Pirates of the Caribbean is one of my most favorite movie series. If you have been living under a rock for the last 15 years, please do yourself a favor. Go and binge-watch at least the first 3 movies in the series. It is a movie series about, well… Pirates of the Caribbean. The sometimes bumbling, mostly drunk and always flamboyant protagonist is Jack Sparrow.
One of the most memorable dialogues from the movies is when a Redcoat British soldier taunts Jack Sparrow, “You are, without doubt, the worst pirate I have ever heard of”. To that, Jack smiles and replies, “But you have heard of me.”
Jack Sparrow is obviously not the worst pirate. He is one of the very best. In every movie in the series, he has an elaborately planned end goal. However, these goals are known only to him. He seems to be fumbling along the way, drifting away from the destination and pretty much guaranteed to fail. Everyone except himself is sure that there is no plan here and he is just making it all up along the way.
Once the movie ends it is clear that he has been the genius all along. Planning every step meticulously, taking the right risks at the right time, trusting the right people, teaming up with seemingly incompetent (but very loyal) friends, and never giving up.
Jack Sparrow’s character is a worthy study for every entrepreneur. Along the journey of your dreams, you will come across many challenges, rivals, naysayers, friends, risks, and self-doubt. It’s easy to give up. It’s difficult to stay the course. But, if you know you will encounter all these, you can prepare for them.
More than anything else – Know where you are heading. If you know your destination, you can keep track of the detours you may have to make. As long as you are sailing in the general direction to reach your goal, you’ll get there.
Go rule the seas, and be free my friend. May the spirit of Jack Sparrow sail with you.
Word of advice: Safeguard your trusty compass that points to what you truly desire, find your black pearl, and stock up on rum. It’s a rough ride, but at the end of it lies the treasure you seek. Savvy?
Hoisting your sails,
Abhilash Purohit