateau" (or the failure to grow one's mastery) despite a significant effort to improve?
THE PLATEAU
OK........so you are not succeeding -- in spite of working hard at it...........
We'll assume that you really do want to improve this skill.......it would be useful to you and improve the quality of your rides.
So you do have to do some thinking and analysis. Something is wrong and needs correcting.
It could be a lot of things and I think it would be good to consider them all:--
eg:
1)
You are not using a good learning progression........maybe trying a move without having prepped the best moves leading up to that? Maybe you don't understand the mechanics of the technique?
2)
Your gear is not rigged right, saddle too high, or too low, wrong gear, weight incorrectly distributed etc......?
3)
You are in the wrong terrain. Maybe too steep or too loose?
4)
You were too tired or not fit or strong enough?
All these possibilities can be fixed if you just change a simple item of approach or focus. If you want to improve you can just do that.....and get off the plateau.
Then there are some factors that cannot be changed without more personal introspection. eg:--
5)
The physical risk or effort required is not suitable for your lifestyle. The goal is unrealistic and unattainable without a major reappraisal and reconstruction of your condition...........maybe not even then......maybe you have reached your limit in this endeavor?
Maybe you don't actually enjoy biking THAT much? Maybe you would be much happier doing something else?
The point, in this discussion, is that I would not consider "bargaining" with myself by offering a reward.
As I mentioned, such a process would imply that I could divide myself up; one part, who "knew best" considering itself in charge and calling the shots -- trying to tempt or coerce the other half (the weaker, ignorant partner) into doing what was "best" for it.
It may be possible to construct such a Master/Servant relationship but I prefer the possibility of a simpler, more unified and dignified option.
Doing an inside backflip may not even be absolutely critical in my life, actually.
There may seem to be elements of sophistry in this arguement.......and language is an inexact tool, but I suspect that there are profound implications here for how we harness and direct our will and purpose.
Rusty, I'm trying to understand why you don't list any specific elements that could contribute to "growing mastery" (you say it's "self-evident and self-rewarding") but you have at least 5 elements that could contribute to being stuck on a plateau.
Why the discrepancy?
GROWING MASTERY
Getting stuck on a plateau is when you are not improving but when you are growing your mastery you are, and things are rosy..........but how do you know you are on the right track?
.........thats the question?
It seems a bit like a trick question, but I suspect you are looking for a more detailed measurement of "improvement" than I usually am? Maybe something more applicable to a competitive or super-advanced technical challenge. I expect that the greater the complexity, the greater the need for careful discrimination......
What usual suffices for me is a simple performance-based score sheet:
Is it working?
Am I performing the necessary techniques to produce a safe and successful run?
ie. Am I crashing or having near-misses?
Do I feel satisfied that I pulled the run off smoothly, and sustainably, or did I just squeak by through luck and karma?
Was I justified in thinking I could learn to do this trick?
Do I have a future in this direction.
Is this fun?
"Mastery" is not just an objective measurement of performance, but a key to pleasure and delight...........great rewards indeed!
These are subjective criteria but that's probably why I'm doing this stuff. Factoring in the expense, time, effort and occasional pain, there has to be a significant reward just to keep going.
The motivations involved have to be deep and secure.......or we could just go gravel biking or bikepacking.
It's these emotional, internal and organic drives that I find difficult.....and counter-productive.....to quantify.
BUT
I do appreciate that one must be clear, honest and correct in the above evaluations. Though a criteria may be subjective, it should not be delusional.........that's a solid recipe for OTB!
Does that lead back to formal meditation?
This treatment is working. A good ride yesterday up our steepest hills.........in Eco!