13/01/2026
Often when we’re new to riding—or new to anything, really—we put so much energy into the physical skills that we barely notice what’s happening in our mind.
Throttle control. Balance. Braking. Body position.
All important.
But running quietly (or sometimes loudly) in the background is our inner dialogue.
For me, whenever I’m learning something new, a familiar negative voice tends to show up:
“I can’t do this.”
“I’m so stupid.”
“I keep making mistakes.”
“I’ll never get it.”
Sound familiar?
This kind of self-talk is incredibly common, especially when we care about doing something well. The problem isn’t that the thoughts show up—it’s that we often don’t notice them, and they end up driving how we feel, how tense our body becomes, and how safely and effectively we ride.
When we start noticing what’s happening in our mind, we create the opportunity for real change. And that change doesn’t just feel better mentally—it directly impacts our physical skill development. We learn faster, move more freely, and respond more calmly when our thoughts are supportive rather than critical.
So what can you do?
1. Notice your self-talk
Simply becoming aware is powerful. When you catch that critical voice, pause and ask yourself: “What would I say to a friend in this situation?”
Chances are it would sound more like:
You’ve got this.
Learning takes time.
Keep going—you’re doing better than you think.
You can do hard things.
2. Remember to breathe
When we’re frustrated or anxious, our nervous system shifts into survival mode. Shallow breathing, tense muscles, tunnel vision. Taking a few slow, intentional breaths helps settle your nervous system so you can stay present, make clearer decisions, and keep learning instead of shutting down.
3. Focus on what’s in your control
You can’t control how quickly you “should” learn or how someone else rides. You can control your effort, your attention, your mindset, and your willingness to practice and learn from mistakes. Every repetition counts—even the messy ones.
And finally, remember this: learning something new takes time. Struggle is not a sign of failure—it’s a sign that your brain and body are adapting. A positive, compassionate mindset doesn’t mean ignoring mistakes; it means responding to them in a way that helps you grow.
Be patient with yourself.
Be kind to yourself.
And trust that how you speak to yourself matters—on the bike and off it.
