Honda Canada and Fox Racing Presents Words by Dylan Wright- Wright out of the Gate

Wright Out of the Gate: Goals versus Resolutions

2017 is finally here! As the clock struck midnight on December 31st, for many, there was a sense of optimism and excitement about the opportunities and possibilities that lie ahead over the next 365 days. It’s that time of year when people feel like they’re getting a fresh start and anything is possible. Many choose to wipe the slate clean and set the plans in motion for positive change and experiences.

So … as you ushered in 2017, did you make one or more New Year’s resolutions? Or, did you avoid the whole process altogether because studies show that a majority of people fail to stick to their “resolutions”? Personally, I believe you can’t make resolutions without setting goals; only then can you achieve results. I know a lot of you are thinking: “Aren’t resolutions and goals the same thing?” In my opinion, the answer is no.

For me, New Year’s resolutions are about good intentions and high expectations. They’re usually broad, vague statements about reaching a desired target. Things like adopting improved eating, exercise, sleep or spending habits. It’s like picking a general destination for a trip but not actually making the trip.

On the other hand, goals are about actions and results. They’re usually specific, measurable initiatives that ensure you can successfully achieve your resolutions. It’s about making a plan, putting it into action and doing the work necessary to reach the target. It’s about mapping out your trip and the route you are actually going to take to get to your destination.

I saw this quote the other day that really rang true for me: “We don’t rise to the level of our expectations; we fall to the level of our training.” (Greek poet Archilocus) Think about it. Isn’t it true? Doesn’t this support the study results that say people don’t stick to their resolutions? That’s because people generally want to better themselves (expectations) but are often not prepared to put in the work and effort required to get there (planning and preparation).

When it comes to professional sports, Bobby Knight (a pro basketball coach) summed it up well when he said: “The key is not the will to win. Everybody has that. It is the will to prepare to win that is important.” In a couple of weeks, I will be heading south to begin my off-season training for the next outdoor motocross racing season in Canada. I do so inspired by the will to win and the will to prepare to win, and will do whatever it takes to stand on that top spot.

Some people may not realize this, but to race on the weekend is only a fraction of our job and of the work that we actually have to do. There is a lot more than just lining up at the gate on Saturday or Sunday. There is a lot of work for us as riders that most people never see. Not only that, but my success as an individual racer also involves a lot of work by great people who contribute to the program and put in a lot of hours behind the scenes for our race team to shine on the weekend. Those people are the true heroes – the mechanic in the shop, the truck driver, the motor builder, the suspension builder, the team manager and the list goes on. When the gate drops it’s definitely an individual sport. But getting to the gate is truly a team effort. As riders, we get to enjoy the fame and the end results, but I believe it’s really important not to forget about the guys behind the scenes that make the whole program roll smoothly.

Last week, I actually had the chance to spend some more time with the entire team at the GDR Christmas party. It was a lot of fun to hang out outside the whole moto environment. It was great to meet everybody that puts their blood, sweat and tears into the team to increase our team’s chances of success. It was a lot of fun and everybody involved seem like amazing people. It really helped set the tone for the year ahead. There is (and I believe always will be) an element of fun to my job. Because of it, I look forward to my job. When I’m having fun, that’s always when some of my best riding comes out. And it helps a lot when you like the people you’re working with!

So for this blog, I thought I would share my top 5 New Year’s resolutions and top 7 goals with you.

Resolutions

1. Be a championship contender and win the MX2 class in 2017.
2. Improve my cardio, core and physical strength so I can make sure to comfortably complete 40-minute motos.
3. Keep my blog fresh and interesting for readers.
4. Eat more (You can discuss this one with my trainer! LOL).
5. Keep in touch or visit my friends more often.

On this last resolution, I’m already starting off the year on the right foot. This week, I took Drew Bezanson up on his offer to join him at the JoyRide BMX indoor facility in Toronto to do some biking! I brought my brother and buddy Paolo (two huge Bezanson fans) with me. We had a blast! I was “flipping out” … literally! I successfully completed my first back flip into a foam pit. It was so wild to be upside down in the air, looking up at the ceiling and convincing my brain that this was a good idea. LOL After about seven attempts, I finally committed and got the job done. Check out the video on Instagram! P.S: Kill it this weekend in Cali bro!

Racing Goals

1. Win at all 10 rounds of the Canadian Rockstar Energy Drink Motocross Nationals.
2. Top 10 at 3 rounds of the American Pro Motocross Championships.

Training Goals

1. Have fun! I believe that having fun is a huge goal for training, because if you’re having fun riding your dirt bike, it makes it easier to put in the work.

2. Chase and train with faster racers than myself and compete in more races during the off-season.

3. Complete my on-track and off-track training program on a regular basis.

4. Incorporate a more structured cycling component to my off-track training (Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Marin Bikes, I now have an amazing bike to train on! I am so pumped and can’t wait to try it out when I get to California!).

Happy New Year everyone! Good luck with your personal resolutions and goals. May the year involve lots of fabulous moments to make great memories at motocross tracks across your region, province, country or continent!