Spring in Texas
Spring is a great time for cyclist. The days get longer and the weather gets warmer so we can ride more. The one down side about spring is that it often brings strong winds. Most cyclists would rather ride up a mountain pass than spend any significant time riding into the wind. I don’t know if it is the relentlessness of the wind or the inability to brag to someone about the hill you climbed, or the fact that you can’t ride around it, there is something we hate about riding into the wind.
Makes you stronger
A job search is a lot like riding into the wind. It is hard work. You often have nothing to show for it beyond just getting through the day and nobody likes doing it. When riding into the wind there is no short cut to your destination. You have to put in the effort if you are going to reach your turn around point. The harder you work, the sooner you get there. There is no substitute.
The thing is that there is always wind. Some days it is stronger than others or maybe from a better direction depending on your route. In a job search there will be days when you think that every one is working against you, the economy, people who won’t call you back or rejection from those who do. These all feel like you are riding into the wind.
Heading for Home
The funny thing about the wind is when you get to the half way point of your ride you get to turn around and guess where the wind is? It’s at your back. You feel the road moving past you, faster and faster. Your legs feel stronger with each turn of the pedals. Suddenly the wind is your friend and you are speeding to your destination and its not just because the wind is at your back. It is because all of the hard work that you did into the wind made you stronger, more confident that you could ride well no matter how hard the wind is blowing.
Remember, the next time you feel like you are riding into the wind, when you have worked hard eventually the wind will be at your back and you can cruise home.