The Human Compass and the Hand have different functions, both essential.

The Human Compass is strategic. It sets direction. Its focus questions are what and why, supported by how much (quality, time, and resources).

For example: I want to take a short vacation, away from home, in a place where I’m not tending to someone else. Why? To give myself space to recover, re-center, and renew. I want the investment of time and money to be enough to give me a nice rest, but keep the investment smaller (especially after Patagonia!).

The Hand is tactical. Its focus question is how, supported by when, where, and who.

For example: I’ve been a football fan since I was 12, even though I lost my Super Bowl bet with my father, choosing Johnny Unitas and the Colts over Joe Namath and the Jets. (I still remember that I spotted him the betting line: 18 points.)

 

I’ve always had a mild desire to visit the Pro Football Hall of Fame (HOF) in Canton, Ohio, but have never been. Canton is just as close as Chicago. I can easily drive it in a day. Since I need to go to the Cleveland Clinic in April, I can tack the HOF onto that trip. Cleveland and Canton are only an hour apart, so it will be easy.

You’ve already established your Human Compass. Next week—pardon the pun—we’ll start to flesh out the Hand.

Chewing the Cud of Good

Thankful for good advice.