Project Slipstream

I am a huge fan of Le Tour de France. Cycling is the best combination of travel, exercise and nature. Although watching Le Tour only provides the vision of travel along the route of the tour and not the close experience with nature or exercise, I have found myself drawn in by the drama. Yesterday, Mark Cavendish won another sprint. As I analyzed the method, the powerful lead-out train that has catapulted him to 19 stage victories I was struck by the whole slipstream concept. (A lead-out train is the line-up of all of the members of a team in front the strongest sprinter to protect his space and energy so that he has maximum energy and opportunity for victory at the most critical point in the race.)

Mark Cavendish lead out train

To ride on someone’s wheel, to take advantage of the slipstream, that sweet spot of aerodynamic power that conserves your strength while it leads you to victory. How can this apply to my life? my business? my relationships? Who is around me to serve as my lead-out train? How can I be the lead-out train for others?

First off, I need to remind myself that I don’t need to re-invent the wheel. I can ride on the coattails of great authors as long as I give theme credit for their words and ideas. I can join groups and organizations that are already established and attend events that are already planned. We can all join in the rising level of conscious energy on our immediate environment.

I have named my personal initiative “Project Slipstream” as a reminder to myself to continually find opportunities to engage with like energy so that I can be strong and successful as well as serve as the lead-out train for my clients, friends, children and partner!