The Tempest Will Pass
February 18, 2009
Hopper's Lee Shore
“He that will not sail till all dangers are over must never put to sea.”
— Thomas Fuller
What a stupid time to try and run a business that depends exclusively on disposable income and loose corporate budgets. But that, of course, is what Gale Force Sailing is all about. I am in the joy business for most of my clients and in the amorphous ancillary benefit business for the rest.
Reading today’s Washington Post I was struck by the headline (front page and above the fold) Swift, Steep Downturn Crosses Globe, apparently we are all screwed. And then with a half chuckle I was reminded of my favorite Onion headline – and it occurs to me that it will all be OK.
I know that quoting dead white people is frowned upon but some of them said, or stole, some pretty good statements that buoy a guy’s spirit on a grey midwinter’s day when sailing is out of the question and naval gazing leads to the gin house. In thinking about how to proceed in 2009, build my business and pay my rent I am reminded of the often attributed quote, “At sea, I learned how little a person needs, not how much.” When I think about how hopeless my next phone call to a corporation or law firm with my cheery team building sales pitch is I think of Isak Dinesen’s charge that “The cure for anything is saltwater – sweat, tears, or the sea.” and if I ever think of hanging up, sending out my resume and working for someone, anyone, again I just mouth Eugene O’Neill’s warning: “The sea hates a coward.”
So on I go. And I hope you do too. There is a lot of work to be done, and some sailing too. Let’s find a little joy this season and wait for this storm to blow over. Don’t batten down your hatches, heave to, and wait. Stand your watch, steer your course, and keep your boat moving.
I’ll see you on the water.
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I am the owner of Gale Force Sailing and write about all things related to coaching, instruction and team building. contact me>>
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