It is lovely to watch a yacht sail on the sea, especially when one has a little time to see what is happening with their progress. On this day there was little wind and few waves close to shore so progress was slow, yet I am sure the people on board were having a good time.

I was captured by the picture with the lighthouse in the background and started to think about the people whose job it is to travel the great oceans. Bringing goods to our shores and taking goods to far off parts of the world. Often away from home for weeks at a time. I was also thinking of all of the modern methods of navigation to keep the crew and the vessel safe; helping them to determine the arrive time.

As we know, in the past, ships and sailors would set off not sure what they would find and when they would next reach land. The courage must have been immense not knowing what was over the horizon, in those times from history. Stories and history that I know I found fascinating in my childhood, and still do to this day.

The lighthouses still have a place in navigational life and are a reminder, on a bleak day when the fog horn sounds, that they still warn of perils that caused many ships to become wrecked. The light guiding night and day.

It is good to learn about sailing and the changeable sea, tides, wind and weather on a day like this in the picture, so skills can be developed for the days that are not so calm.

As we develop in our chosen career it is much the same – developing the skills we need with the easier work so when the tough challenges arrive, we are well prepared. And when we succeed with the tougher challenges, we build capability and expertise for the even more difficult challenges.

Soon, as we develop, we lose that beginner’s mindset, which for the most part is a good thing. Yet, I have found at times, that to regain that beginner’s mindset can be so inspiring. We now look at things in a new way and perhaps find better ways to do things…or maintain the safety needed to avoid accidents or worse.

I am sure than when the people on the yacht start, especially if they have not sailed for a few weeks or months that there are things that they still check. Their safety drill and making sure that all is well before setting out to sea. I do however sometimes wonder, both in my own work and when I observe others, whether some familiarity for the tasks at hand are perhaps just a little too familiar, and stepping back into the beginner’s mindset may be useful at times. It certainly takes confidence. I am sure for those new to the task, or in this case the yacht, will be reassured that the people in charge know what they are doing and can be seen to check things before casting off from shore.

A useful reminder, certainly for myself.

My best wishes,

Peter