Align with Your North Star

Allow your North Star to guide your decision-making process. Simplify your choices with the question: “Does this action align with my North Star, or does it contradict it?” For me, my North Star is about empowering others to take action and improve themselves. Writing this article felt in line with that mission, while delaying it indefinitely did not. The choice became clear: I began writing.

The foundation of any journey is knowing who you are at your core. When you feel that alignment, you know you're moving in the right direction. You were meant to create and discover—it's part of your essence.

Your Identity Influences Your Beliefs

Once your identity resonates with your North Star, your beliefs and values will start to solidify and may even evolve if you choose to redefine your identity. For instance, if health is integral to your identity, you'll believe in your capacity to be healthy. When you identify as a creator, you’ll have the confidence to share your work with the world.

I didn't initially see myself as a writer; my background is in engineering and finance. However, I began to write consistently and eventually declared myself a writer. I acknowledged that I might not be the greatest, but I was certainly a writer. This affirmation transformed my belief in my capabilities, enabling me to help others and improve my writing skills daily.

Develop the Skills to Propel Forward

You might think, "I've established my identity and beliefs, but I still lack the skills to take action." That’s perfectly normal. No one is born knowing how to write or create; these skills are cultivated over time. Once I embraced the idea that I could write, I enrolled in writing courses and read extensively on the subject. I committed to writing every morning, driven by an intrinsic need to improve.

Ask yourself: Do you believe you can learn? Are your values supportive of growth? If not, it may be time to reassess your identity. If your current beliefs hinder your aspirations, adjust them to better reflect who you want to become.

Redesign Your Identity if Necessary

Our environments shape our identities, often in ways beyond our control. If you find your past identity limiting, remember that you have the power to redefine yourself in alignment with your North Star. From there, establish your beliefs and values, and focus on developing the skills needed to achieve your goals.

Don't leave your skill-building to chance. Clearly outline your values and objectives, then allocate time to work towards them. Start with a realistic commitment, perhaps an hour a week, and gradually increase it until it becomes an ingrained habit.

Without Action, Progress Stalls

Even with preparation, you can only progress by taking action. This is often the most challenging step, as it can evoke anxiety and guilt. Break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and allocate time to tackle these mini-tasks. That’s how I crafted this article—piece by piece, refining it as I went along.

Confidence builds on itself. Trust in your ability to succeed, and take that first step. The only person you need to convince is yourself. Additionally, cultivate a supportive environment. Seek out like-minded individuals who inspire and motivate you to stay aligned with your North Star.

Be the Architect of Your Environment

Evaluate whether your surroundings nurture your creativity. Do you have access to inspiring spaces? Can you find a quiet area or a bustling café where you can concentrate without distractions? Design your environment to foster success, making it easier to take action.

When you're in sync with your North Star, taking action feels natural. Even if your efforts don’t yield the desired results, you can trust that you were on the right path. Mistakes are part of the learning process; they don’t signify failure but rather opportunities for growth.

The Essence of the Journey

If you struggle to take that first step toward something exciting, clarify your North Star and define your identity. Establish beliefs that support your goals and develop the skills needed to reach them. Finally, take action and create an environment conducive to success.

Sometimes, making mistakes can feel daunting, but they’re essential for growth. Allow yourself to enjoy the journey of discovery and learning. The next step you take will be the first of many.

p.s. How do I know this approach works? This is the first article I’ve published after eight years of personal writing. If I can overcome my fears, so can you!