A number of years ago, while at the Wizard Academy, I had the privilege of hearing Roy H. Williams—one of the 10 smartest people I’ve ever met—share a metaphor that changed my perspective forever. With his permission, I want to share it with you.
As we journey through life’s vast and unpredictable sea, we encounter four types of people. These sailors show us not only where we stand, but where we can strive to be:
1. The Drifters
Drifters float along, doing their best to stay afloat. They paddle tirelessly, keeping their heads above water, but rarely find forward momentum. Drifters survive, but they never quite thrive, circling in currents without a clear direction.
You always know a drifter because they say things like, “I’m just working for the man,” or “The boss told me to do it.” They tend to give their power and control away, blaming external forces for their situation. Drifters acquiesce their destiny, often struggling to make rent or move forward because they haven’t taken ownership of their course.
2. The Drowners
These are the individuals who seem perpetually overwhelmed by life. No matter how much you extend a hand to pull them out of the water, they often slip back under. Whether by circumstance or mindset, they struggle—and sometimes they seem to find a strange comfort in their struggle.
3. The Surfers
They ride life’s biggest waves with flair and excitement. They’re energetic, adventurous, and filled with motion. Surfers are often entrepreneurs with bold, audacious goals—the type who talk a big game about conquering the world. But here’s the challenge: motion isn’t the same as momentum. You have to ask: is it truly impactful, or is it just fun, ego-driven, or self-serving?
4. The Navigators
The rarest of the four, navigators have a fixed purpose, a North Star to guide them. They steer their ship through calm seas and raging storms alike, always moving toward an impactful destination. Navigators serve a higher purpose and have the courage to lead—even when it’s lonely. They embody the principles of leadership I’ve shared before: choosing impact over popularity and charting a course for the greater good.
The truth is, we’re all of these people at different points in life. We drift, we sink, we surf, and—hopefully—we navigate. But the real joy, meaning, and impact in life come when we embrace the role of the navigator. It takes courage to face the waves head-on and steer toward meaningful outcomes, but the results are worth it.
So, which sailor will you be today?
Let’s choose courage. Let’s aim for impact. And let’s navigate this sea of life with purpose.
God bless you. Let’s all go make a difference.
All My Best,
Rich
