Freedom and the Black Pearl – Bring Me That Horizon!
Over the Independence Day weekend, a celebration of freedom, our family re-watched the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie The Curse of the Black Pearl. Somehow, I forgot that the theme of the movie was freedom and how that touched me in a personal way. This theme of freedom, along with the journey of adventure, discovery and courage is a big factor in the movie’s popularity with viewers.
At one point, when they are marooned alone on a small island, Captain Jack Sparrow explains to Elizabeth Swann, “Wherever we want to go, we’ll go. That’s what a ship is, you know. It’s not just a keel and a hull and a deck and sails, that’s what a ship needs, but what a ship is… what the Black Pearl really is… is freedom.”
Your business is like a ship, sailing through the waters of the economy. As an entrepreneur you have the opportunity to take your business wherever you want it to go. Sure, there will be rocks, hurdles and storms along the way that force you off course. You may encounter fires, fights and failures. But if you stay committed to the journey, you will meet success in unsuspecting places and unsuspecting ways.
To discover this success, you will need a crew of colorful characters, each with their own skills and abilities. When the skies darken you will need others to join you on your journey, to hold your hand, to shine a light through the darkness, to help you persevere, to help you know when to let go. The entrepreneur’s journey is not for the faint of heart and better shared with others.
Once the stormy skies clear, you may see a beautiful rainbow as a reminder that nothing lasts forever, not even the greatest difficulties. Eventually, like a ship, your business will pass from existence, part of the legend of our universe, only a myth, if remembered at all. But while it exists, your business has the power to take you on an unforgettable journey of peace and freedom. Like a ship… what a business really is… is freedom!
A business, like a ship, needs many things. Among them are a mission, a vision, a culture and a team. If the winds of freedom ring strong in your ears, we’d love the opportunity to see if we’re a fit to join your team of colorful characters. Get in touch with us and we’ll discuss the possibilities of how we can help you on your journey of adventure and discovery to personal and financial freedom. In the parting words of Captain Jack Sparrow: “Now… bring me that horizon!”