Taking Control of Your Destination

When I was at boarding school, our head prefect delivered a final farewell speech that left a lasting impact on me. To this day, his words remain with me, and I often reflect on them or share them with others when the situation calls for it.

He spoke about a bicycle – a simple, everyday object – but his message was profound.

A bicycle is made up of many parts, each with its own unique role. The wheels turn, but only when the pedals are in motion. The pedals, in turn, need the push of a rider’s foot to spin. The brakes are there to control speed, but they’re useless unless someone applies them. The handlebar steers the wheels, but only if there’s someone to guide it.

Now, think about that for a moment. Every part of the bicycle is essential, but none can function alone. Each part depends on the other. Most importantly, the bicycle goes nowhere without the rider. The rider determines the speed, the direction, and the destination. If it veers off course, it’s not the bicycle’s fault — it’s the rider’s responsibility to steer it back on track.

And isn’t that how life works? Our goals, dreams, and even the organizations we lead operate just like a bicycle. Each part — our skills, our knowledge, our resources, and our habits — must work together in harmony. But none of it matters if we, the “rider,” don’t take control. We choose the direction. We choose the speed. We press the brakes when needed. We are the ones responsible for where we end up.

Sometimes the road is smooth, and we glide with ease. Other times, it’s uphill, and every pedal stroke feels like a battle. But as long as we stay on the bike, keep pedaling, and steer with purpose, we will make progress. Even if we fall, we can get back on — because that’s what riders do.

So, as you think about your goals, your aspirations, or the direction of the organizations you’re responsible for, remember the bicycle. The parts are there to support you, but you are the one in control. It’s your choices, your actions, and your determination that will define the destination. No one else can ride the bike for you.

Take control of the handlebars. Keep pedaling forward. And no matter how steep the climb, remember that you have everything you need to reach your destination.

I took this pic on my last trip to Hula, Central Province 🇵🇬on a hot sunny day. It instantly reminded me of the analogy made on a cold winter evening in Oamaru, South Island, New Zealand.🇳🇿