Saturday, October 23, 2010

In the Zone, or In the Moment?

This morning, after an interruptive short burst of appreciated rainfall, I pushed off for a 2-hour ride. The air quality was moderate, PSI around 77, and I made good use of the time. I elected the safer route, save for trick turnarounds at the end of the straight road. About one hour into my ride/drills, I experienced an epiphany. I discerned the difference between being ‘in the zone’ and ‘in the moment’.

Athletes talk often about being in the zone. This is when your actions become almost effortless. Other professionals have described being in the zone when making exquisite presentations, giving inspirational speeches, emanating charisma, and closing serial sales deals. On the other hand, zoning out is a dangerous thing, and that is daydreaming – that’s is when runners and cyclists run into things.

Being in the moment is about enjoying what you do. It is a heightened state of alertness. It is about relishing moments of discovery, intrigue, curiosity and adventure. Friends have lucidly described vivid snapshots of scenery when riding 180K on the Ironman course, and during the marathon.
How often do you enjoy being in the moment? When do you get into the zone? When do you zone out?

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