Celestial Fix

People who know me, know that I have very poor directional sense. Quite often I end up taking a wrong turn or miss a turn and then find myself lost. Its not that I am not aware of the route, its just that I am not aware of where I am going. And its the same story with my life as well. No prices for guessing why. I am not aware of where I am going. Needless to say, this blissful state of unawareness has put me in embarrassing situations countless number of times.

Unable to cope with such repeated embarrassments I decided to analyze the problem with a strong desire to find a solution. This blog is more of a log of my analysis.

On the face of it, the problem is not dynamic, its static. If it sounds a bit complicated, allow me to explain. Hypothetically suppose during my drive from point A to point B there are 3 turns. First is to left which leads me to point B in least possible time. Second is a right which also leads to B but is a slightly longer route. Third is a left which does not take me to B, so I have to take a u-turn there. During this dynamic process of driving from A to B, I am faced with 3 static decision making points. The problem becomes more complex if the route is long and circuitous, as is the case with life. However, the point remains, outcome of the dynamic process rests on decisions taken at static points.

Analyzing further, the problem faced by me is similar to the problem faced by early explorers, albeit at a much reduced scale. I can relate to navigator in the middle of the ocean wanting to reach shore but not knowing which way to go. So, if they were able to find a solution to their problem, may be it will apply to mine as well. Their solution was the science of Navigation. Following is a gist of my understanding of this science.

To Navigate is to determine and traverse a geographical track so as to avoid all hazards between the departure point to destination. The process to develop a complete description of a vessel from departure point to point of destination is called Voyage planning.

Studies show 80% of navigational accidents are caused by human error and in most of these cases information to prevent the accident is ready at hand to the navigator.

In order to avoid such accidents, a set of daily tasks were defined for prudent navigation. Most basic of those are:

1. Continuously monitor project the vessel’s current position by maintaining a log of vessel’s previous position, speed and direction. (A process called ‘Dead Recokoning’)
2. Verify the current location of the vessel by observing its relative position from fixed objects (Stars, planets etc.) (A process called ‘Celestial Fix’)
3. Recording and keeping track of exact Time (without which tracking of longitude is impossible)
4. Determine the error in his instruments by tracking the Sun (A process called ‘Azimuth observation’) and account for the error in his calculations.
5. Determine the drift from the normal course on account of wind, waves etc. and correct it.

Modern day navigators have a whole set of near ‘zero error’ electronic tools and techniques to rely upon. Yet, the basic tenets of navigation set out above are strictly adhered to.

To narrow it down further, I think the mantra of navigation is:

Periodically keep an accurate record of where you are, reorient yourself to know which direction to proceed and keep heading towards where you want to be!

Applying this mantra of navigation to my problem, i realized my earlier problem definition of, 'I am not aware of where I am going', is flawed because every time I set out driving on the road, I know where I have to go. Same is the case with life, I know what my goal is. So the problem is not my lack of awareness of where I have to go, rather it is ignorance of which direction to go in. Once I know where I am, it is easier to re-orient myself and choose my direction. I can take the correct turn between A & B only when I know at which turn I am at, 1st, 2nd or last.

Its interesting that quite a few books on self-help relate life to a sailing adventure. I always felt its a very dramatic way of looking at life. Only now do I realize that its probably one of the best ways to set a context to your life. Application of tried and tested navigation techniques do find traction in such a context.

I am quite sure application of the science of navigation will solve my problem on the road. But, when it comes to life, I am not so sure. Coz finding 'Celestial fixes' (or signboards as some would like to call them) is easy on well traveled roads but they are not so evident in personal life. But I am sure it will help avoid many of the hazards. So, I am off to find my 'Celestial fixes' and recommend you do the same!!!