As I thought about the systems they use, it made me ask the question, What navigational systems do we use when we are in the clouds of life? How do we know what to do when we are surrounded and stuck in a fog? All of us have our methods and routines to help us relocate are targets as we travel from one season of life to the next. For me, my go to navigational system is prayer. After I spend time in prayer, I quickly begin to process which navigational system outside of prayer I will use to help me stay on course. The choice of navigational systems I am referring to we all have used at some point because everyone has access to them. Some of us are better than others at understanding how to utilize these complex networks to our benefit even though they have been on the planet for thousands of years. The system I am referring to is people. Yes, people! It's the people that you know and meet throughout life that are your greatest navigational systems when you feel lost or in a discombobulated state.

 In The Dream Playbook I use the following quotes in the chapter on Establishing Key Relationships. "No man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself or get all the credit for doing it." Andrew Carnegie and "No Man is an Island" Jonathan Dunn. I further explain the we have two types of friends; Personal Friends and Positional Friends. This concept I learned from reading Rick Pittino's book, Success is a Choice. It's worth the read. Our targets in life will not be established alone. Just as the pilot has someone in air traffic control to help get him or her on the ground, we too must recognize this with purposeful consideration.

We all have been in that place where it seemed as though we were surrounded by clouds with no visibility. These clouds can appear in the form of embarrassment because of a failed business venture, career plan or a disappointment that occurred in a relationship. This can make us question our purpose in life and quit if we are not careful. `The good news is the clouds won't last! The key is to continue getting prepared while you are in the clouds. On our flight there were a number of business people headed to their next meeting or presentation. You could see those that were still working on their laptops while the plane was moving along and the stewardess' were serving drinks and snacks. Some were engaging in conversation making connections as they discussed their different companies. They were not concerned about the clouds as much as what actions they could take until the plane landed. While in the clouds you must not dismiss the importance of seeking out people who may have valuable information for you. With today's technology it is very easy to find information without establishing a relationship. But it is those relationships that will foster clarity at a time when you need it most. 

Do you feel like you are in the clouds of life? If so, whom will you seek out as your navigational system to help get you to your destination? I can assure you of one thing, you will not get on the ground safely on your own. If you are that person that wants all of the credit for your accomplishments, or believe that living on an island alone is best, you may be hanging out in the clouds for a very longtime. Here are four action steps to consider if you desire to experience greater visibility throughout life.

1. Identify those who celebrate you not only tolerate your plans and ideas. We all need friends that will genuinely help us exhaust the wonderful possibilities that are before us and make emotional deposits into our mental bank and not withdrawals.

2. Be honest about your skill set. Don't try and become something you are not. A 747 can fly at greater altitudes and carry more people that a crop duster. Know your position. The Dream Playbook

3. Be patient. The "Being in the Clouds" season of life can't be rushed. It's a process that allows us to learn and self reflect before we hit our target. This way we become more valuable to others and demonstrate a greater capacity to lead at our next stop.

4. Know your value. Just as a pilot understands the value of his precious cargo he carries, you too must recognize how much value you personally carry now that you made it through a daunting experience. Understanding your value will also allow you to know how, whom and where to invest your time.