Notes, thoughts.

Opinion: The Rollercoaster

Earlier this week, I had one of those days. Was in nice and early to put the finishing touches on a presentation. Three options for a rebranding job, all looking pretty as a picture and ready to go. Quick review with my boss, his input and final touches, done and dusted. We had our Monday morning studio WIP, everything seemingly under control.

Had a few last minute tweaks after the WIP, the usual stress out of trying to print the presentation so we’re ready to go, grabbed the laptop, made sure it was charged, copy over a presentation PDF. I then had the unusual treat of riding on the back of my boss’ scooter - we made quite the sight.

Presentation went well - I hit all my key points and the clients were well chuffed. Great job guys, back pats all round, back to the office feeling great.

Then the call came. Another, completely different job we had pitched on, hadn’t come our way. Gutted. Furious. Annoyed. Why? Well who won it? Is it confirmed? The questions were swirling round. The disappointment was overwhelming. My boss waited till the end of the day to tell me, and with good reason - I was useless after receiving the news. Deflated, wounded, unproductive - I just couldn’t focus. I went up and apologized to the boss, but it was a feeble gesture - we both knew we’d done everything, worked the long hours, put in all we could. I had nothing to apologize for - it was just one of those things.

My, what a roller-coaster this game can be. And a game, it is. There’s times when your luck is running hot, you’re in top form and can do no wrong. But there are other days when no matter what you try, you just keep getting whacked in the face by garden rakes (hilariously in german and black and white).

The only lesson here I guess is you can’t control everything - even the best have off days, I guess it’s not the mark of a champion that he (or she) never gets knocked down - it’s how quickly they pick themselves up and get back in the game.