Navigating in the Dark
A submarine moves forward in near-total darkness, guided by instruments and calculations. The crew works tirelessly, focusing on their respective duties—adjusting course, managing systems, keeping the vessel operational. But no matter how precise their navigation, the captain must still raise the periscope periodically. A momentary glimpse above the surface is necessary to check bearings, scan for threats, and confirm they are headed in the right direction.
Life works the same way. We get caught up in the daily grind—pushing forward, solving problems, staying busy. But without taking intentional pauses to check our course, we risk drifting off track. Movement alone doesn’t guarantee progress.
The ability to rise above the moment and reassess the bigger picture is what I call The Periscope Effect—a habit of surfacing regularly to ensure that what we are doing aligns with where we want to go.
The Danger of Constant Forward Motion
We live in a world that glorifies hustle. Productivity is often mistaken for effectiveness. We fill our schedules, meet deadlines, and grind through our responsibilities. But have we stopped to ask ourselves if we are actually heading in the right direction?
Consider a business leader so focused on daily operations that they fail to notice industry trends shifting beneath them. Or an employee who works tirelessly in a job they never intended to stay in, simply because they’ve never paused to consider a different path.
The paradox is that effort alone doesn’t lead to fulfillment. You can move fast and still be lost.
The Periscope Effect: A Framework for Tactical Pauses
The Periscope Effect is the practice of periodically surfacing to assess your path, just as a submarine captain does before proceeding. It’s about rising above the immediate demands of life to ask:
- Am I still on course?
- What obstacles or opportunities lie ahead?
- Do I need to adjust my direction?
Without these pauses, we risk navigating in the dark, hoping we’ll arrive somewhere meaningful. But hope is not a strategy.
How to Build Tactical Pauses into Your Life
Strategic pauses don’t happen by accident. They must be deliberate and structured—woven into the rhythm of your life. Here’s how to do it:
- Daily Micro-Pauses
These are brief moments of reflection that help keep you aligned throughout the day.
- Take 5–10 minutes to step back and ask, Am I working on what truly matters?
- Write a quick journal entry or practice a short meditation.
- Use transitions (before meetings, after tasks) as mini-checkpoints for clarity.
- Weekly or Monthly Reflection Sessions
At least once a week, set aside time to zoom out and check your direction.
- Review your goals and assess your progress.
- Use a simple method like The 3 R’s:
- Reflect on what’s working.
- Reassess what needs to change.
- Realign your actions with your long-term vision.
For me, Sunday mornings serve this purpose. I take time to sit quietly, think about where I’ve been, and write in my journal. It’s my version of raising the periscope—ensuring that I am not just busy, but also purposeful.
- Quarterly or Annual Big-Picture Reviews
Every few months, schedule a deeper reflection—a personal retreat, a long walk, or a conversation with a mentor.
- Ask yourself:
- Where am I heading?
- Is this still the right path?
- What am I missing?
- Be willing to make course corrections. Long-term success isn’t about rigidly sticking to a plan—it’s about adjusting when needed.
The Power of Changing Perspective
Stepping back allows you to see what’s invisible from the trenches.
I’ve seen people completely redefine their lives simply because they took a moment to reassess. A friend once walked away from a high-paying job—not because he was failing, but because he realized he was climbing the wrong ladder. Another acquaintance, after years of struggling in a business, paused long enough to realize that a simple pivot in strategy was all he needed to turn things around.
When you step back, you don’t just see obstacles—you see opportunities.
Making It a Habit, Not an Afterthought
If raising the periscope is an afterthought, it won’t happen. You have to schedule it, just like any important task.
- Set reminders in your calendar.
- Use an accountability partner to check in with.
- Keep a journal to track your reflections over time.
Small course corrections prevent large disasters. The best navigators don’t rely on gut instinct alone—they check the horizon regularly.
Surfacing for Clarity
The best submarine captains don’t navigate blindly. They surface intentionally—not out of fear, but out of wisdom.
So I’ll ask you: When was the last time you took a tactical pause?
If it’s been a while, schedule one this week. Take ten minutes. Look at where you are. Consider where you’re going. And ask yourself, Is this still the right course?
Because the difference between being busy and being effective is perspective.