Life! Steer
it like sailing!
Sailing and steering a boat is an excellent
analogy with living and managing life. Here is a brief explanation of how the
concepts of winds, currents and navigation can be applied to navigate life and
take advantage of the conditions we encounter.
Set a destination:
Just as navigators have a destination in mind
when they set out, it's important to have goals and aspirations in life. Define
what you want to achieve and where you want to go, as this provides direction
and purpose. It never hurts to remember Seneca's maxim – “whoever does not know
the port he seeks will never find favorable winds and ends up wandering as the
wind takes him”.
Understanding the winds:
The winds can be unpredictable and
are constantly changing, as are the circumstances and opportunities we
encounter in life. Observing and understanding the winds around us is
identifying the external factors that condition our path. Likewise, being aware
of external influences and the people we surround ourselves with, who can also
be unpredictable, and others who appear by surprise, lead us to be cautious or
take advantage of opportunities or avoid disappointments.
Adjust sails:
To sail effectively, we must adjust the sails
to better harness the power of the wind. Likewise, in life, adaptability is
crucial. Being flexible and being willing to adjust plans and strategies when
necessary is imperative. Accept the change and use it to your advantage. As a
rule, a boat has a life of its own in the face of the winds, turning the bow
towards the wind line, if we do nothing, it can tilt steeply until it stops
sailing when it is aligned with the wind. We call it luffing. Lightening the
sail when it is too tacked is called bearing off. What is certain is that we
cannot let the boat runaway having to systematically luff or bearing off
adjusting the sails, just as in our life, we must continually loosen or tack
the sails and not let them run away. Let us always remember that on sailing, as
in any business or profession, we cannot always take the direction we want or
would like, but rather run with the winds or steer in a Z, to reach our
destination safely.
Understanding currents:
Currents can help or hinder a boat's
progress. Likewise, life presents various currents such as trends, social
norms, and cultural influences. Understand the currents around you and decide
whether to flow with them or chart your own course. Use the currents to propel
you where you want to go instead of being dragged along by them. Always
remember that it is hard to overcome the currents and that you often must
navigate obliquely to go straight. Facing demons, enormous obstacles or storms,
or large enemies head-on is something for poets, not navigators.
Seizing Opportunities:
Sailing requires taking advantage of the right opportunities. When favorable winds and currents arise, experienced sailors take the opportunity to make significant progress. In life and in your profession, recognize and take advantage of opportunities that align with your goals and values. Be prepared to take calculated risks and step out of your comfort zone whenever necessary. And be prepared to wait patiently for the winds and currents to change.
Going against the wind and current is a waste of time and energy.
Patience and resilience:
Navigating life or a boat requires
patience and resilience, especially in adverse conditions. In life, there will
always be challenges and setbacks. Cultivate resilience to bounce back from
failures and setbacks, and exercise patience in times of uncertainty. Remember
that storms eventually pass, and calm waters are ahead. And remember that no
bonanza lasts forever. Adopt the stoic maxims Amor Fati and Premeditatio
Malorum. Amor fati translates as “love for destiny”, and teaches
us not to complain about what happens, but to accept challenges with courage
and determination. The Premeditatio Malorum is the “premeditation of
evils”, a stoic exercise in imagining what can go wrong or that can be taken
away from us. So that we are never taken by surprise. For this very reason,
every navigator prepares the boat before leaving for the sea, anticipating everything
he may need.
Enjoy the journey:
Navigating
is not just about getting to your destination; as the Spaniard Antonio Machado
Ruiz once taught us “el camino se hace caminando” (the path is made by walking),
is also about enjoying the journey. The Mozambican Mia Couto also expresses
this idea by stating that “it is not the destination that counts, but the
path”. Likewise, in life, focus on the present moment and find joy in the
experiences along the way. Appreciate the beauty, learn from the challenges,
and value the relationships and experiences you build. By relating the
principles of navigation to life, we can gain insights into how to navigate our
journey. Embrace the winds and currents, adjust the sails, and make the most of
the conditions you encounter, heading towards a fulfilling and purposeful life.
@SkipperPedro
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