We had snow in Oregon this week. A local news outlet published a reminder of how to drive in the snow. (It was necessary judging by the way many people were driving.)
I learned to drive in Pittsburgh in the ‘70s when cars were rear-wheel-drive (RWD). Purposefully skidding and sliding (and doughnuts in an empty parking lot) were par for the (driver’s education) course. I mastered driving in the snow living in Michigan for 10 years. I am the rare individual who likes driving in the snow. (I prefer it over driving in the rain—which is what we get through most of the winters here.)
Somehow (and I hear it from friends across the country) people always seem to forget how to drive in the snow. In Oregon, the excuse is: “We don’t get snow very often.” Perhaps, but we do get snow, and the principles are simple: slow down, allow extra distance to stop, avoid excessive braking, keep a constant speed going uphill, and use low gear to assist is slowing the vehicle going downhill. We don’t forget how to ride a bike. Why do we forget how to drive (in the snow)? Why do we forget the basic habits of successful living?
This posting is not about driving in the snow (but if you are one of those drivers…). It is about managing our healthy habits. It about not forgetting the lessons we learn in life.
Learning to drive in the snow requires failure—preferably planned failure. One of the first things I do every time it snows is to find a safe place to brake and accelerate hard. Years ago, I had a new Ford Escape (the original) in Michigan when we got about two inches of snow when I was working late. I came out to an empty parking lot that was white with untouched snow. I teenage self joyfully returned. I gunned it out of my parking space. No slippage. I slammed on the brakes. No sliding. I took some sharp turns. Minimal fishtailing. Minimal fun. The vehicle was just too good in the snow. (The Explorer Sport I had previously was RWD and did not perform as well in the snow.) Nevertheless, I always drove the Escape with decades of wisdom. I never forgot how to drive in the snow. I learned in the current “snowpocalypse” that my new Bronco Sport is even better in the snow—but can still slide if I take a turn too fast (semi-planned failure). Testing ourselves and challenging ourselves maintains and improves our habits. Testing our limits will result in some failures, but failure teaches us—if we are willing to learn (and to remember).
There will be many difficulties that we will face in life. Each will come with its own lesson. Frequent intentional challenge—having a growth-mindset—will keep us on top of our habits. We will continue to master the good habits and unlearn the bad habits. We should not have to relearn everything every time a challenge resurfaces. Learn from inclement weather. Be prepared. Plan your course. Take things a bit more slowly. Don’t let fear get the better of you. Proceed with the appropriate caution and wisdom.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!!