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I heard this story several years ago…. and a discussion with a client yesterday reminded me of its importance.
A young sailor had been traveling for many days on the open ocean. He had the night watch so literally — for over two weeks, he saw nothing.
Finally, the vastness overwhelmed him and he asked his Captain, "how do you know where to head, when darkness is all around you?"
The wise Captain pointed his finger towards the sky and said “Fools watch the waves and make decisions according to ever-changing circumstances, but a wise captain charts his course by a star that does not move.
When your journey is long and the way before you is rough, never take your eyes off the North Star, son. Stay focused on the unwavering constant.”
We can twist ourselves into a knot if we react to everything our competitors do, or the ups and downs of the economy or any other outside factor that shifts and changes on a dime. Or, we can have a clear understanding of our business' purpose and mission. That's understanding your brand and living by it every day.
Are you making decisions based on where the waves toss you or have you charted your course according to your brand, your principals and your true north?
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.com
