Navigation

Going into unknown territory means you need to know how to find your way. The Mature Warrior can orient himself even when he's lost. He figures out where he is in unfamiliar situations and helps the people around him do the same. His navigation is part practical skill and part deeper knowing about direction and purpose.

The Orphan is lost and can't find his way. The Homebody never ventures far enough to need navigation. The Mature Warrior navigates unfamiliar territory and helps others do the same.

Navigation requires six capacities:

Orientation: The Warrior figures out where he is and which direction he needs to go. He reads signs and landmarks.

Map reading: The Warrior uses maps—physical or conceptual—to understand territory and plan routes.

Asking for directions: The Warrior isn't too proud to ask for help when lost. He seeks guidance from those who know the territory.

Improvisation: When maps fail or situations change, the Warrior improvises and finds alternative routes.

Helping others: The Warrior guides others through unfamiliar territory. He shares his navigation skills.

Purpose: The Warrior knows not just how to navigate but why. He knows what he's navigating toward and what matters about the destination.

Navigation might mean finding our way through actual wilderness. It might also mean figuring out a career change, working through relationship trouble, or handling a life upheaval. The Warrior's sense of direction works the same whether the territory is physical or personal.

Knowing how to find your way gives a man confidence. The Warrior who can navigate doesn't panic when he's lost because he trusts himself to figure it out. That confidence is what lets him keep exploring.

The Warrior who gets good at navigation becomes the person people look to when nobody knows which way to go. He's the one who can find a path through unfamiliar ground.