In the first blog post on The Pendulum, I related several instances of where peaks and valleys affect macro issues. Things like the stock market, the credit market and global technology shifts. But it is instructive to note that these types of patterns happen on a micro level as well.
We are all aware of the passing of time. Even our bodies follow these rhythms. Ever notice how some people are morning people and others are night owls. It is due to the levels of hormones in our bodies that rise and fall, much like the pendulum. You can perform better if you understand your particular body rhythm and try to plan your most intensive work when your body is most ready to support it. I know that it is not totally realistic to expect your boss to understand that you are a night person when you are required to show up at 7:30 am, but you can make the effort to make the best use of your most intensive work times.
On a little grander scale, even in the Bible, Joseph told of the story of the Pendulum.
And, behold, there came up out of the River seven cows, handsome and fat of flesh and they fed in the reed grass. And, behold, seven other cows came up after them out of the River, ugly and lean of flesh and stood by the other cows upon the bank of the River. And the ugly and lean cows ate up the seven handsome and fat cows. (Genesis 41:1-4)
Seven years of plenty and then seven years of famine. Sounds like a familiar theme. Joseph’s advice to Pharoh was to save while times are good, in order to cushion the blows when times are not so favorable. Good advice for us all.
I think overall the key is to understand that the pendulum swings are a normal part of living in our world. How we can plan to weather the storms or enjoy the plenty, understanding that the status quo is not stable is key to our getting the best out of our lives.
This whole topic has brought to mind a saying that my daughter has introduced me to: However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
Be ready and take charge of your reaction to the change.