One of my favorite fiction books is The Art of Racing in the Rain, by Garth Stein. I lost count of how many times this book made my eyeballs swell up...pushing back tears.
It's about car racing, risk, love, cancer, death, dogs...life.
Here's one of many classic quotes from the book.
"There is no dishonor in losing the race. There is only dishonor in not racing because you are afraid to lose."
One of the main characters is Denny - a race car driver. This guy never loses a race in the rain.
Why?
Because he trained himself to become more comfortable at something that freaked out everyone else.
He learned how to be calm, comfortable and confident when all 4 tires broke loose!
Instead of white-knuckling the steering wheel and sitting on pins and needles he just learned to intentionally go into a 4 wheel skid.
Why again?
Because it was predictable. He was finally in control. He knew exactly what that car would do in that state...and he milked it good.
He was pushing the scary edge that kept all the other drivers off the gas...tapping their brakes.
But not Denny. He would tap the gas and start his slide into a whole new comfort zone. A zone only HE found comfortable.
From there you can predict what happens. He slides through the turns and passes other drivers like they are standing still.
Some thought he was reckless. But Denny knew better.
Better to tell your car when to skid than sit around wondering when it's going to skid on you.
Are you still with me?
