How I Started With The End In Mind

There's a tremendous amount of uncertainty when getting started on anything.

So before I started my podcast and writing online, I first imagined what end-goal I was seeking.

I call this my North Star — an indicator I can look up at when the path is uncertain and know that I am still moving in the right direction.

For me, it has to do with making meaningful connections with interesting people from across the world. Simplified into a single sentence, my North Star is: To be able to travel anywhere in the world and go to dinner with someone who has found me through my work.

I chose this goal because I live in a small city. I want to use the Internet to prove that by putting out your work consistently, it doesn't matter who you are or where you live.

Your North Star goal should be big and bold enough that it should take years to achieve.

If your North Star is achievable within 5 years, you're thinking too small. With that goal in mind, you're now able to work backwards and define the medium term goals (6-18 months) and your short term actions (day-to-day).

Having a lofty long-term goal is great, but the real magic comes from being able to take tiny actions every single day that move you in the direction of your North Star.

I find it easiest to start with the end in mind, but only focus on the next actions that need to be taken in the right direction. Your North Star will always be there to guide you towards becoming the person you want to become.

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