Goal Setting: Importance of Navigating with a North Star (Part 2)

Goals lacking a North-Star element are often insufficient to carry us through the most challenging periods of change: flagging energy levels and motivation, lack of visible progress, regression, lapses in activity, and plateaus. The North Star we identify and cultivate may be the source of inspiration we need to generate resilience and perseverance in the face of these challenges.

So what is this North Star?

It’s a source of continuous inspiration that helps you navigate the journey of change ahead of you.

It’s commonly referred to as your “why” (also articulated as “finding your why” or answering the question “What’s your why?”) and is often identified by using the “five whys” method. Although its origins are far from health/fitness, the five whys method intends to identify root causes and facilitate deeper, more meaningful inquiry into a problem or intention.

The method is simple: For a stated goal, you answer the question “Why?” For that response, you again ask the question, “Why?” You repeat the process five times, as (theoretically) each answer brings you closer to the root cause or driving insight. [To get to the deepest level of meaning, various versions of “Why?” are used, such as “Why does that matter?” “Why is that important?” and “Why will this make a difference to you?”]

The caveat is that this method is only beneficial in the health/wellness context if you are brutally honest, truly curious about what you may uncover, and compassionate with yourself during the exploration process. Consequently, due to the vulnerability inherent in this method, I find it is best left for self-reflection or conducted only with a trusted confidant or coach who can lead you through the process.

What is often uncovered is a root emotion that is highly meaningful, and that may elicit a compelling, visceral reaction. What this may look like in practice: “I want to lose 50 lbs.” is the initial goal. But the underlying reason for this may be deeply personal: I want to be attractive, I want to regain my vitality, or I want to be able to enjoy my grandchildren. These are clear illustrations, but the point of the exercise is to find what matters most to you. [You don’t have to share your North Star. I find that with my clients, many do not, given its highly personal nature.]

Once you’ve uncovered this element, you have the makings of a powerful North Star. It serves as a reminder, in a literal sense, of the ‘why’ behind your efforts. When you face headwinds—and you absolutely will—this may inspire you to persevere.

A brilliant example is the 2020 video clip courtesy of the health services company DocMorris. The video is 2+ minutes, but it is absolutely worth watching in its entirety for multiple reasons. Use this official link (https://youtu.be/2N2eSsIWtNI?feature=shared) but if this doesn’t work, you can find the video with a quick Internet search (‘Doc Morris grandfather kettlebell’). For our purposes, it’s a perfect illustration of a North Star and a few other principles of successful approaches that we’ll touch on in future articles (e.g., consistency/habit).

If we put the North Star into the context of Part 1 of this Goal Setting article triad, it is often an outcome-based, distal goal. It could be a motivational ‘BHAG’ (big hairy audacious goal). The difference between this approach to creating or supplementing a longer-term, outcome-based goal is that it is emotionally based, not intellectually based. Consequently, the power to drive us forward is significantly greater than a rational, well-intentioned (but emotionally void and sterile goal). The emotional element can give us a sense of purpose amid life’s chaos.

A North Star goal is also an excellent filter for behavior. Is what I'm contemplating moving me closer to this goal, or will it take me farther away from it? It is a powerful supplement to the general construct of willpower.

As with other elements of the overall frameworks I present in this article series, there is nothing magical in identifying and fostering a North Star. It is likely insufficient, in isolation, to effect the long-term sustainable change you’re seeking. That said, this element can provide a tailwind to keep going when we need it most.