Jan
Ballast. The weight that rights your boat when it gets knocked over.
Ballast is great. It prevents capsizing. Snaps the boat back upright after something knocks it down. Did you ever have a Weeble toy? Ballast.
Want the physics? Ballast is weight as deep and low in the hull of the ship as possible and exerts a “righting arm” of leverage to keep the ship upright. In a knock-down, ballast pulls the top of the boat right back up above water. Excellent.
But too much ballast can be a disaster. When the boat gets knocked over, water floods in and adds to the ballast weight. The now over-ballasted boat rides lower in the water and slower. It also becomes much easier to tip. So ballast needs to be rearranged and reduced after a knock-down, usually by pumping out any water that flooded aboard.
So, my personal ballast gets me thru stuff. But then it has to be discharged so it won’t slow me down. And that’s what my new years re-gearing has been, pumping off the excess to build up speed and get underway. So I can start sailing — really sailing — again.
Ironically, I formulated this entire post *before* we learned that my husband was laid off today. I even have some drawing board sketches, trying to make it a cartoon post early this morning. (These will never see the light of day as, alas, I am not Hugh.) But as to this new development, well… Fortunately the pumps have been hard at work and we’re in fine trim. The ballast is doing its job. On we sail.
I’m a big fan of layoffs, as they always seem to lead to something better.
“Failure” is important in all human endeavors. How do you right yourself, pump and sail on? What do you rely upon? What can you call on for ballast when you’re presenting? Making any kind of communications?
UPDATE (1/23): Anand accepted a new job at www.wegohealth.com yesterday. We were very, very lucky this time. More than that, we were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from my professional network here, on Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. My first social media birthday was astonishing on Monday, the number of folks who reached out, but our first social media layoff was even more moving. Thank you all. For all of it.
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I laughed as I read your line, “I’m a big fan of layoff..” but you are righ, every time it has happened to me, it has been a springboard to better opportunaties. All the best to your husband!
Sorry to hear about the layoff. I love your attitude about things. Yes. dropping ballast helps. Sometimes you need a few things to keep you in balance, but that too must pass.
For me the ballast is sometimes more dining out. Sometimes it a rash of book reading or movies. Other times, it’s trimming the fat.
Best wishes. And does your husband do handi-work? I could put him to work today.
What a great metaphor. I love it! (It also makes me miss sailing …)
I hope a better door opens for your husband. Your attitude is inspiring.
As for me, I ran aground for some time, but I’m working rebuilding that ballast in my life right now. At this moment, yoga is providing me with much strength.
Not to sink your great post with additional sailing metaphors… but… just as at sea, in business (as in life) the winds are always shifting and changing… adjusting course along the way is required, natural, and often leads to a better, more exciting journey. Change is good. Opportunity abounds. Plenty of fair winds and smooth sailing ahead. Ready to come about?
I’ve found that no matter if the weather is fair or foul, I’ve found going with the flow is best, navigating the rocks, riding the waves, holding tight, digging deeper, and paddling harder when you hit the rapids, is the only way through. As to whom I lean on, I’ve learned to lean on God. Ever since I’ve let Him take the lead in my life my adventures have never been better, even when I’m scared and in disbelief or haven’t had enough faith in Him, He’s never lost faith in me and he’s never let me down nor has he ever been late.
I was referred to this entry from scobleizer. I’m really inspired by your article.
Good luck, and hang in there. Your ballast seems just right.
Nice entry! Great point! When the division I helped create was sold to a firm out of state, I was out of work soon after. In my job search blog for CIO Magazine (http://advice.cio.com/blogs/cio_job_search_a_real_life_chronicle), one of the very first entries was called “Soul Searching” and discussed how to keep yourself balanced and focused in the right direction.
Keep up the good work!
Mark Cummuta