Follow your
True North

True North is your inner sense, or calling, of what you want to accomplish in your life. It’s a combination of your values, your beliefs, and your purpose. It keeps you on a straight track that’s true for you. And it’s different for every single person.
— Authentic Leadership: Bill George

True North

An individuals True North is made up of core values, principles, or beliefs that guide a person's decisions and actions. It represents what is most fundamental and important to them, akin to a moral compass or a guiding star. Despite changing circumstances or challenges, these core beliefs remain constant and help navigate life's complexities with integrity and purpose.

True North is the internal compass that guides you successfully through life.
— Bill George

How to identify your True North

Identifying your true north compass involves self-reflection and understanding your core values, passions, and goals.

Here are some steps to help you identify your true north:

  1. Reflect on Your Values

    Consider what principles are most important to you. Think about moments when you felt proud or fulfilled and identify the values that were being honored in those moments.

  2. Evaluate Your Passions

    Pay attention to activities or causes that excite and energize you. Your passions often align with your true north.

  3. Consider Your Strengths

    Identify your natural talents and strengths. These are often indicators of where you can make the most impact and find the most fulfillment.

  4. Reflect on Past Experiences

    Look back at your life experiences, both positive and negative. Analyze what lessons you learned and how they shaped your beliefs and values.

  5. Set Clear Goals

    Define what success and fulfillment look like for you. Your goals should reflect your core values and what you truly want to achieve in life.

  6. Seek Feedback

    Talk to trusted friends, family members, or mentors who know you well. They can provide insights into your strengths, values, and passions.

  7. Spend Time in Solitude

    Spend time alone to meditate or journal about your thoughts and feelings. Solitude can help you connect with your inner self and clarify your true north.

  8. Stay Open to Growth

    Understand that discovering your true north is a journey. Be open to learning and evolving as you gain new experiences and insights.

  9. Align Actions with Values

    Regularly assess whether your daily actions and decisions align with your core values and long-term goals. Adjust as necessary to stay true to yourself.

  10. Listen to Your Intuition

    Trust your gut feelings and inner voice. Often, your intuition can guide you toward what truly matters to you.


The more important a call or action is to our soul’s evolution, the more resistance we will feel toward pursuing it.
— Steven Pressfield

How to follow your True North

Following your true north compass involves consistently aligning your actions, decisions, and life choices with your core values and principles.

Here are steps to help you stay true to your path:

  1. Clarify Your Vision

    Write down your core values, passions, and long-term goals. Having a clear vision helps guide your actions and decisions.

  2. Set Intentional Goals

    Break down your long-term vision into smaller, achievable goals. Ensure these goals are aligned with your true north.

  3. Create a Plan

    Develop a plan to achieve your goals, including specific steps and timelines. This plan should be flexible enough to adapt to changing circumstances while keeping you focused on your true north.

  4. Make Values-Based Decisions

    When faced with decisions, ask yourself if the choice aligns with your core values and long-term goals. Let your true north guide your decision-making process.

  5. Stay Consistent

    Regularly review your goals and values to ensure you’re staying on track. Consistency helps reinforce your commitment to your true north.

  6. Seek Support

    Surround yourself with supportive people who understand and respect your values and goals. They can provide encouragement and accountability.

  7. Practice Self-Reflection

    Regularly take time to reflect on your actions and progress. Journaling or meditating can help you stay connected to your true north.

  8. Embrace Growth and Learning

    Be open to learning from experiences and making adjustments as needed. Personal growth is a continuous process that can refine and strengthen your true north.

  9. Maintain Balance

    Ensure that you balance various aspects of your life, such as work, relationships, and personal well-being. A balanced life supports staying true to your values.

  10. Trust Yourself

    Have confidence in your values and decisions. Trusting yourself reinforces your commitment to your true north.

  11. Adapt and Recalibrate

    Life circumstances may change, requiring you to adapt your path. Revisit and recalibrate your true north compass to stay aligned with your evolving self.

  12. Celebrate Progress

    Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements along the way. Recognizing your progress can motivate you to continue following your true north.

By consistently aligning your actions and decisions with your core values and principles, you can live a fulfilling and purpose-driven life.

Focus on what lights a fire inside of you and use that passion to fill a white space. Don’t be afraid of the challenges, the missteps, and the setbacks along the way. What matters is that you keep going.
— Kendra Scott