This morning I was listening to the car guys and their “lousy radio show” (their words, not mine). A fifteen year old caller wanted help on learning how to drive a stick shift.
Their advice? “Forget about the bozo behind you.”
Pretty good advice.
I remember learning to drive a stick shift – with my Dad. I was excited, over the top with the thrill of gaining my freedom and…
absolutely terrified.
Here are a few things we can learn from taking driving lessons:
- It’s OK to stall. When you stall in traffic, what do you do? You start the car and get going again. You don’t get out, lock the door and walk away. At least I hope not.
- Most people have no patience. Especially that bozo in the car behind you. So what? He’s probably driving to his W2 job right now, frustrated with his life and taking it out on you. Don’t worry about it.
- Forget about how you look. Starting a new venture or learning a new skill isn’t about how you look. You may draw some stares or finger pointing – don’t worry about it. You’re going to make some mistakes. This is not about looking good.
- Practice engaging the clutch before you hit the gas. Unless you want to drive through the garage or hit the guy in front of you, spend some time learning the basics. There’s a lot to be said for just going for it – on the other hand, spending some time learning some basic skills is a good idea.
- Leave your Dad at home. Did your Dad teach you how to drive a car? The problem with learning to drive with Dad (or Mom, or brother, or friend) is that they may think they’ve already got you all figured out. They may think they know your skill levels and limitations better than you do. And unless they are your biggest cheerleaders, who consistently tell you anything is possible, they may hold you back from trying something big.
- Go for the hill. You can play it safe on the flat road – sooner or later you’re going to get to a hill. It’s inevitable. And until then, you’re going to dread the inevitable. Your palms will sweat, you’ll find alternate routes – life is too short to sweat the small stuff. If something terrifies you, handle it now.
- Sometimes it pays to hire a professional. My Dad, god bless him, tried to teach me to drive. That lasted about 3 blocks until I was in tears. We went home and enlisted my step mom who had previous experience teaching my step sister how to drive — and, she didn’t assume I was going to kill both of us. Find a mentor. Hire a business coach. BTW — I’ve learned a lot of great things from my dad, I still do, but driving wasn’t one of them.
- The owner’s manual doesn’t teach you how to drive. A 250 page owner’s manual will tell you everything you need to know about your new car, except how to drive it. All the manuals in the world, all the how to seminars and books, will not get you anywhere until you put the key in the ignition, start the car and go.
Final thoughts. There are tens of millions of people who only drive automatics. Some are even weirdly proud of it. They will never learn to drive a standard transmission. What about you?
You’re up. Do you have stories about learning to drive?
Oh! If you haven’t done so already, subscribe by email to bigfishtopdogs.com over on the right sidebar of this blog… you’ll be the first to receive new posts hot off the press!
Related posts:
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Theresa,
I really enjoyed this article. Actually, I’ve had to do the reverse recently – a confirmed “manual” driver as we call it in the UK, I had to switch to automatic when my partner and I decided to do our thing for the planet by getting rid of one car. Mine!!
Still, it mirrors what’s been going on in the rest of my life and business. About a year ago I left the city to head for the country and rethought my business so I could do it more online and virtually. I had to leave a few bozos behind that told me how it wouldn’t work. Sure, it has taken time, but it’s now starting to feel like second nature!
Hi Christine,
Funny story! Your car as victim, bet you miss “her”. I drive an automatic now too… I never thought I would, especially in cold, snowy Colorado.
Congratulations to you for taking the plunge in spite of the naysayers. Actually, I knew about your move to the English countryside by reading your about page… but I didn’t know the story behind it. Thanks for sharing. I’m thrilled for you that you’ve made a success out of your move. I love your blog! I hope my readers will follow your link and pay a visit.
Thanks so much for stopping by,
Theresa
Oh, Theresa. Funny that you should post this. I just had a conversation with someone in my network about learning to drive over the weekend. I can recall when my dad took me out when the roads were covered with ice (we lived in the country at the time) and taught me how to “safely” slam on the brakes, do a doughnut and skid to a stop. I can remember how exhilirating and frightening it was at the same time. I believe my dad taught me well how not to fear and how to learn to take risks, such as this one. I guess that is why I’m comfortable being an entrepreneur and helping others market their entrepreneurial ventures. Great post!
Hi Denise,
What a cool thing for your Dad to do! And, it’s amazing what you took away from it… to live without fear. To take risks. What a fond memory for you to cherish and what an awesome way to live!
To be exhilarated and frightened at the same time… I believe those are feelings entrepreneurs cannot do without. Very well put. I’m glad you shared your story, thanks Denise.
Theresa