Field Notes: I
Motorcycles, Maintenance, and Marathons
A Line to Live By
“One must have chaos and frenzy within oneself to give birth to a dancing star.”
― Friedrich Nietzsche
Mainstream self-mastery encourages us to pick one thing and pursue it absolutely. Discipline is certainly important, but it is equally important to have a fire full of ideas and pursuits that burns brightly inside us.
Field Insight: On the Importance of Maintenance
I finally handled some long-overdue motorcycle maintenance this week—new tires, a blinker unit, a new mirror. I’d been putting it off for months. Now the bike is in better shape than when I bought it, and I didn’t realize how fired up I’d be to get back on the road.
It made me realize how often I chase more: more wealth, more friends, more strength, more possessions. I forget to maintain the things I already have—my relationships, my hobbies, my motorcycle.
It’s not “more” that ever makes us happy. It is the things we build, improve, and maintain over years and years. It’s hard, it takes more time, and that’s exactly what makes it beautiful.
The pursuit of “more” is like chasing the wind.
Maintenance, on the other hand, pays you back every single time.
The Rub
The early darkness always threatens to push me indoors. I’m doing my best to carve out a couple hours every day to stay outside. A walk in the dark beats no walk at all.
More darkness means more time inside, too. I’m transitioning into reading more, playing more music, enjoying good shows, and writing more.
You’ve got to take advantage of what the season gives you.
How are you spending your time inside as we head toward winter?
Provisions
A Read:
Range by David Epstein
A look at why a broad base of skills and experiences leads to richer thinking and better long-term success. I agree. The future belongs to the generalist who can connect dots across disciplines. And honestly—it’s more fun.”
A Listen:
4/4 Time by Colter Wall
Man I love Colter Wall. If you like old school Outlaw Country, you will too. This is my favorite song off of his new album.
Gear:
Picked this up recently in Bozeman. Filson doesn’t mess around. A staple that will be around for a long time.
Moment From the Road
I completed my first half marathon this last weekend in the rain. I don’t know that I would have ever signed up myself, but fortunately my girlfriend talked me into it. Who knows, maybe this won’t be the last. But for now, back to the gym to train for Hyrox next month in Anaheim.
Something to Chew On
What’s something in your life that’s asking for a little maintenance? Let me know in the comments.
Love field notes. Keep em coming.
We crushed that half marathon!!!