The loneliest number has recently made me more productive. I get distracted easily and I need to refocus when I’m trying to do work at home, clean or do anything for that matter. Hence, the “1 Minute Rule”. Basically, anything that takes 1 minute or less to complete I force myself to do. Socks don’t sit in the dryer, they get put in a drawer. It’s a miracle.
When riding (especially when by myself), I often commit to one thing, for one run. Whether it’s riding switch or pulling toe-toes, I am focused. Things go together smoother and it boosts my confidence so I try more, go higher, harder and faster. Sure, your friends can push you, but you only progress if you want.
I mentioned above that I focus on toe-toes. Simple enough: while riding your toeside turn, frontside 180 and land in your switch toe turn. They can be done as slick flat ground spins for beginners or smooth-popping airs. Don’t transfer to your heel, or catch your heel edge to whip your body into a nose roll. Take off from your toeside and land switch toeside, and then back again. Now these are one of my favorite things to call a 1 run on, but boy are they tiring. Even on a short trail you can get a good leg burn.
Setting out blocks of time to work on a task – be it snowboarding, writing or hell, even shopping – help me focus. It makes things more natural and eventually I won’t even have to think about toe-toes, my body will just do them and do them well. I force myself to do things I’m nervous about in shit conditions. That way I’m more confident and skilled at it, and when an amazing day comes, there is no practice needed.
Just so you know the way you’re doing your 180’s if you practice you can actually turn them into a corked 180. When you push off your toes drop your front shoulder and arch your back just a little and poof you can go corked. People don’t think it’s possible but I started doing it last year. If you grab method it gets even more corked out.
Comment by Angry snowboarder — June 16, 2009 @ 1:28 am
Sweet, that’s something I’ll def have to try.
Comment by Pamela — June 19, 2009 @ 9:48 am
Pamela:
I truly enjoyed your article and the insight that you are providing on the importance of setting personal goals, focus, and mental balance. These are aspects of my life that I am constantly trying to work on, and I appreciate reading about someone else’s experience with this.
Allocating time to your other interests is extremely important and truly helps with self esteem. Being able to accomplish multiple goals within a day, month, or year makes you feel great- not to mention smarter, more accomplished and confident. As a whole, its important to be a multifaceted and multi-talented person beyond just being a snowboarder. Although I always knew this, during the season I find myself obsessing about riding and end up forgoing my other interests. this is definitely not good.
I also agree with you on the power of 1 while riding. I often ride alone for the same reasons that you mentioned above- to meet the riding goals that I have set for that day. Often personal progression calls for deeper concentration and a physical understanding that sometimes you just need to figure out on your own.
Thanks for the article. this really made my day.
Comment by Rita — June 25, 2009 @ 3:45 pm
I agree on balancing your life in the winter. I get so caught up in my riding that important things fall to the background which should never. I sometimes identify myself as a ’snowboarder,’ but really, I wouldn’t be where I am right now if that’s all I was. And I’m not sure I’d be happy with just being a ’snowboarder’.
Some people look at you weird when you tell them your riding alone, or you don’t want them to come with. No offense to them, but you’re right, and personal progression is just that – personal.
I’m glad you liked it, this comment made my day!
Comment by Pamela — June 26, 2009 @ 1:15 pm