Complacency and The Comfort Zone
In this article, I would like to talk to you about the word “Complacency”. According to Dictionary.com’s definition of complacency, it is: “a feeling of quiet pleasure or security, often while unaware of some potential danger, defect, or the like; self-satisfaction or smug satisfaction with an existing situation, condition, etc.”
The main reason I want to say something on complacency is the fact I let it creep into my riding recently, and I paid the price. Throughout my working career, and also as a motorcycle instructor / trainer, I have always tried to improve myself and worked hard at it so I would not become “stagnant”. I have written and taught the virtues of not sitting on your behind and taking things for granted. Take what you know, know there are things you don’t know, and try to expand your horizons to learn as much as you can so that the knowledge you gain can help know more than you used to. This is part of you self-improvement as a life long learner. In other words, get out of your Comfort Zone!
So, how does complacency fit into this? As a motorcyclist, complacency can cause or contribute to critical or even minute errors, which will undoubtedly increase the probability of injury, from taking things for granted, making assumptions when training or experience would serve you better, or not having your mind on the task at hand, such as “I have done this a million times before” or “Hmm… what will I make for dinner tonight?”
As I already mentioned, I allowed complacency to creep into my riding and it cost me. I was out early in the riding season, and well aware of the hazards that could come into play as an early ride, such as drivers not yet used to motorcycles on the road, cold pavement, low sun and long shadows (depending on time of day), potholes, frost effected asphalt, and sand and gravel along the edges of the road, especially in round-a-bouts and intersections. These are just a few of the additional things we have to watch out for in the early season.
My “incident” occurred at a street light controlled intersection that would be less than 5 minutes away from my home, at the end of a “Gilligan” (3 hour ride or a 3 Hour Tour for those of you who know of Gilligan’s Island). My mind at this time was to get home and start the bbq to cook burgers for dinner. I approached the intersection and stopped behind the cars in front of me. I left approximately 1 ½ bike lengths between me and the vehicle ahead as a part of my “Exit Plan” and used flashing brake lights to warn vehicles coming from behind that we were stopped. The light changed to green for us, vehicles in front started to move, I waited about 1 to 2 seconds to move after the car in front started forward (“safe space”), and then moved to the right hand side of the lane to block vehicle behind me and make my right turn. At this point, I had the sun in my eyes causing me to miss a minute detail that would prove very, very important. There was fine sand gathered on the turn, basically the same colour as the asphalt, about 2 meters wide, and as I started my lean and acceleration around said corner, the rear tire lost traction and was out from underneath me before I could do anything. The bike laded on my leg first (I am so glad I could break its fall somewhat) then slid away from me. A big part of this story is the immediate assistance I received from 2 complete strangers, who were both bikers. If you never thought there was a brotherhood of bikers, think again (and remember that when you see a broke down bike on the side of the road next time).
Long story short, my motorcycle, which has never been on its side for the 8 years I have owned it, needs some cosmetic surgery to the plastic, a new mirror, and the right side muffler, which has some nasty scratches but is still serviceable, will be replaced. I, on the other hand, did not know immediately the damage I had, as adrenalin kicks in and I was able to use proper technique to put my bike back on its tires, and then ride the bike home (with one of those kind gentlemen following me to insure I got home safely), and proceeded to make burgers, after I took time to lament about my bike! After the adrenalin subsided, I knew I had a problem, and ended up getting surgery for a fractured ankle the next evening (a big shout out those at the Queensway-Carleton Hospital in Ottawa for their excellent care). 6 weeks without putting any weight on my leg, then physiotherapy to get full motion (I hope) of my ankle again. ETA to ride again: 10 – 12 weeks. That may not seem like a long time, but it should not have happened in the first place, except for my complacency, and not listening to my own advice and experiences.
Shared Experiences
I wanted to share this experience with you for several reasons. The first is the “Comfort Zone of Complacency” that I allowed to infiltrate my mind instead of “keeping my eyes on the prize”, and that an accident or incident can happen to anyone, regardless of experience or knowledge. It is what we do with that experience and knowledge that makes the difference.
The second item is bikers help bikers and there is indeed a reason to help out whenever we can (is this a good spot to flog the idea of having First Aid and keeping it current, hint hint?).
And the third reason is the ATGATT (All The Gear All The Time). I know things could have been even worse for me if I did not have all my gear on (full face helmet, proper riding jacket with CE approved armour, riding pants with CE approved armour, and riding boots that gives protection to at least the ankles). ‘Nuff said.
The question then becomes, “How to make sure complacency does not creep into my riding”? Let’s take a look at 5 things that could help.
1. Start your ride by setting a goal or goals that you want to improve or work on. Like a pro athlete, no matter how good they are, they still practice a number of their skills and set goals for themselves. Why can’t we, as motorcyclists, do the same? Do at least one thing better each day than you did before.
2. Don’t be afraid to be critiqued by someone else. They may see things in your riding (or attitude) that you may not be aware of. If video is used during this time, it is hard to argue with the video. Use the knowledge gained to help improve your riding.
3. If your goal is to have a favourable skill improvement, then focus on the process as to how you will get there, which may require you to make adaptations and changes in order to do so.
4. We are all life long learners, and continuously learn and adapt. Do not be afraid to ask questions and seek ways in which to improve, and stay focused. Try to follow best practices.
5. Battery Recharge – this can occur in a number of ways. Taking time to relax on the ride by pulling over and stopping every hour or so helps to keep one focused and more adaptable to their surroundings, and helps to increase their “situational awareness”. Being tired, bored, or uncomfortable removes the task at hand (riding safely) from your mind.
Life lessons taught, life lessons learned. As I have written before, “Learn from the mistakes and experiences of others, as you will not live long enough to make them all yourself”. Hope you learned something from my experiences here, and remember:
Ride Skilled – Ride Smart – Ride Safe
The main reason I want to say something on complacency is the fact I let it creep into my riding recently, and I paid the price. Throughout my working career, and also as a motorcycle instructor / trainer, I have always tried to improve myself and worked hard at it so I would not become “stagnant”. I have written and taught the virtues of not sitting on your behind and taking things for granted. Take what you know, know there are things you don’t know, and try to expand your horizons to learn as much as you can so that the knowledge you gain can help know more than you used to. This is part of you self-improvement as a life long learner. In other words, get out of your Comfort Zone!
So, how does complacency fit into this? As a motorcyclist, complacency can cause or contribute to critical or even minute errors, which will undoubtedly increase the probability of injury, from taking things for granted, making assumptions when training or experience would serve you better, or not having your mind on the task at hand, such as “I have done this a million times before” or “Hmm… what will I make for dinner tonight?”
As I already mentioned, I allowed complacency to creep into my riding and it cost me. I was out early in the riding season, and well aware of the hazards that could come into play as an early ride, such as drivers not yet used to motorcycles on the road, cold pavement, low sun and long shadows (depending on time of day), potholes, frost effected asphalt, and sand and gravel along the edges of the road, especially in round-a-bouts and intersections. These are just a few of the additional things we have to watch out for in the early season.
My “incident” occurred at a street light controlled intersection that would be less than 5 minutes away from my home, at the end of a “Gilligan” (3 hour ride or a 3 Hour Tour for those of you who know of Gilligan’s Island). My mind at this time was to get home and start the bbq to cook burgers for dinner. I approached the intersection and stopped behind the cars in front of me. I left approximately 1 ½ bike lengths between me and the vehicle ahead as a part of my “Exit Plan” and used flashing brake lights to warn vehicles coming from behind that we were stopped. The light changed to green for us, vehicles in front started to move, I waited about 1 to 2 seconds to move after the car in front started forward (“safe space”), and then moved to the right hand side of the lane to block vehicle behind me and make my right turn. At this point, I had the sun in my eyes causing me to miss a minute detail that would prove very, very important. There was fine sand gathered on the turn, basically the same colour as the asphalt, about 2 meters wide, and as I started my lean and acceleration around said corner, the rear tire lost traction and was out from underneath me before I could do anything. The bike laded on my leg first (I am so glad I could break its fall somewhat) then slid away from me. A big part of this story is the immediate assistance I received from 2 complete strangers, who were both bikers. If you never thought there was a brotherhood of bikers, think again (and remember that when you see a broke down bike on the side of the road next time).
Long story short, my motorcycle, which has never been on its side for the 8 years I have owned it, needs some cosmetic surgery to the plastic, a new mirror, and the right side muffler, which has some nasty scratches but is still serviceable, will be replaced. I, on the other hand, did not know immediately the damage I had, as adrenalin kicks in and I was able to use proper technique to put my bike back on its tires, and then ride the bike home (with one of those kind gentlemen following me to insure I got home safely), and proceeded to make burgers, after I took time to lament about my bike! After the adrenalin subsided, I knew I had a problem, and ended up getting surgery for a fractured ankle the next evening (a big shout out those at the Queensway-Carleton Hospital in Ottawa for their excellent care). 6 weeks without putting any weight on my leg, then physiotherapy to get full motion (I hope) of my ankle again. ETA to ride again: 10 – 12 weeks. That may not seem like a long time, but it should not have happened in the first place, except for my complacency, and not listening to my own advice and experiences.
Shared Experiences
I wanted to share this experience with you for several reasons. The first is the “Comfort Zone of Complacency” that I allowed to infiltrate my mind instead of “keeping my eyes on the prize”, and that an accident or incident can happen to anyone, regardless of experience or knowledge. It is what we do with that experience and knowledge that makes the difference.
The second item is bikers help bikers and there is indeed a reason to help out whenever we can (is this a good spot to flog the idea of having First Aid and keeping it current, hint hint?).
And the third reason is the ATGATT (All The Gear All The Time). I know things could have been even worse for me if I did not have all my gear on (full face helmet, proper riding jacket with CE approved armour, riding pants with CE approved armour, and riding boots that gives protection to at least the ankles). ‘Nuff said.
The question then becomes, “How to make sure complacency does not creep into my riding”? Let’s take a look at 5 things that could help.
1. Start your ride by setting a goal or goals that you want to improve or work on. Like a pro athlete, no matter how good they are, they still practice a number of their skills and set goals for themselves. Why can’t we, as motorcyclists, do the same? Do at least one thing better each day than you did before.
2. Don’t be afraid to be critiqued by someone else. They may see things in your riding (or attitude) that you may not be aware of. If video is used during this time, it is hard to argue with the video. Use the knowledge gained to help improve your riding.
3. If your goal is to have a favourable skill improvement, then focus on the process as to how you will get there, which may require you to make adaptations and changes in order to do so.
4. We are all life long learners, and continuously learn and adapt. Do not be afraid to ask questions and seek ways in which to improve, and stay focused. Try to follow best practices.
5. Battery Recharge – this can occur in a number of ways. Taking time to relax on the ride by pulling over and stopping every hour or so helps to keep one focused and more adaptable to their surroundings, and helps to increase their “situational awareness”. Being tired, bored, or uncomfortable removes the task at hand (riding safely) from your mind.
Life lessons taught, life lessons learned. As I have written before, “Learn from the mistakes and experiences of others, as you will not live long enough to make them all yourself”. Hope you learned something from my experiences here, and remember:
Ride Skilled – Ride Smart – Ride Safe