A product’s success is defined by whether or not it aligns with and fulfills its “North Star.” Similarly, our career’s success is also defined by whether or not it aligns with and fulfills our North Star.
For those unfamiliar with the concept, the North Star was a critical navigational tool back before modern navigation existed. It helped sailors to orient themselves and navigate the oceans by providing guidance, a sense of stability, and a clear direction despite the unknown.
Translating this to our careers, it boils down to a single, crucial question:
At the end of the day, what is the one thing that would make our careers worth it?
Metaphorically speaking, knowing why our career matters is our North Star, and our lives are the ocean that we’re sailing through.
So, why does your career matter? Is your North Star:
To eliminate a problem that held your friends and family back from the lives they want?
To discover a way for mankind to effectively develop deep space travel?
To improve our ability to grow and cultivate food?
Or is it to retire early and live a financially independent, and free, lifestyle?
Whatever your career’s big “why” is, never forget it and do whatever it takes to achieve it. There will be wins, losses, breakthroughs, and setbacks along the way. Just remember that just like sailors navigating the oceans from one place to another, there is always more than one path to the finish line.
Follow your North Star.