Surrounded by the most astonishing mountains of the Cederberg region, I am sitting under the shade of a small tree and trying to compile my thoughts for the words you are reading. Next to me is the tent of a world-renowned cyclist from Pakistan who has travelled the lengths of North and South America, Asia, Europe and now from the top of Africa, ending his journey here at the tip of Africa. He is asleep in his tiny red tent, his humble abode. His cycle, which has done thousands of kilometres, stares at me as I write.

I am currently reading a book called High-Performance Habits. I have re-read its first three chapters a few times already, and I have learned so much about high performers. I recommend you read it, too. Kamran, my cyclist friend, is indeed a high performer, as he fits the qualities described in the book. I will only talk about the first habit today, which is about “seeking clarity.”

The book asks, if you were to define your future self using only three words, what would those words be? I thought about it and wrote down “knowledgeable,” “influential,” and “healthier.” It would be best if you didn’t confuse influential with influencer; that is all I would say. Since my chats with Kamran, I have replaced “influential” with “experienced.”

• I want to be more knowledgeable and grow as a human being by practising what I have learned.

• I want to be more experienced in storytelling through films, photography and newsletters.

• I want to be healthier so that I can lead a happy and content life.

Yes, I know these are not measurable parameters, and I will tweak them as I move forward. All of the above, for now, are aligned with my vision of building a community and growing as a human being. I want you to sit down for a few minutes and seek clarity. What do you want to be? What is the future of you? Pick any three definitions and write them down. Remember these words daily before you plan your day or do anything. Ask yourself, “You want to be healthier, right? So why are you choosing the couch instead of a walk?”. “Or a cupcake over a healthier option”.

My mind is packed with what I have learned from Kamran in the last three days. I will share that with you another day. Coming here and camping for three nights wasn’t part of my plan, but I am so glad that I followed my heart and came to meet him. I have made mental notes and can’t wait to compile them in my diary when I return home tomorrow. Kamran has total clarity about what he wants to do, what he wants to be and how he should conduct himself. He is extremely humble, down to earth and full of passion and energy. He has given me a new perspective on life, and I will indeed be implementing strategies in my life based on his input. I am glad my paths crossed with a person whose home is a tent, who lives on the roads behind a bush or a giant rock and cooks in a small pan with a small spoon that is very dear to him.

 I hope I have given you food for thought. I insist that you find him on Instagram and YouTube @KamranOnBike.

Kind regards

Muji