Favorable Winds

They reckon the more things change “the more they stay the same.”
I was reminded of that when I read a quote in the latest James Clear email.  It was by the Roman philosopher Senna.  Though I do wonder why it was said “Originally written as, "Ignoranti quem portum petat, nullus suus ventus est.”  I guess I need to take his word on that one.  It could say “don’t forget to get some butter while you are out” for all I know.
Anyway it said, “If you do not know which port you are seeking, no wind is favourable.”  It reminded me of what I say and that is “aim for nothing and I am sure to hit it.”
I guess both really say to me that it is really important I know what I want and go for it.  That has really only taken me 50 years or so to discover.  I actually feel less inclined to lolly gag than I used to but that is more a commentary on the time in which we live rather than the way I live.
I used to live for pleasure after hours.  I really had no sense of purpose outside of providing for myself and ensuring all my needs were met.  Where that interfered with looking out for others it always won the day.  Oh family was important as was looking after my place but that was all manageable.  Work was enjoyable and a good as “a means to an end”.  I could afford a home, buy stuff, set aside stuff for my future and pursue my interests.
I was never an overly ambitious one but would seize opportunities as they arose.  I was always happy to act in higher positions.  But I was never like someone I knew in one job.  Their ambition was to get as high as possible in the public service.  They achieved a high level for sure, but they bemoaned the fact that the level attained was a Canberra thing and outside of there it was known that the level was attained quickly without the corresponding experience.
I have heard it said it is terrible to climb the corporate ladder only to find it is against the wrong wall.  I actually would prefer to gain a sense of purpose late in life than to continually pursue the wrong purpose for a lifetime.
For sure it is a humble pie thing, but in the scheme of things I have found it to be a small price to pay.