Sticky gear change

ONE THING I know about myself is that I can have a sticky gear shift when it comes to change. I get there, but it can be a bit clunky. Over time, I have taken this awareness to help me to get better at it.

To improve how we change gears, this is what we are taught.

1. Release the accelerator pedal while depressing the clutch pedal.

> You might need to slow down a little when you are about to make a change because it can negatively affect your clutch [think a group of birds].

2. Remove your left hand from the steering wheel, grasp the gearstick and move it gently but positively from one position to another.

> Change means letting go of some things but not losing control. And be gentle and stay positive.

3. Return your left hand to the steering wheel.

> Be sure to control your direction

4. Release the clutch slowly while applying power by pressing down on the accelerator.

> Now, let the clutch make the change their own and transition slowly as you start to accelerate.

Does that sound like a recipe for good change?

What other ‘driving metaphors’ might help us think about change? Maybe there is something to going uphill, downhill, automatic transmission, grating the gears, slowing in and accelerating out of the curve… Any ideas?

#doonethingdeep #change #metaphors

Adapted from instructions found on https://www.driving-test-success.com/gears/gearinfo.htm