| Last Sunday I stood on a bluff in Santa Monica | | | | sails flap, noisy and seemingly out of control. It |
| overlooking the ocean. A dozen sailboats spread | | | | can be a frightening moment of indecision and |
| across the horizon, enjoying a beautiful Southern | | | | doubt. In that moment you decide the next turn. |
| California day. | | | | It may be the moment you decide whether to |
| Although it's been years since I sailed, it's | | | | leave a marriage, or start a new business, or |
| something you don't forget. Each sailing trip is | | | | move to a new community. There is no right |
| unique. One time I floated along, almost dozing, as | | | | answer. |
| the boat lapped through the water. Another trip, I | | | | The only danger is stopping in the middle. You |
| negotiated 20 foot waves for hours to keep the | | | | must move forward and fill your sails. The lull of |
| boat upright. Even when you check the weather | | | | self-doubt is natural. Welcome it as a sign that |
| in advance there are no guarantees for smooth | | | | you are changing. Welcome it as the progress |
| sailing. | | | | that it truly demonstrates. And move on. |
| Life is like that too. Unpredictable. Buffeted by the | | | | Self-doubt happens when you are changing, keep |
| changing winds of circumstance, we are all | | | | moving. |
| captains of our own ship. I offer a few things I | | | | If you persist you'll get there. The timing isn't up |
| have learned from sailing as ways to cross your | | | | to you. Winds and waves have their own rhythm. |
| own outrageous sea. | | | | You can steer and set the sails. Then be patient |
| You set the course, no matter which way the | | | | and enjoy the ride. Keep your eye on the |
| wind blows. Sailing is an art - feeling the pulse of | | | | compass and move toward your goal. |
| the wind, setting the sails to capture the gusts | | | | You will reach your goals, at exactly the right |
| and move the boat forward. It is your | | | | time for you. |
| determination and direction that takes you | | | | When the wind is pushing you forward, enjoy. |
| forward. The very force of the wind against you | | | | Then, to sail beyond your wildest imagination - |
| drives you to your goal. Navigating your business | | | | make the extra effort to put up your spinnaker. |
| plan may be no less challenging. Successful people | | | | When you have been grinding hard to move |
| feel the pull of their heart and the whispers of | | | | upwind, it is natural to take it easy and relax |
| intuition. | | | | when the wind is behind you. It takes a little extra |
| You set your own course. | | | | effort to pull out the spinnaker. Yet it you have |
| It's rare that you move in a straight line. Be willing | | | | ever seen a boat being pulled along by the half |
| to change course frequently. Life is just like that - | | | | balloon at its bow, you can understand the sheer |
| port and then starboard, and back again. Keep a | | | | exuberance of a winner. Take the extra step. |
| taut sail, but be willing to change direction. Be | | | | Celebrate at the top of your game, rejoice and |
| aware of the horizon and your goals at all times. | | | | dance through the waves, spinnaker flying. |
| Otherwise the changing winds and tides can | | | | Step back from the daily grind and feel the wind |
| confuse you. | | | | in your face. Look up and keep your goals in sight. |
| Expect change and adjust. | | | | You are the captain of your ship. Glad to come |
| Be careful of the lull. As you tack from one side | | | | aboard and share the journey! |
| to another there is a momentary place where the | | | | |