When I first moved to Finland as a student, I found myself in a small, nice town called Joensuu. Transportation options were limited. The buses were expensive for a student budget and didn’t run frequently, so the most practical way to get around was by bicycle.
My first bike was one that someone kindly lent me. It was a cute little thing—black, with small wheels. I liked it a lot and used it often. But here’s the thing: I didn’t realize how much harder I was working until I upgraded to a bike with bigger wheels.
The difference was like night and day. With bigger wheels, I could go faster and farther with the same amount of effort. Suddenly, longer trips felt easier and even enjoyable. And the best part? The cost difference between the two bikes wasn’t that significant.
To get to the morale of the bike story, while we are still in the New Year resolution spirit. I want to share this as a metaphor. Take a moment to reflect on where in your life you might still be using “small wheels.” Are there areas where you’re putting in a lot of effort unnecessarily? Could a small upgrade allow you to go further, faster, and with less strain?
For example, if your goal is to open yourself up to new opportunities by expanding your Network, swapping your usual inner-circle social gatherings for diverse business events or conferences might yield better results. You’re still putting in the same effort to attend and socialize, but the outcomes could be far more impactful. Similarly, consider how technology can “upgrade” your daily routines.
The Greek philosopher, Archimedes, said, “Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world.”
Of course, upgrading requires an initial investment – whether it’s the cost of a new bike, the time to explore different events, or the effort to learn a new tool. But the long-term benefits often far outweigh the initial hurdle. Like me with my bike, you might not even realize how much more efficient you could be until you make the change.
So, here’s to swapping out those small wheels for bigger ones this year. Cheers! 🚴♀️✨
0 comments