The mind drifts. Our thoughts are ever changing dragging us into channels of thinking, many times unproductive. The fickle and unstable nature of our mind needs Anchoring.

I was reflecting on how this word anchoring became part of my life.

When I started a new business with a very small capital, I decided that we would never bribe anyone for business. I was tested when in our second year we were negotiating an order equal to our turnover and we badly needed the business. One of the most corrupt purchase departments, private sector not Government. And we were one of two companies who could supply the specialty tools. I walked away from it. 

And the thought came that if we’ve decided to anchor ourselves to goodness, we cannot be seen as losing. We have to demonstrate that goodness wins. We went on to do several different and challenging things over the years to overcompensate our weakness of not bribing for business. It’s been a wonderful journey so far and we’re market leaders. I don’t say this to impress anyone but only to share a key learning. 

When we anchor ourselves to principles, it unleashes creativity and innovation. Short cuts may look beneficial in the short term but cannot create long term value.

Having anchors helps. Deciding what we will anchor ourselves in helps. Being anchored when facing pressure and temptation helps. Soon our life get determined by the principles we have chosen to be anchored in.

When a ship weathers the storm and comes through, the vessel is admired and the Captain praised. And deep in his heart he knows it wasn’t just the wind and waves that were strong. The Anchor was stronger.