Changing course

As many of you know, I am a sailor.  My ability to reach a destination is dependent upon what the wind is doing.  Direction, velocity and consistency of wind determines how quickly I can reach my goal.

Non-sailors often get frustrated on board a sail boat, especially if they are accustomed to using a powerboat to go directly to their desired destination.  Take a look at the diagram:

Say your goal is to reach a place right where the word "wind" is.   If you try to sail directly into the wind you will be in a situation called "irons".  The sails flap wildly, you stall in the waves and may eventually be driven backwards.  So you need to turn back and forth (tack) sometimes sailing away from the goal.  (This is what frustrates power boaters!)

You will eventually get there but it takes time, patience and depending upon the velocity of the wind, no small amount of skill. In high winds, it is wisest, sometimes, to set aside the goal and wait for another day.

Reflection:

What are some of your goals?  How does the wind of opportunity work with you?  How do you know when you need to change course?  Are there some circumstances where you have resisted changing?  What happened then?