Trek’in Gazelles: 4 lessons for better navigation in life
From 11 to 14 November, together with 443 other women, I took part in Trek’in Gazelles, a 4-day team orienteering race in the Moroccan desert. At a time when smartphones make navigation effortless, knowing how to orient oneself may seem outdated. Yet this orienteering race, a first for many participants who had never used a map or compass, revealed profound lessons that extend far beyond the desert and apply to our everyday lives.
1- Remaining on track
In orienteering, the key rule is to stay on course. This means sticking to the chosen trajectory to reach your goal, the next checkpoint, using your compass as a guide. For 4 days, the Gazelles adjusted their routes based on conditions like terrain and weather and learnt to progress from one close marker to the next (such as a grove) while keeping the distant marker (like a peak) in sight. Sometimes, we moved forward without visibility because of a sandstorm. At such times, a team member acted as the temporary landmark, moving forward slowly, guided by her team-mate. Of course, there were plenty of obstacles (dunes to climb, moments of doubt), but the key was to stay on course.
Similarly, in life, staying on course is essential for achieving a goal – whether it’s securing a promotion or running a marathon. This requires setting intermediate milestones to progress towards our final goal. If we run into difficulties, support from mentors and loved ones helps us stay on track. It’s not about avoiding obstacles but overcoming them, while remaining focused on your direction.
2. Taking a helicopter view
While some checkpoints were indicated by a flag, others could only be identified thanks to a careful reading of a satellite map or a dated photo. Identifying a tree among others or distinguishing an intersection of two dirt roads became a real challenge.
We face this challenge while searching for the corner of a ruined house in an abandoned village. Then, by climbing a hill and gaining perspective, the satellite map became clear, allowing us to continue confidently. This moment illustrated the power of taking a helicopter view, both literally and figuratively.
Similarly, in life, stepping back from the details or immediate emotions helps us see the bigger picture, the situation with more distance and clarity. It enables us to set priorities and move forward with focus and calm. Whether navigating the desert or life’s challenges, gaining perspective is essential for progress.
3. Looking back
While conventional wisdom advises against looking back, this trek underscored its value: observing the journey accomplished, relying on familiar landmarks – a flag or a large tree – to readjust our direction and continue with confidence. Reflecting on the effort already made: “I’ve climbed all those dunes and am still moving toward my goal” instilled pride and determination.
Similarly, in life, reflecting on the road traveled reveals our strengths, builds confidence, and keeps us connected with who we are and our values. Looking back is not about living in the past but learning from it to move forward.
4. Charting your own path
The desert is vast, but 444 gazelles left tracks in the dunes, tempting others to follow. Yet, those tracks often led off course, as each team chose its unique route based on its strengths and constraints. Even tracks heading in the right direction were no more reliable than the paths we made ourselves. So trusting our (orienteering) skills, decisions and ability to create our own route in the desert proved key.
Similarly, in life, charting your own course requires self-confidence, not letting yourself be influenced by others, and daring to get off the beaten track. Each of us moves forward with our unique strengths, experiences, and aspirations following our inner compass to navigate toward our goals.
Conclusion
The desert, both majestic and demanding, has taught us invaluable and universal lessons: staying on course, taking a helicopter view, looking back, and charting our own path. These insights inspire confidence and determination as we navigate life’s challenges.
🎦 By popular demand: watch a video in French where I dive into the trek’s operational details – covering the location, camp life, orienteering, breathtaking landscapes, and more…
