(almost) All Who Wander Are Lost

Many of us walk through life with no direction. And although not all who wander are lost…most are.

We let life push us around without setting our own course.

That’s not a fulfilling way to live.

We need a destination in mind. An image of where we want to be and what we want to do in the world.

This, my friends, is your North Star.

Just as sailors once used the actual North Star to navigate the open seas, you can use your personal North Star to guide you through life.

Let’s break it down:

1. What is a North Star?

Think of a North Star as a one-sentence statement that captures your life's ultimate goal or purpose.

It's not physical; it’s a guiding principle that emerges from your core values, passions, and aspirations.

2. Why is it Important?

A North Star is like a compass for your life.

It guides your decisions and actions, providing direction and giving your life meaning.

When distractions or obstacles arise, your North Star helps you stay focused on what truly matters to you.

3. How to Define Your North Star?

Defining your North Star starts from within.

Consider what makes you feel alive, what you're passionate about, and when you feel most authentically yourself.

Your answers will guide you toward your true calling.

Once you've identified this, put it into a clear, concise statement.

If helping others gives you fulfillment, your North Star could be

"To use my skills and talents to positively impact people's lives."

4. How to Actually Use it in Your Life?

Your North Star should be a living part of your everyday life, guiding your decisions and actions.

Use it to assess the opportunities and challenges that come your way.

If something aligns with your North Star, go for it. If not, it might be best to let it pass.

The goal isn't necessarily to reach your North Star but to continually move in its direction, making choices that bring you closer to your ultimate purpose.

What I don’t want is for you to read all this, click off, and never think of it again.

Here are some practical applications of using your North Star to guide your decisions

1. Career Advancement vs. Family Stability

Imagine your North Star is "To provide a stable and nurturing environment for my family."

You're offered a promotion at work that comes with a significant raise, but it requires moving across the country.

Despite the financial benefits and career advancement, you decide to turn down the offer because it would disrupt your family's stability and comfort, which are more important according to your North Star.

2. Healthy Living vs. Convenience

Maybe your North Star is "To prioritize health and wellness in all aspects of life."

You've had a long day, and the convenience of ordering fast food for dinner is tempting.

However, keeping your North Star in mind, you choose to cook a healthy meal at home.

It might take more time and effort, but it aligns better with your ultimate goal.

3. Personal Growth vs. Leisure Time

If your North Star is "To continuously grow and learn," it can influence how you spend your free time.

Instead of scrolling through TikTok or Instagram, you decide to read a book or take an online course that helps you acquire a new skill or broaden your knowledge.

This choice, guided by your North Star, supports your commitment to personal development.

There is no doubt that even with a North Star, you will make mistakes. Bad decisions are inevitable.

But by putting our purpose, calling, mission, and values together into one sentence that defines us, life gets more clear.

Not easy, but clear.

Sit down with a pen and paper, and start writing.

Answer the question, “Why am I here on this Earth?” to the best of your ability.

Then, try and craft your North Star.

It might be the best decision you’ll ever make.

Keep making progress. Change for the better. Live the Heming-way.

See you next Monday,

Trevor