Swan

Early in my career, a mentor explained the swan concept to me. 

Swans seem to glide effortlessly around the lakes they call home. They move in an easy, almost nonchalant way. But while their bodies might appear relaxed, underneath the surface, their legs thrash, propelling them toward wherever they’re headed. 

That, my mentor told me, is how you should approach your career. On the surface, it should look like you’re cruising along without breaking a sweat. But under that facade, you’re grinding, putting in the reps that get you where you want to be. No matter how stressed you are about a big project that’s going over budget or totally messing up some client deliverable, you should appear unflappable to everyone watching. 

It goes without saying that this isn’t easy. But the results tend to be worth it. 

You project competence. People think “we should promote that guy/gal – this job is too easy for them”, and you gradually work your way up whatever ladder you’re trying to climb. 

Floating

But before you start furiously paddling you need to know there are downsides. Take it from me: I’ve spent the first 8 or 9 years of my career swanning away furiously. 

I lived the entirety of my 20s in a hurry. I have not taken enough vacations. I have lost sleep because I messed something up and couldn’t stop thinking about it. I am largely incapable of asking for help with anything, because, well I got this – I’m a swan.

A swan is naturally buoyant. You and I are not. It’s not easy, or realistic, for anyone to effortlessly glide through life without pause. You will have to swim against the current and ride out rough seasons. Sometimes, it’s all you can do to stay afloat – even if you don’t look particularly graceful doing it. 

FlocK

Let’s extend the swan metaphor and offer a new, refreshed version. 

Swans, according to my 30 seconds of research, tend to stick with their mates for life. They move as a family unit, often returning to the same nesting areas every year. The swan is seen as a symbol of love and fidelity. If you’re a swan, you know the other swans have your back. 

Swans do not swan alone, and neither should you (or I). 

I am very fortunate to have a fantastic partner, strong relationships with my family, and a solid group of friends who all act as a solid sounding board. I work for a great boss and have a talented team that I respect very much. 

All of this makes it far easier to swan. Having people to ask for advice, to be vulnerable with, and to share the imaginary weight you put on your shoulders makes this swan thing a lot more sustainable. 

When this mentor explained the swan concept to me, they neglected to explain that part of it, and so here I am, explaining it to you. 

So, be a swan – it does get you ahead. Work hard, put in the reps to get great, and project calmness. But find something that helps you slow down: your family, friends, a hobby. Ask for help when you need it. Take a week off work every so often. Life is too precious for you to rush through it all. 

Side note: I do not like swans. At all. One charged me when I was a kid. To be fair to the swan, I was trying to throw chunks of bread into the small of its back like it was a basketball hoop, so I probably deserved it.