Most of us have heard or used the idiom “in due course”, as in something expected, scheduled, or anticipated. We usually use it interchangeably to mean eventually. Or some day or when the timing is right. In other words, wait. Be patient.

For those of you familiar with my Fortune Friday articles, you know I am fond of breaking down the fortunes into their individual pieces and then reexamining and remixing them. Sometimes going to the root of a word or phrase can alter its meaning completely.

In due course. Due course. Due. Course.

As an adverb, due makes reference to points on a compass. Exactly, precisely, directly, straight. As in “The adventurers hiked due north.”

Course is usually defined as a route or direction followed by a vehicle, ship, plane, road, or river. But a lesser known use make reference to hunting. The verb “to course” means to pursue game—typically hares—with greyhounds using sight rather than scent.

This conjures such powerful imagery. Early morning on a foggy moor, dogs chasing down their quarry with absolute focus, never taking their eyes off of the prize. Total committed action to the end.

Now let’s reassemble these new definitions and apply them to our life goals. We could rewrite the fortune to say:

“Good things are coming to you as you actively pursue your dreams with complete focus and precision.”

And when we do that, it really is only a matter of time before they come true.

To your good fortune!