Am I On Course?

A Personal Reflection

In turbulent times, it’s both natural and necessary to pause and ask: Am I still on course?
This simple yet powerful question accompanied me on a recent sea voyage—and became the inspiration for this reflection.
As someone who often uses nautical metaphors in coaching and lectures, I find that terms like “setting the course,” “adjusting the sails,” or “scanning the horizon” help to clarify what self-leadership means—especially in uncertain times. These images guide my own thinking and form the backbone of my model:
The Seven Fields of Self-Leadership.

© Dr. Burkhard Bensmann

If you’re new to this model, I recommend my podcast episode: “Control Your Life with the Seven Fields of Self-Leadership.”

Home Port – Know Where You Come From

Where are you coming from—personally and professionally? Before we can lead ourselves effectively, we must understand what has shaped us:

• What are your core strengths and blind spots?
• Which needs and values consistently influence your decisions?
• What beliefs, habits, or expectations are you still carrying?

This is the terrain of Field 3: Competencies and Self-Development. It’s also where transformation begins: by deciding what to bring on the next journey—and what to leave behind. Some of us set out to gain distance from the familiar. Others are on a quest to reconnect. So ask yourself:

Are you heading out to return—or determined never to go back?

Setting Sail – Destination and Crew

Where do you want to go? Knowing your destination is crucial—but so is knowing whether your movement is based on escape or attraction. That’s a question I frequently ask my clients:

Are you running from something—or toward something that truly calls you?

This section links closely to:

• Field 1: Vision & Mission – clarity of direction and meaning
• Field 5: Processes & Structures – the tools, methods, and routines that support your navigation

And then there’s your crew.
Who travels with you?
Who challenges you and who supports you?
Can you count on each other when the weather changes?

This brings us to Field 4: Co-Workers, Partners & Networks—the human factor that can either accelerate your journey or cause shipwreck.

Quick exercise: Write down three people you trust most in turbulent times. What makes them part of your “crew”?

At Sea – Adjusting Course and Enjoying the Ride

Where are you right now? Many of my clients are high performers. They set ambitious goals, think ahead, and rarely pause to reflect. Yet even the most driven need moments of grounding.

This is the domain of Field 2: Body, Soul & Mind—the field that reminds us we’re not machines. We need balance. We need breath.

If you’ve ever been on a sailing boat, you know this:
You’re rarely exactly on course. The wind shifts. Currents intervene. You adjust constantly. The art of navigation lies in both having a clear direction and the ability to course-correct without panic.

Self-leadership means steering yourself—not only in calm waters but especially through the unknown.

Arrival – Looking Back from the Harbor

What have you learned? Perhaps your journey leads you home—like in Janosch’s children’s book The Trip to Panama, where the bear and the tiger travel far only to realize that the real treasure was at home all along.
Or maybe you arrive somewhere entirely new—changed, strengthened, and wiser.

This final stage brings us to Field 7: Added Value.
It asks not just What did I gain?, but:

• Who else benefits from your experience?
• Where have you contributed beyond your own needs?
• How does your journey serve a greater purpose?

These questions matter—especially in leadership.

Reflection creates meaning. And meaning inspires the next voyage.

Final Questions for You

• Are you still on course?
• What winds are you sailing with—or against?
• Who’s on your crew?
• What story will you tell when you reach your next harbor?

Originally published on Substack, April 04, 2025.
This is an expanded and updated version, reflecting my current thinking and practice.

If this reflection resonates with you, feel free to share it—and check out more insights on my blog or podcast.