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Procrastination, Wheelies, Burnouts and Bald Tyres (Part 2)

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In Part 1 I was the kid looking out the window, the GOAT of putting things off. This is how a bike fixed it.

Chasing wheelies

Over the years I figured out a few things, and it wasn’t until I reflected on this childhood that I realised I had learnt the cheat code.

In primary school, I was physically attached to my bike, my blue (steel) Huffy, and we were almost inseparable. If Mum asked me to do some chores or make my bed, I was out any door (or window) and on that bike quicker than she could think of asking. I had a sense for it.

Around this time I became obsessed with “chucking wheelies.” This was the one bike trick I couldn’t do properly for years. Everything else I had mastered: jumping over 11 of the 12 kids lined up on the ground (sorry Shantel!), falling off, and doing the biggest skid, or “burnout” as we called it. I went through so many tyres I think Dad had to buy them in bulk.

So I got half determined. I started by keeping the front wheel up from one concrete slab line on the driveway to the next, just far enough to be a challenge but achievable if I focused for a second (which was all I was capable of). If I didn’t make it, I’d take my frustrations out by doing another burnout. My favourite spot was like a well-worn drag strip: sticky, black and perfect for burnouts, with my special blend of sand sprinkled on top. Chef’s kiss.

It went roughly like this

On the driveway

  • One slab to the next (about 2m), just enough to wobble.
  • Two slabs.
  • Three slabs, and a few more grazes.
  • Four slabs, and I’d run out of driveway.

Down the street

  • One lamppost to the next (about 20 to 25m), a few stubbed toes along the way (thongs were the rage in summer, so take that as you will).
  • Two lampposts.
  • Anywhere to anywhere: around the block, to the shops, there wasn’t a place I didn’t try to wheelie to.

What the wheelie actually taught me

Back then I proved to myself that if I just did a tiny bit of a task, with no attachment to the outcome, I could get past that procrastination phase and keep going. I’d distract myself enough to get past that first step.

Getting that one tiny, achievable thing done gave me the quick win, that ADHD brain burst I needed to kickstart something, and I’d lock in and forget about why I couldn’t do it.

The trick I still play on myself

So these days, if I have to “do anything,” I play that trick on myself. I’ll say to myself: I’ll just do this tiny bit of “X task” for 1 minute, or just put this one thing away. If I don’t feel it, or don’t find the flow or brain boost I need, I’ll walk away and do something that’s more fun. Letting myself off before I start, giving myself the way out, takes the pressure off. I’ll just try again a bit later.

So the trick here isn’t to copy me; you’re smarter than I am. Just find that easy way that can give you the quick win and feel ya way into the flow. Success is on the other side of procrastination, and that success is only ever determined by you. Enjoy the journey.

Happy procrastinating day, whenever it is.

I hope this helps someone,
Thanks for reading.
Luke