There are clear correlations between community support, individual motivation, and goal progress
Over the last couple of weeks, reading through all the end-of-year wrap ups and New Year's Resolutions, I've noticed that a lot of folks are focusing on more simple goals for this year:
Make more time for self
Spend more time with friends/family
Find joy on the bike/do more "fun" rides
Stay active/fit/healthy (doing various activities)
Keep the motivation alive throughout the year
I have similar goals for myself. Focusing on mental health, relationships, and personal intentions are all extremely important. The question is: How do we make sure we are able to follow through with these goals and resolutions beyond January, February, March, to the end of the year?
"Studies have shown a clear link between community support and individual motivation and goal progress. Research conducted by Stanford University found that individuals who belong to a strong community are 76% more likely to achieve their goals compared to those who lack a supportive community. This is due to the emotional and practical support that community members provide, which can help individuals stay motivated and persevere through challenges. Additionally, a survey conducted by the University of Pennsylvania revealed that 85% of participants reported that being part of a supportive community positively impacted their motivation levels" (Vorecol).
Community is important for all of us. We need to have other people in our lives who encourage us, believe in us, and hold us accountable. Sometimes this can feel scary and overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be something negative. Let's try not to think of accountability as an expectation that if not attained means we have failed. Instead, we should share our goals and intentions with our community so that we can allow others the opportunity to encourage and support us.
One of the things we often mention when we talk about Dirty Kitten is community. We strive to foster an open, inclusive, and diverse community at our events. We work hard at this and talk with our staff/volunteers about wanting all who attend a DK event to feel comfortable and included. It's hard. We know that we can't please everyone, but we want to try. We believe that having a positive community is important to all of our successes. As the old adage goes: "When one of us succeeds, we all succeed."
As we forge ahead into 2025, remember that you have a fun, silly, somewhat weird, slightly cat-obsessed cycling community supporting you (along with your many other communities - family, friends, colleagues, etc). The cool thing about DKWTS is that you can try new things and not have to worry about being negatively judged (except for Snowy, she judges everyone!). So go on that new bike ride you've been considering, experiment with Zwift, get on a bike trainer, put on a leopard print shirt, try a new activity, start a new hobby, chat on Discord, post something on social media, share a photo, talk about your weekend, and make new friends.
Congrats on making it through the first 2 weeks of DKWTS!!!! We're glad you're here.
-Alex, Head Cat Wrangler
Dirty Kitten Community Guidelines
Dirty Kitten Productions is dedicated to providing fun, safe, and inclusive events for ALL riders. We will NOT tolerate any hateful, disrespectful, or inappropriate language/actions at our events. We reserve the right to ask someone to leave if they are unable to meet this expectation.
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