Condition Check
The winds were headed easterly but my triangulation indicated gusts under 10mph. Turns out it would be great weather for a launch. I had been dreaming of this day for over two months.
Somehow I had gotten the idea that I wanted to launch a model rocket, having never done it during my school days. And if middle schoolers were able to accomplish this, surely this ole bird could figure it out. It also felt like an appropriate symbolic gesture to represent launching into a new era of personal development. The opportunity to light something on fire and shoot it hundreds of feet in the air is just an exciting bonus.Β Y’all, I love lighting things on fire. π₯
Supply Run
I convinced hubs to accompany me to the local hobby shop, Hangar 18. What we found inside was a wonder – not only did they carry rockets, engines and the like, but also a spectacular selection of model cars, RC vehicles, manga-style mechs, and also a room dedicated to playing and setting up various D&D type games. This really was nerd central.

I picked out my rocket, mini Bertha, and the appropriate engines, and we made our way home. Only to discover that we had everything we needed except the launch pad. Some more procurement, and all we had to do was assemble the rocket (easy, since this was a snap together model) and choose an appropriate spot.



I figured the cul-de-sac would be a good spot, and within view of numerous boys between the ages of 2 and 10. However, my more cautious co-pilot convinced me that our maiden voyage should be at a park with some big fields.
Launch day
So, on a bright and cloudless Sunday, we packed my cardboard box of rocketry supplies into the car and headed to our nearby baseball field. I set out the launch pad, extended the little electrical cord that attaches to the launch button. Yeah there’s a launch button! This is not some match lighting bush league stuff! I packed the rocket, inserting the engine and starter, clipping it to the launch apparatus. I said apparatus! I am almost officially a rocket scientist now.
5, 4, 3, 2, 1β¦β¦. Pssshshhhhhhhhhhhhhhttt
Success! Bertha took to the skies in a gorgeous straight line, and went so far up we could no longer see her until she started falling after some time, given away by the fluorescent streamer attached to the rocket pieces, to help with recovery. The streamer also slows down the descent so that you could catch it in your hands as it falls down, if you want.

In our giddiness we decided to launch her a few more times, until we were out of engines. By the time we finished up we had a little crowd of kids lined up at the fence,Β watching the proceedings.
Now that I am a rocket scientist, I’m happy to share some advice. Would you like to launch something of your own?
Get Curious
Often the silliest adventures help inspire me in other parts of my life, or make interesting connections. If you get a kooky idea, see if you can make it happen. This is a lesson I’ve learned from the Artist’s Way.
Start with a little “w”
Sometimes we just need a win! One thing I love from my time spent in the software world, is the concept of an MVP. You don’t need to wait until a plan is perfect to get started. Just start with the minimal viable product – you can always iterate or go bigger later. Don’t underestimate the power of a small win early on.
Launch team
Yes, you’ve gotta get off your booty and get things started. But it helps to have some crew with different strengths around. I personally am a connector and love nothing more than sitting with some smart people and brainstorming ideas together.
Collective Intelligence: Pooling diverse perspectives and skills can lead to more innovative solutions and better decision-making. I normally have 1,000 ideas but have trouble deciding which ones to move forward with. The people around me with different strengths and practical knowledge help reel me in sometimes.
Accountability: Like the tremendous energy required to propel a rocket, collaborative efforts can provide the momentum needed to overcome initial resistance. I have a coach and a girl squad to help keep me on track.
Risk Management: Working together allows for better identification and mitigation of potential challenges. My responsible co-pilot foresaw some potential issues – risk of lighting a neighbor’s house on fire – and diverted us to the test field for launch.
Check Conditions: Just as rocket launches require specific weather conditions, new beginnings benefit from the right environment. Not every baby is ready to introduced to the world. Sometimes we just need to hold her close and work out the kinks before we show others.
Launching Your Transformative Year
As you prepare to launch into the new year:
- Embrace the spirit of exploration and be open to new discoveries and adventures.
- Start small and just get something off the ground, to get yourself some momentum and some success.
- Ensure the conditions are right for your launch, both internally and in your environment.
- Seek the right launch crew, to amplify your efforts and increase your chances of success.
Resources
- An article by Alice Boyes, Ph.D. on the Overthinker’s Paradox, which led me to her book Stress Free Productivity: A Personalized Toolkit to Become Your Most Efficient and Creative Self
- A YouTuber with better film skills than I shows you the process of launching a rocket.
- High quality audio/video of a shuttle launch, for those who want to watch and immerse yourself in the rocket launch experience, from Houston.