Which one are you – speedboat, raft or sailboat?

There are different ways we can move forward in life. If you are a speedboat it is at high speed and fueled with energy. Think of the motivated go-getter aimed at the direct path straight ahead. If you are a raft its floating along at the beck and call of the surrounding weather conditions. Aimless and perhaps lacking self-motivation and drive. Yet if you are a sailboat you have learnt strategies and a level of control when changes occur around you.

Throughout our lives we may recognise a variety of these approaches, or one tends to be our default mechanism when responding to life’s influences and challenges.

The speedboat is on a mission. It goes quickly and powerfully forward, always filled with ideas on how it will navigate life and remains constantly focused on a distant point. There is no stopping them once they have started, as they busy themselves and others with action. When a ‘speedboat’ births a project, relationship, or mission in life their ideas and enthusiasm are flowing thick and fast. They show leadership and direction for others and inspire the seeds of an idea. They are the ‘big’ thinkers and can easily change direction if needed.

As life progresses the speedboat may lose momentum. Its energy begins to deplete and others involved may also fall by the wayside with the burden of being constantly propelled forward. The speedboat is so focused on the future lens they may fail to see the problems that may arise around them. It is only when things start falling apart that they reach a point of recognition, overwhelm and perhaps despair. Even when things go well, there is little time for reflection and appreciation of the journey.

The raft on the other hand is propelled by factors outside itself. Without the energy of propulsion, it relies on the energy of the wind and water around it to gain momentum. Others are in control. There is no self-motivated action as the ‘raft’ waits for direction. When problems arise, they find it difficult to use their inner reserves of energy to problem solve and action a way forward. They may be stuck motionless, helpless and need rescuing.

When the going is easy, the raft has a delightful ride meandering along and enjoying the breeze, cool water, and the view. They have the opportunity to observe and embrace the experience in a carefree manner. Yet as difficulties arise, they have little in reserve to use.

Then there is the sailboat. With the use of tools such as its rudder, compass and sail, the sailboat can observe the changing patterns in the environment around it and adjust accordingly. The sailboat has knowledge of both currents and wind direction to inform its actions. When things are calm it can rest and enjoy the view, but when a storm comes the sailboat can call on its inner resources, strengths, and knowledge to navigate the way.

And when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted her sails

Elizabeth Edwards

Each time the sailboat goes out on the water, it learns new skills to draw on. When it sails among others, as in a regatta, there is an energy and synchronicity as each boat weaves deftly around the other and the flotilla moves as a unit toward the distant goal. There is both energy and awareness of others, which is key to collective success.

If the sailboat is caught in a storm larger than expected, it has the resources to navigate toward a safe haven and rest until the storm passes. Alternatively, it sees the importance of calling in the coast guard for assistance, if required, to reach the shore so it can sail again another day.

In life, we can choose to respond as a speedboat, raft, or sailboat. Perhaps you can identify challenging times in your life when you behaved more like one than the others. As you journey through life and come across a difficult time, look at the perspective you are using. Ask yourself whether your strategy is serving you and if not, is there an alternate one.