By: Sean Shearon
In every season of life, we need something that helps guide us through the rough waters—those early mornings, long days, and moments when comfort feels easier than commitment. That guiding force is what I call your North Star.
And here’s the thing:
Everyone’s North Star is different… and it can change.
Your North Star evolves with your experiences, your relationships, and your priorities. The most powerful North Stars are often the ones that reach beyond ourselves and focus on the people we love.
Primary North Stars: The Selfless Whys
The strongest motivators are rarely aesthetic goals. They’re rooted in purpose, people, and responsibility. A few examples:
• “I support my best friend by committing to hike the canyon with her.”
• “I want to get on and off the ground easily with my grandchildren.”
• “I want to be an anchor for my partner.”
These aren’t about perfection—they’re about presence. They pull you forward with meaning.
Secondary North Stars: The Lifestyle Vision
These are the goals that define the kind of life you want to live:
• “I want to live an extraordinary, adventurous lifestyle.”
• “I want to show up as the best version of myself every day.”
These create momentum, direction, and a sense of identity.
Performance & Progress North Stars
These are the fun, measurable goals that keep training exciting:
• “I want to do my first pull-up.”
• “I want to see shoulder definition.”
There’s no right or wrong type of North Star.
You may have multiple, and they may shift between short-term and long-term.
What matters is that they exist—and that you know what they are.
When Motivation Fades
Because let’s be honest, it will:
• When the alarm goes off…
• When you’re tired…
• When discipline feels harder than comfort…
• When growth feels inconvenient…
Your North Star is what keeps you on track.
Motivation comes and goes.
A clear North Star—your deeper “why behind the why”—is what brings you back to action.
Make Your North Star Visible
A North Star only works if you can see it.
Touch it.
Remember it.
Put it where your eyes land every single day:
• Write it down
• Take a screenshot
• Set a reminder
• Print a photo
• Put it on the fridge
• Stick it to your bathroom mirror
Don’t let it live only in your mind. Make it part of your environment.
So… What’s Your North Star?
The one that guides you right now.
The one that helps you choose discipline instead of regret.
The one that reminds you who you’re becoming.
My North Stars?
Fear of regret. Danielle. Andi Jane. My family. Our Prevail instructors. And every one of you.
You are the reason I show up, stay committed, and keep growing.
So now I’ll ask you:
What’s your North Star?
