Saturday

Maybe Next Year!



Watching the decline and fall of the Cleveland Cavs in the post-Lebron era has made me think about losing.  More than losing, I've been thinking about how one responds to losing.  Cleveland fans have waited longer than any other city with three major sports franchises to win a title. The last time a Cleveland professional sports team won a championship was in 1964 when the Cleveland Browns won the NFL Championship (pre-Super Bowl era). In fact, in 2004, ESPN named Cleveland the most tortured sports city in America.  However, the response of Lebron leaving has left fans reeling.  There's an old rule of thumb when it comes to business: "don't pay more attention to competition than your customers (fans)."  In my estimation, Dan Gilbert, owner of the Cavs, and the rest of the city really need to move on to focusing on what they have, not what they are missing or they'll miss the opportunity to teach the city of Cleveland and the rest of us some of the most important traits found in winners - perseverance AND optimism.

Being a Cubs fan from Chicago, I can relate to the torture-treatment experienced by Cavs fans.  However, despite our century-long-sports-slump in chi-town, at the end of each year we, Cubbie fans, still cheer - "Maybe Next Year!"  

"Maybe Next Year" is not a stale statement, mindlessly uttered by those who bleed blue.  "Maybe Next Year" is eternal optimism!  "Maybe Next Year" is loyalty.  "Maybe Next Year" is pride.  "Maybe Next Year" is love.  What I'm about to say may seem like blasphemy to most people, especially those who frequent baseball bleachers...Become more like a Cubs fan.

Optimism: Hope is one the most powerful forces on earth.  It's a core belief that energizes us with excitement and anticipation as we look forward to the future.
Loyalty: Out of a loyal heart will spring forth all virtues that make one of depth and growth.
Pride: Many mistake the word "pride" for lack of humility or being "puffed up".  But, the pride that is a sense of  one's own dignity and self-respect is sometimes the thing gets you back up again, and again after falling.   
Love: Show charity to those who play with you, and for you.


I now dub you honorary Cubs fans.  Go ye  and practice the "Maybe Next Year" motto.   

The Lone Ranger Creed


(Me as a 7-year-old Lone Ranger)
When I was a young boy, I would often 'play' the Lone Ranger.  As a city boy growing up on the south-side of Chicago, imagining being a Texas Ranger in the American Old West might as well have been fantasizing myself as a space cadet in one of the farthest galaxies imaginable.  There wasn't many people carrying 'unconcealed' six-shooters in side holsters, riding horseback, or wearing cowboy hats roaming the streets of Chicago, if you know what I mean...

Still, I loved the super-hero-like character of the Lone Ranger going about doing good, fighting injustice, and making the world a better place.   With all that we've seen in society lately with leaders in every sphere of influence (church, business, sports, education, politics, etc.) failing to live up to the standards worthy of being a role model, and even participating in lawlessness at times, I thought it was time for my old friend the Lone Ranger to show up on the scene once again.
In every incarnation of the character to date, the Lone Ranger has conducted himself by a strict moral code. This code was put in place by Fran Striker at the inception of the character. Actors Clayton Moore and Jay Silverheels, taking their positions as role models to children very seriously, also tried their best to live by this creed.
"I believe...
That to have a friend, a man must be one.
That all men are created equal and that everyone has within himself the power to make this a better world.
That God put the firewood there, but that every man must gather and light it himself.
In being prepared physically, mentally, and morally to fight when necessary for that which is right.
That a man should make the most of what equipment he has.
That 'this government of the people, by the people, and for the people' shall live always.
That men should live by the rule of what is best for the greatest number.
That sooner or later...somewhere...somehow...we must settle with the world and make payment for what we have taken.
That all things change but truth, and that truth alone, lives on forever.
In my Creator, my country, my fellow man."


Perhaps we'll see some courageous, straight-shooting men (and women) like the Lone Ranger coming across the landscape again.  Perhaps those men and women will be you.

For fun: Check out some of the classic episodes I enjoyed as a kid!


Wednesday

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?


We all know the popular TV game show titled "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?", which offers a maximum prize of $1,000,000 (originally lump sum) for correctly answering 15 successive multiple-choice questions of increasing difficulty.  


Prior to syndication, the TV show originally offered three ways to answer a tough question:




  • 50:50: The computer eliminated two incorrect answers, leaving only one incorrect answer and the correct answer. 
  • Ask the Audience: This lifeline was earned upon answering the tenth question. The computer replaced, at the contestant's request, one question with another of the same monetary value. 
  • Phone-A-Friend: (1999–2010): Contestant could call one of up to three prearranged friends, who all had to provide their phone numbers in advance. The contestant had 30 seconds to read the question and answer choices to the friend, who then had the remaining time to offer their input to the contestant.
In life we all need life lines.  Most of us take our chances using the 50:50 approach to solving tough issues or answering tough questions in our life.  We simply narrow the choices, guest based on our wisdom and hope for the best.  This approach ultimately causes the most headaches, costs us the most money, and wastes the most time.

We could ask the audience, which most of us do too.  It's been said that one thing that will determine the person you'll become are the friends you hang around.  The power of association is a powerful thing.  However, most us ask our "peers" some of life's most important questions, like how to raise kids, finances, relationships, etc.  Sadly, many of us listen to the opinions of people that are in our same situation or worse and we live with the results of their wisdom.  Group think can be a dangerous dynamic in your destiny. For example, I've heard stats that your annual income will be within $10,000 of your five closest friends.  People that make $40K/year typically hang with folks that make about $40K/year too.  Millionaires hang with millionaires, and so on...


I think the best life line is the phone-a-friend.  The caveot I must insert here is that fact that you must raise your level of friends to use this life line.  In this case, we'll call the phone-a-friend a mentor.  Mentor relationships are often romantized and theorized, but rarely realized. This life line takes practice and intentionality.  A mentor should be someone you can run after.  A mentor should be someone who has achieved and is modeling the life you desire.  It's been said, don't follow a leader who isn't being lead.  So, if you strive to be leader worth following, you must find someone to follow in life.  When we find people we can see have made it to the next ridge, just ahead in the horizon, we can climb up to them and eventually follow them to the top.


Find a friend and phone him, even daily if needed for a season.  Ask, think about what he or she says, and then follow their lead (repeat the process as needed).

Tuesday

Dedication of the Warrior-Poet








The Warrior-Poet is a tradition of dedication to developing the body and the mind as one. The bushido warrior code of ancient Japan, the chivalrous knights of medievil Europe, and the ancient Greek warriors are all examples of this proud tradition.
The Warrior-Poet is a member of a leadership class who guides with wisdom and courage. They are defined by their dedication to their crafts of warfare, and intellectual study and reflection.
The Warrior-Poet learns to develop the mind and the body as one, using each to guide the other. The Warrior-Poet is also a spiritual warrior. The warrior-poet understands their true relationship to the heaven and the earth. They understand that they embody the heavenly representation to the earth, and the earthly representation to the heavens. In other words, it is up to the warrior-poet to balance the cruel realities of the earth, while living by the standards of the heavens.

Dedication of the warrior-poet:
1.  Be a chivalrous knight - Show honor and love (especially to the opposite sex)
2.  Seek wisdom as the principle thing - Proverbs teaches that wisdom is better than rubies
3.  Be courageous - practice acting in faith seeing things that "be not" as though they were
4.  Master your body - if you can master your body, you can master any temptation or trial
5.  Study and Reflect - Proverbs informs us that as a man thinketh so is he...
6.  Represent heaven on earth - live by the standards of heaven and you'll bring the manifestation of the garden of eden everywhere you go.

Monday

12 Traits to Remember

I've read that Thomas Edison had several traits that he would focus on and try to improve each day. It's no wonder that Mr. Edison was one the world's most prolific characters in history.  I liked the idea, so I adapted it and use the technique myself. In my calendar, I have a trait to emphasize a little more each week.

  1. Smile - a person, no matter how unattractive, improves their magnetism with a smile.
  2. Remember - remember a person's name, it's one of their most treasured words.
  3. Close - don't be afraid to close the deal, lead a little.
  4. Enthusiasm - being a downer is contagious -- so is being an upper.
  5. Order - creating lines, borders, ground rules actually creates freedom.
  6. I'm 3rd - borrowed from Joe White's famous motto - God, others, then me 
  7. Listen - most of the time, the best way to communicate in a conversation is with your ears.
  8. Sincerity - real always works.
  9. Knowledge - learn every day.
  10. Praise - people rarely receive praise when they become "adults", but the kid in them still looks for it.
  11. Key Issues - cut out the clutter, and focus on what's going to get you to the dance.
  12. Questions - there's usually a reason behind the reason, so ask questions. 


It's like a string on your finger, or a wristband you wear to remind you of something important.  That's my 12 things, I could probably add a few more, but that's for another time.  Now, you make your own list of traits, post them in your calendar, and practice.

Friday

Wear it



NBA Hall of Famer, Michael Jordan wore his North Carolina Tar Heels practice shorts under his NBA uniform his entire career.  Popular author/blogger, Seth Godin wears mixed matched socks.  Actor/Comedian, Jim Carrey wrote himself a check for $20 million and kept it in his wallet until he earned that amount for The Cable Guy in '96... The list goes on how successful people use rituals, and reminders to motivate and move them in the right direction.  I wear two rubber wristbands, one red one that says "Cherokee" and one blue one that says "4 E's".  The red wristband reminds me that I'd like to give the best opportunities to my family.  The blue wristband reminds me how I should treat people.  Most of us have the attention span of a teen in trigonometry class, so physical reminders are needed and at the very least, they're good conversation starters.

Wear it, work it, win it.



CAP

Thursday

Why Are We Compelled To Pick Our Scabs?


The other night, as my wife an I discussed some of the deep truths, concepts and philosophies that have been pondered for thousands of years, the topic of scabs came up.  Why are we compelled to pick our scabs?  When someone injures themselves, God, in His intelligent design, developed a process where our open wounds could be cocooned in a burgundy, crustaceous Under Armour(R) while the healing process takes place.  If all works as planned, eventually the scab falls off and there's little-to-no sign of the old wound.  Here are a few thoughts on scabs and scab picking:

1.  You need insulation for proper healing - When wounded, it's best to be insulated, (not isolated).  Having an environment to heal is so important.  However, the tendency could be to isolate the wound and continue to focus on it - eventually the wound takes up our attention and we can help but pick at the wound -- essentially hurting ourselves in the process.
2.  Don't shortcut the healing process - Instead of allowing the process of healing to take place, if we're not careful, our tendency is to continue to the revisit the old wound tearing it open again and again and again - ultimately the wound never heals quit right and there's always a sign of your past wound that's very noticeable - even years later.
3.  Healing can be an ugly process sometimes - but if you allow the healing process to take place you typically find yourself fully restored to your original design.

So, like mom always says - "Don't pick your scab!"

Tuesday

Crews and Competing


People need to belong to a fellowship; people desire a battle.  
The problem is, if you don't figure out what your purpose is, 
you'll invent strange ways to belong to a crew and compete.  
I was walking on lunch the other day and I saw a very strange 
and sad scene: grown men taking their one hour of freedom 
during their work day trotting out to a field of grass behind 
their office building to play...kick ball. Yes, 20 and 40-somthing's
playing kickball - really!!?  


We live in a society that has a bunch of sick men and tired 
women. Men that are sick in their heart, and women that are 
tired of wearing the pants. It's no wonder we create weird things
for us to entertain ourselves with, and perhaps deaden the ache 
of regret. More women are working than ever before to pay for
their "man's" toys. More men are spending their hours being 
"gamers", playing video games, softball, joining church basketball 
leagues or simply watching other people compete on the tube 
instead of getting in a crew that will call them into a battle that 
is the most magnificent competition in which they canindulge in
- a cause that will bring out all that is best; something that removes 
all that is base.  


General George S. Patton once said, "All men are afraid in battle. 
The coward is the one who lets his fear overcome his sense of duty.  
Duty is the essence of manhood." I hope to seek out men of duty, 
connect with them and if I'm fortunate, they will join my crew and 
compete alongside me for the hearts and minds of men.


Things that will determine where you'll be in the future:
1. The people you hang with (your crew)
2. The books you read (your field guides)
3. The stuff you put in your brain through your ear (your attitude)
4. The vehicle you choose to go places (choose wisely)


The Wasabi Way

I have a food fetish for western style sushi.  Any chance to eat the Japanese cuisine, of hand-formed clumps of vinegar rice and assorted fish, I do.  Aside from soy sauce and ginger, my favorite sushi condiment is wasabi, a piquant paste made from the grated root of the wasabi japonica plant.  Wasabi is a neon green, fun, little play-doh-like substance. Wasabi is usually served in the tiniest of dollops.  However, as soon as you inject the neon green play-doh you're in for a shocking surprise!  Wasabi sends a five-alarm signal to your palette, especially you're nostrils!  The tiny green stuff packs a punch more potent than horseradish, and jalapenos combined.
We should be more like wasabi in life.  It's not about being big, bodacious, or loud.  It's about being audacious in substance.  When we enter a room, are added to a group, circumstance, or situation we should add noticeable pop, flavor, surprise and flavor to the mix.  And if we can clear out someones sinuses it's just a bonus.  
Find people that are like wasabi and get around them more.    

Saturday

Don't put yourself in a choke hold

One of the best escapes from the prison of procrastination is to take even the smallest steps toward your goals. People usually procrastinate because of fear and lack of self-confidence and, ironically, become even more afraid when under the gun. There are many ways to experiment and test new ground without risking the whole ball game on one play. Experience has shown that when people go after one big goal at once, they invariably fail. If you had to swallow a 12-ounce steak all at once, you’d choke. You have to cut the steak into small pieces, eating one bite at a time. So it is with prioritizing. Proactive goal achievement means taking every project and cutting it up into bite-sized pieces. Each small task or requirement on the way to the ultimate goal becomes a mini-goal in itself. Using this method, the goal becomes manageable. When mini-mistakes are made, they are easy to correct. And with the achievement of each mini-goal, you receive reinforcement and motivation in the form of positive feedback. As basic as this sounds, much frustration and failure is caused when people try to “bite off more than they can chew” by taking on assignments with limited resources and impossible timeline expectations. Two major fears that sire procrastination are fear of the unknown and fear of rejection or looking foolish. A third fear—of success—is often overlooked. Many people, even many executives, fear success because it carries added responsibility that can seem too heavy to bear, such as setting an example of excellence that calls for additional effort and willingness to take risks. Success, without adequate self-esteem or the belief that it is deserved, also can create feelings of guilt and the result is only temporary or fleeting high achievement. Playing it safe can seem more tempting than a need to step forward with determination to do it now and do it right.

Monday

New Media, New Marketing, New Thinking Creates Mojo

Here's an old video of Seth Godin talking about "new thinking" that most network marketers could learn from - enjoy! What are you doing to keep up with the changes in the marketplace? Keep up, or be left behind.

Thursday

Ghost Riding

When I was around 8 or so my friends and I used to practice the art of "ghost riding". As young boys, we found lots of strange ways to entertain ourselves and this was just one. We would ride our bikes as fast as we could down a long stretch of the street and then jump off our bikes leaving our bikes to "ride themselves" 10-20 feet, or more. The momentum of the bike kept the bike upright on its two wheels, making it look like a ghost was riding it! It was fun to watch how far the bike could go before coming to an inevitable end. Sometimes our bike would race towards a curb, slamming into it and flipping completely over. A few choice times, we witnessed a bike hit a curb, flip completely over and land back on its tires and roll a foot or two and fall on its side. With no one guiding the bike, it gave the appearance that the bike was fine on its own, moving forward, but ultimately, the bike always came to a crashing end. At one point I was Ghost Riding in life. I've found, that's how many people operate in their lives too. You can find people going along in life, looking good, smelling good and they have the appearance of going in the right direction. But, without a guide, most people are in for a crash in the future. Who's helping you in life? Do you have a guide? Fortunately for me, I have spiritual guidance, and other mentors in my life now to make sure I'm not "ghost riding" through life... CAP

Friday

Operation Clean Up - My Detox Journal

So, I started a detox/cleanse on Monday, 8/17 for several reasons: 1. Lately, I’ve felt like I wasn’t living at optimal health – felt lethargic, slow to wake up in the mornings, etc. 2. I heard a testimony from a woman about the benefits of a cleanse at a meeting one time and my wife and I have desired to do one every since 3. The spiritual discipline of fasting has always been one of the best ways to put the flesh in submission to the spirit. There are lots of detox diets, so I won’t get into which one I am doing, but I’ll generally give you a snap shot of the process and diet. I plan to go for 14 days. I discovered Dr. Chet, whom I trust developed a detox recipe that I would have followed if it were just a week earlier! Follow the link below for a summary of Dr. Chet’s three choices to choose from: http://drchet.com/researchupdate.html Detox Journal: Monday, 8/17/09 Day 1: Excited to get started, but not sure if I’ll be able to make it the entire day. I normally can fast until the evening and I give up. Made it all the way! Tuesday, 8/18/09 Day 2: Started out well. Our admin. brought in a huge load of Panera bagels, cookies – stayed away from the goodies, but hit the wall around 11 AM or so, felt very tired, but was able to make it once again. I suppose it helped that I was busy in the evening meeting with a potential franchise owner in Denver metro area. Perhaps, the schedule helped me keep my mind off of food, etc. Wednesday, 8/19/09 Day 3: Woke up very energetic, felt light and ready to go! It seems I had a second wind kick in or something. I had one minor temptation; someone came over to my desk to offer me chocolate (not a big chocolate fan, so didn’t faze me much). Had adrenaline going for the evening meeting I had with my friend Mike and others, so didn’t think much about eating. Thursday, 8/20/09 Day 4: Feeling good, still feeling energetic, had a meeting to discuss internet projects I’m working on during lunch and bought someone Qdoba. Believe it or not, staring at a huge queso & steak burrito didn’t faze me – I was in the zone. Felt kind of tired around six, but fought through it. Friday, 8/21/09 Day 5: Feeling good so far. This is a big day for me! Just the fact that I made it until today is a huge accomplishment! Let's see how the evening goes... CAP Wrap up - Obviously, I'm not a Doc., by here's my wrap up of the detox experience: From what I know at this time, it is one of the best known methods for cleaning out your intestinal and colon walls. Although not intended as a weight-loss diet, it is effective at helping you balance your body and “rebooting” the metabolic process - which often results in weight loss (I lost around 10 lbs on this). A detox helps by: - Total body detoxification of years of built-up waste, which hasn't been properly removed due to todays level of pollution and the bodies inability to detoxify itself properly. - Extreme weight loss - Many have claimed that the fast allowed them to lose 20-40 lbs. in as little as a ten to twenty days, although this is not the main purpose of the diet. - Renewed energy and total body rejuvenation, freeing the individual of common aches and pains due to toxification of the body. - Highly increased immune system and an immense ability to fight of diseases which come from long-term abuse to the body from toxins and other pollutants. - Increased stamina and better sexual functionality and increased vigor. - Highly increased mental clarity and response - Although I didn't fast for spiritual reasons, I did have the benefit of knowing I can control my flesh and strengthening my spirit. I really think food is a stronghold for many people blocking their ability to have optimal health and an abundant life. - I stopped working out after an injury about a year ago and became very undisciplined. Although I'm completely healed, I simply started liking sleeping in a bit too much. This detox has given my a much needed jump-start on working out again. I plan to detox at least a few times per year, I've had a very positive experience. I'm going to workout now - gotta go!

Monday

The Road Ahead or the Road Behind

Here is a short poem written by George Moriarty. I watched a talk by John Wooden where he recited the poem from memory - very impressive for a gentleman his age. I loved it so much I found the written text for myself. I figured everyone else would love it too. Please enjoy and share it with others if you find it to be an “Idea Worth Sharing.” The Road Ahead or the Road Behind Sometimes I think the fates must grin as we denounce them and insist, The only reason we can’t win is the fates themselves have missed. Yet, there lives on the ancient claim – we win or lose within ourselves, The shining trophies on our shelves can never win tomorrow’s game. So you and I know deeper down there is a chance to win the crown, But when we fail to give our best, we simply haven’t met the test Of giving all and saving none until the game is really won. Of showing what is meant by grit, of fighting on when others quit, Of playing through not letting up, it’s bearing down that wins the cup. Of taking it and taking more until we gain the winning score, Of dreaming there’s a goal ahead, of hoping when our dreams are dead, Of praying when our hopes have fled. Yet, losing, not afraid to fall, If bravely we have given all, for who can ask more of a man than giving all within his span, it seems to me, is not so far from – Victory. And so the fates are seldom wrong, no matter how they twist and wind, It’s you and I who make our fates, we open up or close the gates, On the Road Ahead or the Road Behind. -George J. Moriarty CAP

Friday

Daydreamer

The Matrix 1: Neo "Ever have that feeling where you're not sure if you're awake or still dreaming?" Spent anytime dreaming lately? Daydreamers, those who dream with their eyes open, design their own destiny and help develop the dreams of those around them. Here are some things I've been thinking about lately - I hope my little acronym gives you some things to chew on -- it's a simple recipe to be a daydreamer. D is for Develop: Develop a dream. A is for Action: Act daily to move your dream forward. Y is for You: You are the only thing in your way. D is for Dare: Dare to dream while others don’t and you find yourself alone. R is for Relentless: Relentlessly pursue your dream, no matter what. E is for Excellence: Strive for excellence in all you do. A is for Abandon: Abandon any other alternative plans (No Plan B). M is for Measure: Constantly measure where you are on your dream journey. E is for Explore: Constantly explore you personal growth opportunities. R is for Realization: Realize small milestones along the path of achieving your dreams. CAP

Finding Your Way...

I “did” the Incline several weekends ago. The Incline, is a mile long, roughly 1,600 meters, and rises more than 2,000 feet, or 600 meters, in the thin air. The Manitou Springs Incline is a place where you see U.S. Olympic athletes train right next to bearded old men with hiking sticks. It’s a basic, yet punishing workout: Man versus Mountain. Olympic speedskater, Apolo Ohno once said, "It's the one workout where people truly have to face something that is unbeatable. It is you against yourself." After I went on Saturday, I was challenged to go again, the next Monday morning. Standing at the base of the trail at 5 a.m., surrounded by silence, I was ready to be humbled. It was interesting to see people dart up the incline, everyone at their own pace, but all seemed to have one unwritten and unspoken rule – Don’t stop (at least for not too long). An assistant Greco-Roman coach Momir Petkovic from the Olympic Training Center has said, "Forget technology. It comes down to how much you want it. If you're in the middle of nowhere, with nothing, you are going to find your way out. You will find a way to become a champion." The incline is a lot like life, love, your desires, and dreams -- Everyday you start out on the trek, there’s new elements to navigate, new challenges, new accomplishments waiting for you at the top. Don’t stop. It comes down to how much you desire it, when you’re in the middle of nowhere, with nothing, you find your way to becoming a champion. CAP Facebook.com, twitter.com/chrisaperez

Saturday

"As One"

“As One” Pace Line Riding is when two or more riders travel in a very tight group in the draft of the rider(s) in front of you. Leader of the pace line, create a draft for others. The draft envelope behind a single bicycle can be about six feet long and even more behind a tandem. The closer your front wheel is to the rear wheel of the rider ahead of you, the stronger the draft. Riding in a pace line draft can save 20 to 30% of your energy output. This energy savings is what allows the pace line group to travel at higher speeds. However, if you’re going to ride in a pace line, one of the essential rules is never suddenly slow down or attempt a quit stop! I’m sure you can guess what might happen if someone suddenly stops in a pace line. The lead cyclist expends almost twice as much energy as his teammates by cutting through the air. This effort creates a slipstream that literally drags the rest of the team along in what is known as drafting. It’s not unlike the way the lead duck flies at the apex of a flock of migrating ducks. When the lead cyclist is finally exhausted by his efforts, he falls to the back of the pace line to recover and is replaced by someone else on the team, who continues to push and drive the others with all his might. During the Tour de France, you might have noticed just how closely the members of each cycling team ride together. Each stage, depending upon the team strategy, different teammates may be called upon to get the yellow jersey, and have their time in the spotlight on stage. Together, the members of a cycling team create and sustain speeds unimaginable for an individual cyclist. In fact, a breakaway rider who is even 10 minutes or more ahead in the race can be caught easily by a strong team using this pace-line concept. Lance Armstrong is one of the greatest athletes of our era, but that does not explain how he won an unprecedented number of Tour de France championships. The secret to Lance Armstrong’s success was his ability to form, lead, and be supported by the best team. As a group, Armstrong’s team stuck to its pace line with a discipline that no other team showed, exhausted all who tried to keep up with their blistering pace, and chased down and passed any rivals who dared to launch a challenge. We're all in Pace Lines at work, in our family, and when building our businesses. I hope you can find application for the principles below, as I have, and create or cultivate an "as one" team. Pace Line Principles: 1. The Leader expends twice as much energy as his teammates to make it easier for those racing with him/or her. 2. The Leader (a.k.a., The Puller) creates a “draft envelope” or a pull for the rest of the team. 3. When any member of the pace line slows too much it could prove disastrous for the team. 4. Together, “as one” a team can create and sustain accomplishments unimaginable for an individual alone. 5. Leaders get tired too and may need a teammate to step up so they are pulled by their draft at times. 6. Every teammate is a leader of the teammate behind them. 7. Depending on the stage of the race, it may be your opportunity to stand on stage and have the spotlight. CAP Facebook.com, twitter.com/chrisaperz