Unstoppable Series: Chapter 2 - Defining Your True North

 "Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction." — John F. Kennedy

Before you can chase a dream, you have to define it. It sounds obvious, but it’s where most people get stuck. They want “success,” “freedom,” or “happiness” — but what does that actually mean to you? Vague desires lead to vague outcomes. Crystal-clear goals, however, act like a compass, guiding you through storms, setbacks, and distractions.

In this chapter, we’re going to unpack how to discover your True North — that personal, deeply meaningful goal or purpose that anchors everything you do.

Why Clarity is Power

Imagine you’re on a road trip. You pack your bags, fuel up your car, and hit the open road. But you didn’t pick a destination. How will you know which turns to take, or when you’ve arrived? You’ll either circle aimlessly or settle for the nearest stop.

Life works the same way.

When you’re clear on what you want — the exact outcome you’re after — every decision becomes easier. You can filter opportunities, habits, and relationships through one question: Does this bring me closer to my goal, or push me further away?

Real-World Proof: The Story of Sara Blakely

At age 27, Sara Blakely was selling fax machines door-to-door. She hated it. But one night, while getting ready for a party, she cut the feet off a pair of control-top pantyhose to achieve a smoother look under her white pants.

That improvised wardrobe hack sparked an idea: shapewear for women that was comfortable, invisible under clothing, and empowering.

Blakely had no fashion background. No investors. No contacts in the retail world. But what she did have was clarity. She knew what she wanted to create, who it was for, and why it mattered. That clarity fueled every step she took, from cold-calling manufacturers to personally modeling her products.

Years later, Sara Blakely became the world’s youngest self-made female billionaire, founding Spanx — all because she identified a specific goal and stayed relentlessly committed to it.

Discovering Your True North

Your True North isn’t always obvious. It takes reflection, honesty, and the courage to let go of what others expect of you. Here’s a framework to help you uncover it:

1. List your obsessions.
   What topics, causes, or activities light you up? What do you find yourself researching, talking about, or thinking about without being prompted?

2. Identify your frustrations.
   Often, your purpose is hiding inside the problems you feel most angry or sad about. What injustice, inefficiency, or missed opportunity makes you think, Someone should fix that?

3. Recall your peak moments.
   Think of times when you felt most alive, proud, or fulfilled. What were you doing? Who were you with? What did those moments have in common?

4. Write your eulogy.
   It sounds morbid, but imagining what you want people to say about you at the end of your life can clarify what matters most now.

Avoiding False Goals

It’s easy to confuse your True North with what society praises — money, fame, titles. But chasing a goal that isn’t authentically yours will leave you burned out and unsatisfied, even if you “succeed.”

Ask yourself: Who am I doing this for?

If the honest answer is approval, comparison, or fear of missing out, it’s time to realign.

Action Step: The Clarity Statement

Take a moment and write:

“The life I want most is one where I __________, because __________.”

Examples:

• The life I want most is one where I teach others how to master their finances, because I know how it feels to be stuck in debt.

• The life I want most is one where I travel the world, because it makes me feel alive and connected.

• The life I want most is one where I run my own business, because I value freedom and creativity.

This isn’t your final draft. It can evolve. But writing it down makes it real.

Your True North as a Decision Filter

Once you know your True North, decisions stop being overwhelming. Every opportunity, request, or temptation can be evaluated with one question:

Does this align with the life I want most?

If it’s a no — decline. If it’s a yes — pursue it with boldness. If it’s a maybe, dig deeper.

Real-World Proof: The Story of Matthew McConaughey

For years, actor Matthew McConaughey coasted through romantic comedies, making millions and enjoying fame. But deep down, he wanted more meaningful, challenging roles.

So he walked away.

He turned down lucrative deals, faced criticism, and waited over a year without new offers. But his clarity paid off. He eventually landed dramatic roles in Dallas Buyers Club, Interstellar, and True Detective, earning both critical acclaim and personal fulfillment.

McConaughey’s True North wasn’t about chasing popularity — it was about doing work that mattered to him.

Closing Thought

The world will try to distract you. It will tempt you with easy wins and shiny trophies. But when you’re clear on what you want and why it matters, you can withstand the noise.

Your True North isn’t a job title, a dollar amount, or a follower count. It’s a vision for your life that makes you feel alive, useful, and at peace.

Find it. Name it. Then start building toward it.

Because everything you achieve, and the resilience you’ll need along the way, depends on knowing what you’re chasing.