I just got back from packing up and moving out of our house in Rancho Mirage. We sold it recently, and it was bittersweet. We loved that house and the memories we made there, but it just wasn’t the right investment for our family in the long run.

It was 117 degrees while we packed (which we won’t miss), and we decided to drive the full nine hours back to Truckee in one shot—kids, U-Haul trailer, and all. We assumed it would be too much, but it turned out to be doable. Tiring, yes. But worth it.

And it got me thinking…
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In business development, we often cling to strategies, habits, or even relationships because of how much time or effort we’ve already put into them, even if they’re no longer serving us. Like a vacation home that used to make sense but now drains more than it gives.

As someone who raced cross-country mountain bikes for years, I know firsthand that the key to riding fast, especially on tough terrain, isn’t just about fitness. It’s about staying relaxed, even when the trail gets rough. The more relaxed you are, the more control you have, and with more control comes speed, both uphill and downhill.

That’s why I was especially excited to see Christopher Blevins at the top of the men’s mountain biking World Cup standings, something we haven’t seen from an American male in this European-dominated sport in over 30 years.

His secret? As Blevins says, “Cross-country racing is a game of how much you can be at ease with effort.” Most elite riders understand this concept. The ones who can truly master it are the ones who rise to the top.
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This mindset applies to business development, as well.