Anyone who’s been around me for any length of time knows that I’m a fan of bikes with big engines. But today, I am giving props to the human-powered variety – specifically the kind manned by Danny MacAskill, a rider for Inspired Bicycles. He’s one of the latest and greatest examples I’ve found of someone striving to stand out – and he’s inspired a few lessons worth following.

Lesson #1: If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.

I am so glad that they didn’t cut out the first minute of the following video. As amazing as Danny is, he didn’t get there overnight. Neither will you, whatever you choose to do. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and be ready to go at it from a different angle. 

Lesson #2: Surround yourself with talented people.

No matter how good you are, you’re always going to look better when you include other talented individuals in your project. Kudos to Dave Sowerby for the stellar way he filmed and highlighted what Danny does so incredibly.

Lesson #3: Like what you do, and do what you like.

When you put your time and energy into what you’re passionate about, success comes easier and what you do feels less like work. According to Wikipedia, MacAskill quit his job as a mechanic and has spent 12 years perfecting what he likes to do.

Lesson #4: Take risks.

I would never be telling you guys to watch this video if MacAskill always played it safe. There would be nothing to see. Whether your goal is great love, great change or great success, you need to be willing to take great risk. This is how new and different things are invented.