The Experience That Changed My Life

I often think back to a certain experience that changed my life. Reflecting on how that experience molded my perceptions and motivation. I have no doubt that if it weren’t for this wake up call, life would be much different for me today.

I want to share this experience with you because it was the fuel for this blog and to re-invent my life. 

The Asphalt Seminole Experience

 Backdrop

This is a deeply personal story that I hope impacts you in a positive way. Before I tell you what happened it is important that you know what was happening in my life prior to this event.

Back in the fall of 2009 I was disgruntled and jaded. Life wasn’t working out like I thought it would.

I’m sure no one else has felt like that...

My marriage was not going well, financially we were stretched, I was often away from home on work trips, my relationship with my son and other family was deteriorating.

To top it all off, I was turning into an alcoholic and the only part of my life I felt good about was my work. I prided myself on being able to solve complicated problems quickly.

I had always planned on being a successful equities investor, work from home, and establish a strong business and live happily ever after.

None of that had happened and I was beginning to think it never would.

With that said, let me share the experience that pushed me out of my "zone" and sparked the energy and focus I now enjoy. I named my experience after the ship I was sent to service:

Asphalt Seminole

It was December 19^th 2009, I had driven to Savannah, Georgia to meet a ship and repair a few problems they had with their Cargo Monitoring System.

One of the repairs needed was to replace the older cargo monitor PC with a new pc. I had estimated I would need 2 maybe 3 hours to do this successfully with software setup and all.

The foreign crew gave me 1 hour as they had just finished properly ballasting the ship. They were loading hot Asphalt into the cargo tanks and needed the computer system back online ASAP.

Foreign ships use 220 volt outlets for everything. I had an adapter that I used for my laptop, which can handle different voltages. I got in a hurry and used it for the new pc.

All I remember was the instant I plugged in the new PC I heard a POW!

Smoke began to pour out from the computer; I remember the whole room smelled of burnt electrons and the Chief Officer giving me a “What the hell?” look.

That wasn’t even the worst part! The old PC was still plugged in to the same power strip and it just cut off. I tried frantically to restart the old PC, plug it into other outlets…anything just to get back to square one!

Nothing worked, now we were loading the ship blind and it was my fault. I felt like I had just sunk the ship.

By this time the Romanian Captain walked in; let’s just say he let me know what he thought of me…

Panic began to set in. I could feel the muscles in my face tighten and my mind raced for a solution; do I give the crew my work laptop so they get through the load? Am I going to lose my job over this, etc...?

Meanwhile the Captain was informing me that my employer would be responsible for any delays, to the tune of $20,000 a day. He and various crew members began yelling in a different language.

I had to get out of that room for a few minutes and regroup. I walked outside and tried to call my boss. I didn’t notice before, but it was around midnight; I was on my own and this thing wasn’t going to fix itself.

I started checking the outlets in the control room to see if they were still working, and discovered the main outlet the old pc was on wasn’t hot.

We got the ships electrician to come in and help. He discovered a blown fuse that was actually in the receptacle… swapped a new fuse in and Presto! The old pc came on and ran like nothing had happened…whew!

Words can’t describe the relief I felt in that moment. Fear had swelled in my mind and now that pressure was released.

 I nursed my wounded pride and finished the other work that was needed. I left the vessel in the early hours of the morning and drove to the hotel.

Unable to sleep, I decided to write my boss an email explaining what had happened hoping for leniency. Finally I calmed down enough to get some rest.

The Drive Home

 On the drive home I was definitely emotional. I was disgusted with myself. I had about 8 hours to contemplate my life, the decisions I’ve made, and the effort I put in.

I was fed up with not living at my potential, not being the husband and father I set out to be. That immense amount of frustration is what pushed me to look for answers.

I embraced a new conviction; I would never again let myself go like I had. I was determined to change; I decided to live life at another level.

The commitments I made that day were forged into my psyche. I re-dedicated myself to my family, and really get clear about what outcomes I wanted.

Nearly two years later I still push myself with a new level of passion, it has made all the difference.

I have learned until you get to a certain level of dissatisfaction, you won’t make a lasting and meaningful change to your life. It’s so simple, why didn’t I see this before? Regardless, I am glad to have snapped out of it, even if I needed a little nudge.

AGRX4YQKWW8N