The benefits of a North Star

How one piece of paper can help you make decisions and bring more joy and fun into your life

Hey Reader,

This week on my Substack, I shared the six-step creative alignment ritual behind my biggest shifts and greatest moments. You can read the whole post here.

Today, I wanted to focus on one bit of that process: the North Star.

This is not another to-do list item to add to your already overwhelmed life!

This is a creative ritual that will actually help with overwhelm and bring you focus as a creative being navigating this complex world.

Think of your North Star as a guide to helping you:

• Focus your creative energy
• Say no to things that don't align with your bigger life dreams
• Lean into what brings you joy and lights you up in life.

From the start, I want you to make it fun and colorful. Get a piece of paper (or giant post-it note), a couple of pens, some stickers if you have them, make yourself a mocktail, and lean into the creativity of the process.

Let go of perfectionism and know you can change it at any time.

Here's mine for reference (and to share in the vulnerability with you):

Sit down with your paper and pens and ask yourself this question:

Two years is my sweet spot.

Shorter and I feel frantic. Longer and I lose interest before I even begin. Your timeline might be different — but the point is to choose a container that feels expansive and focused at the same time.

This isn’t about creating a giant to-do list. It’s about creating a clear, visible reminder of who you’re becoming — so you can stay aligned with your dreams.

I broke my Two-Year North Star into four areas of life:

• Physical: How can I meet myself where I’m at and thrive mentally, physically, and spiritually?
• Creative: Who am I as an artist in this season? What am I building? What am I practicing?
• Personal: How do I want to live day to day? How do I want to feel? How do I show up in relationships?
• Professional: How am I resourcing this life? What financial and career structures support the version of me I’m becoming?

I journaled freely at first. Then I distilled it down into something visible and simple — a large post-it on my wall that I look at every single day.

If this feels overwhelming, simplify it.

• Make a mood board (see the image below for inspiration).
• Write a couple paragraphs.
• Choose a single word (scroll down to see how I did that).

There is no right or wrong way to do this.

The goal is a creating visible reminder of where you’re headed — a map you can glance at when you feel lost.

So whatever works for you, go do that.

And then come back here and share with me what you create!

I'd love to see your North Star!

Reply and let me know how it goes.

If you want to dig deeper, read the full 6-step process I use to reset my life every two years here for free on my Substack.

It's all a part of my goal to help you live a more boldly creative life and get your voice out there.

Because the world needs your story now more than ever.

With excitement to see your North Star!

Lauren

P.S. My next nonfiction book is debuting on May 15, 2026! This is a sneak peek at what's inside. If you like this, you'll love the book!

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