Keep your eye on the big stuff … but do the little stuff. Having goals is important … but we often take the wrong approach. Are we too ambitious or too apprehensive? Setting a North Star is your beacon and offers you focused, universal direction on your journey (life). It will allow you to tackle manageable and rewarding challenges, practices, and tasks along the way. But, you have to know where you’re going. Every goal, whether short or long-term, needs to have foundation and you need to be present, curious, open-minded, flexible, and willing to do the work.
Because this is your own journey, define what success is for you. What is your vision? How do you imagine spending your time every day? There is no “right” or “wrong” answer, and no “right” or “wrong” way to achieve it … it’s all about what resonates with you. Chunk your vision, mission, and big goals down into smaller pieces and your big goals become possible.
If you want to run a marathon, you don’t just show up at the starting line on the day of the race. But, if you learn to run properly, listen to your body, build core strength, use Bedrock Breathing and put in the training miles required, and had the tenacity and desire to run, you can likely cross the finish line with a sense of accomplishment and a big smile on your face!
If you want to cook and eat healthy meals, you can’t just eat out at restaurants and shop at “super” markets. But, if you learn to read product labels, shop at healthy stores and farmer’s markets, learn knife skills, follow “Kind Food Guidelines”, and try new things, you will be able to nourish yourself and those you love with great pride … plus you will feel great in your body, mind, and soul!
You rarely stumble into success by accident or because of luck, and if you do, it is unlikely that you will be able to hold onto it. Success is the result of having vision and heart, showing up and doing the work, and knowing the little “stuff” really does add up to be big.
That’s where our North Star Approach comes in. The North Star Approach involves having long-term, high-level, aspirational goals … a focal point to keep you on track. When you are able to focus on the bigger picture, you’ll learn the best actions to take in order to realize your goals. And, when you do this, you will empower, motivate, and inspire yourself, plus boost your wellness.
Are you after a bigger bank account? The ability to speak a foreign language? A more meaningful career? Healthier friendships? A better night’s sleep? Better balance? You might not feel successful until you get that promotion, lose weight, fix your hip pain, or run a marathon. Imagine your ideal life in 10 days, in 100 days, in 1,000 days, in 10,000 days … how will you spend those days, how do you want to feel, what are you after?
When should you begin? Life is too busy for “later” and, even with the best of intentions, “later” usually means “never.” There’s no better time than now, even if you convince yourself otherwise.
Chasing your dreams on a daily basis and having a greater goal will energize you and bring great meaning to your life. Climb … and always keep your eye on the North Star as your guide.
