9 Practices That Top Up Your Tank

When a bike runs out of fuel, it sputters and stops, right where it is. It’s not going to go anywhere until it’s refueled. When you know you’re going to be traveling through an area where fuel is hard to find, you need to plan accordingly, otherwise you’ll be stranded.

 

top-up-your-tankYou too will sputter and stop if you ignore signs warning of running low. Unfortunately, the solution is not quite so immediate as filling up your bike and going again. Running yourself to the point of exhaustion can create illness and disease. Pushing yourself when fatigued can lead to accidents. It results in poor judgment and sub-optimal decision-making.

 

9 Practices That Top Up Your Tank

 

  1. Be proactive. On you bike, that means filling it up before you run perilously close to empty. In life, literally drink lots of water to stay hydrated – and energized. Regularly nourish your body with healthy foods, your mind with healthy thoughts and your spirit with healthy time in nature.

 

  1. Take in the right things. Keeping tires properly inflated and using the fuel and motor oil specified by the manufacturer reduces engine wear and increases mileage. Make sure what you do take into your body and mind is healthy and nourishing.

 

  1. Choose wisely. You’ll get greater fuel efficiency on flat, straight roads than you will on twists and turns. Mind you, it’s not nearly as exciting so be realistic. Choose the route in life that ignites your passion and feeds all facets of who you are.

 

  1. Simplify. Carrying unnecessary equipment increases weight and causes drag, both of which cause your motorcycle to consume more fuel. It’s the same in life. Accumulating possessions beyond what you need, consumes your resources by requiring you to expend time and energy to acquire and maintain them. It also consumes “earth” resources required to manufacture, distribute and use them.

 

  1. Know where reserve is. Get to know your bike and how far you can go before hitting reserve. Each bike is different, and the range will vary under the conditions it’s used. Get to recognize the signs that you are nearing reserve and take time to stop and fill up.

 

  1. Pace yourself. Jack-rabbit starts and aggressive riding gulp energy. Assess your lifestyle to learn where you’re doing the equivalent with work or other activities.

 

  1. Slow down. Excessive speed causes your bike to be less fuel-efficient. Learn to slow down and smell the clover. There is much life has to offer right in the moment you’re in. No need to rush through it.

 

  1. Stay tuned. Keeping your bike tuned keeps it running at maximum efficiency. You do the same for body, mind and spirit by getting to know your unique interests, needs and desires. Be who you are. There is only one of you.

 

  1. Wear good gear. A quality full-face helmet and properly fitted clothing is more aerodynamic, thus reducing energy-usurping drag. Wearing the proper protective clothing that keeps out negativity and false beliefs conserves energy for what you are meant to engage in.

 

Top up your tank and keep it there. Follow these steps on your bike to enjoy a worry-free ride. Follow them in life to make the most of each minute.

 

 

photo credit: h.koppdelaney via photopin cc

About

Author, writer, and student Liz Jansen combines her artistic mediums to create stories that inspire readers to embark on their own journey of self-discovery.