The theme of today’s message is simple, and it’s this:
Plans change. That’s understandable.
The goal shouldn’t ever change.
You can pivot, you can step back, you can refine or optimize the process.
The goal on the other hand, stays the same.
We’ve all been there, life throws a curveball, the plan falls apart, and suddenly, motivation starts to fade, consistency wains, and results/progress slows down. Through all that, you have to remember to remain steadfast in the idea that - the path can change without the purpose changing. What matters most isn’t how perfectly your plan unfolds, it’s how firmly you stay anchored to your North Star.
That North Star is the vision that guides you. It is the end goal that gives direction to every decision, every pivot, and every small win along the way. Don’t lose sight of that.
This declaration is made with one key assumption. That assumption is that you’ve done your due diligence in regards to the setting of the right goals and the plans to achieve them. If that’s where the hiccup is, here’s a common framework to help you along the way (you’ve probably heard of it before). It’s the S.M.A.R.T. method of setting goals.
The SMART method of setting goals is this:
S = Specific: Be clear about what you actually want. Vague goals create vague effort.
M = Measurable: Define how you’ll track progress. Data doesn’t lie, it tells you when and where to pivot.
A = Achievable: Keep it realistic. Ambition is great, but consistency thrives on momentum, not fantasy.
R = Relevant: Make sure the goal aligns with your bigger purpose, your North Star. If the goal is your North Star then there are steps that have to be taken to achieve it. Each of those steps have to be relevant to that North Star.
T = Time-bound: Put a clock on it. Deadlines build discipline.
Once you’ve got the SMART part down, that’s when the real work begins.
As we talked about last week in The Feedback Loop of Failure, setbacks aren’t signs to stop; they’re signals to adjust. You’ll face obstacles, delays, maybe even failures. However, none of that should shake your commitment to the end goal.
Use the feedback to refine your strategy, not redefine your destination.
Every move between start and finish should serve the purpose of alignment; aligning your effort, your energy, and your focus with the goal itself. The measurable part shows you when to course-correct. The achievable part reminds you that success is within reach, you just have to keep going.
When your North Star stays fixed, the journey may bend, but it never breaks.
Conclusion:
Growth isn’t about avoiding detours, it’s about staying aligned through them. The most successful people don’t cling to one plan; they cling to one purpose. They pivot, they learn, and they keep their eyes on the North Star.
So when plans shift, don’t lose sight. Recalibrate. Realign. Keep moving toward the goal that started it all.
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