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Decision-Making at Sea: Navigating this Tricky Challenge With Human Design

Updated: 7 days ago


Have you ever felt torn between logic and instinct when making a crucial decision at sea?


Maybe you’ve followed the standard procedures but still had a nagging feeling that something wasn’t quite right.


Out on the water, decision-making isn’t just about charts and forecasts—it’s also about reading the situation, trusting your gut, and balancing external pressures with your inner knowing.






Sea People: Navigating Tough Decisions


Picture this: You’re the captain of a luxury charter. Your itinerary is set, the guests are excited, and the management company has everything planned to the last detail.


But the forecast changes—strong winds and rough seas ahead. You know adjusting the route might be the safest choice, but external pressures weigh on you:

  • the expectations of your guests,

  • the financial stakes,

  • the company’s insistence on sticking to the schedule.


Do you follow the plan or trust your instincts and change course?


Out at sea, decisions like this are constant. Every seafarer, whether a captain, crew member, or solo sailor, faces moments where logic and external expectations clash with internal knowing.


That’s where understanding your Human Design and Inner Authority can help.


 

The Science Behind Human Design


It might seem abstract, but Human Design is grounded in astrophysics, quantum mechanics, and genetics.


It’s based on the study of neutrinos—tiny subatomic particles that astrophysicists have confirmed carry information and constantly pass through our bodies.


At the moment of your birth, the positions of celestial bodies determine how these neutrinos imprint your energetic blueprint—your Human Design chart.


This chart reveals how you are wired to process decisions, interact with others, and navigate challenges.


This isn’t about belief; it’s about understanding your built-in operating system and using it to make aligned choices.



 

Your Inner Authority = Your Inner Compass


In Human Design, we recognize that true decision-making happens in the body, not the mind. Your mind is invested in identity and personality, but your Inner Authority is rooted in your energy and deeper purpose.


Understanding your authority helps you reconnect with your body’s signals and trust your unique way of making choices.



Here’s how the 7 different Inner Authorities function in high-pressure maritime situations:


  1. Sacral Authority: Trust Your Gut for Confident Choices


If you’re a Generator or Manifesting Generator,

  • Your gut is your decision-making compass.

  • When something excites you and energizes you, that’s a clear “yes.”

  • When it feels heavy or draining, it’s a “no.”


You’re analyzing weather charts during the Vendée Globe. You’re near Cape Horn, and a massive storm is approaching. Do you push forward or slow down and wait for better conditions? Check your gut reaction—does one choice spark energy and clarity? Trust that instinct.


  1. Emotional Authority: Wait for Clarity Before Committing


For those with Emotional Authority (many Generators, Manifesting Generators, and Projectors),

  • Your emotions move in waves.

  • It’s crucial not to decide when you're in the heat of the moment.

  • Clarity comes with time.


You’re on a long contract, but you feel stuck and unfulfilled. Your relationship is suffering, and you’re questioning everything. Should you leave? Fear of financial instability holds you back. Instead of making a rushed choice, ride the emotional wave and observe how you feel over time before deciding.

  1. Splenic Authority: Follow Your Instincts for Quick, Spot-On Decisions


If you have Splenic Authority (some Projectors and Manifestors),

  • Your intuition speaks instantly and quietly.

  • Trust that first hit of knowing.


You’re anchoring in a remote location. The weather’s calm, but something about the spot doesn’t feel right. You trust your instincts—your Splenic Authority—and decide to move the boat to a different spot, even though everything seems perfect on the surface. Hours later, the winds pick up and the boat would have been at risk if you hadn’t listened to your intuition.

  1. Ego Authority: Listen to Your Heart and Willpower for Bold Choices


With Ego Authority (certain Manifestors),

  • Your willpower and desire lead the way.

  • If you feel a strong desire and have the energy to push for something,

  • That’s your answer.


You're facing a regatta decision between two races. One excites you because you want to prove your skill and leadership in front of others. Your Ego Authority says go for the race that fuels your drive, even if it requires a bit more effort and resources. Follow that inner desire to lead and challenge yourself.

  1. Self-Projected Authority: Speak It Out to Find Your Truth


For those with Self-Projected Authority (some Projectors),

  • Your truth emerges as you speak it.

  • Talking things out with someone

  • Helps you find clarity.


After years on the same vessel, you crave change. A new opportunity arises, and everything looks great on paper. But as you dig deeper, you learn that critical maintenance has been neglected, despite the owner’s claims. You talk through your concerns with a mentor, and as you do, your truth becomes clear—do you trust your intuition or take the risk?

  1. Environmental Authority: Surround Yourself with the Right People and Places


If you have Environmental Authority (some Projectors),

  • Your surroundings play a crucial role in decision-making.

  • You need the right environment and the right people

  • To find clarity.


You’re considering taking a first officer position on a high-profile yacht. The salary is great, but the crew turnover has been unusually high. Before committing, you spend a trial week onboard. The atmosphere feels tense, and despite the perks, something doesn’t sit right. Your surroundings give you the answer you need.

  1. Lunar Authority: Take Time and Wait for the Full Moon to Guide You


For those with Lunar Authority (Reflectors),

  • It’s important to wait for a full moon cycle (about 28 days)

  • Before making big decisions.


You’re invited to join an elite expedition crew. It’s a dream opportunity but involves extreme conditions and isolation. Instead of deciding immediately, you let time reveal the right choice.

Understanding how your Human Design shapes your decision-making can also have a significant impact on your relationships onboard.


Each Inner Authority not only guides you through decisions but can also reveal how you interact with others, helping you navigate team dynamics more effectively.


If you're curious about how your Human Design influences your relationships, both on the water and on land, check out the article : How Understanding Your Human Design Chart Can Improve Your Relationships Onboard and On Land


 

Make Better Decisions with Leadership Compass


Every seafarer, captain, or professional in the yachting and marine industries faces decisions at sea that directly affect the safety, survival, and success of the journey.


Understanding how we function—especially in moments of pressure—can be incredibly useful.




By understanding your Human Design and embracing your unique Inner Authority, you’ll be able to make decisions that are aligned with your true self, ensuring better outcomes, even in challenging circumstances.


When you understand how your Inner Authority works, you’ll know exactly how to make the best decision for your safety and the safety of those on board.

No more second-guessing or feeling uncertain about tough choices.


If you want to navigate your decisions with greater clarity and confidence, I encourage you to explore Leadership Compass.


This service will help you uncover your Human Design and apply it to your leadership style, enabling you to make empowered decisions on the water.


Ready to make more aligned decisions at sea? Learn more about Leadership Compass here.

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