Stop pedaling on the downhill.

Recovered, you'll be ready for the next climb.

Knowledge work is like a hill. (Stop me if you've heard this before.) There is a rhythmic cadence of figuring it out, and making it happen. "Plan the work, work the plan."

When I think of hills, I think of riding a bike over them. (What did you think I was going to say?). Cyclists love to hate hills; I just love them.

I wrote myself a post-it note on Monday: "Stop pedaling on the downhill."

When racing a bike, there's a distinct advantage to accelerating over the top of a climb into the descent, maximizing your speed in a moment where others are tired and want to rest. Yet after accelerating over the top, there is a moment to stop pedaling.

When you've reached maximum speed, pedaling will stop having its desired effect of making you faster. The motion will decrease your aerodynamics and may risk instability, especially on corners. This is not a time to relax. 50+mph on 28mm tires is by no means easy.

With your attention fully tuned, this will afford a moment of rest for your legs. Recovered, you'll be ready for the next hill.

To stop pedaling on the downhill of knowledge work to take a break from strategizing and planning. Stop thinking ahead. Do the work. Execute on your plan.

It's important to recognize which side of the hill you are on and to apply the appropriate mindset, technique and muscles.

This week is a "downhill" week for me. Speed is extraordinarily high and there are many corners to navigate. It is my goal to be present and savor the completion of work. Planning will resume soon enough.

The next hill is coming up.

—Phil

ps. It's Wednesday, I know. I procrastinated and lost my opportunity to edit this post before publishing on time. I'll do better next week.