True North: The Road Less Traveled
Like a compass, we’re automatically pulled toward Magnetic North. Toward the established roles, responsibilities, and careers valued by society. Over time, we adopt the priorities of others as our own, slowly distancing ourselves from the causes we care about most deeply. But what if we adjusted our declination and ventured down the road less traveled? What if we were able to find our own True North and make the kind of positive impact in the world that we want to make?
The difference between Magnetic North and True North varies 20 degrees, depending on your physical location. In the short-term, that distinction could mean the difference between ending up in Minneapolis instead of St. Paul. Only 12 miles off, you could easily get back on course. In the long run, it could mean the difference between Minneapolis and Bangor, Maine. While they both have cold climates, it's almost impossible to course correct a distance of over 1,600 miles.
- Magnetic North is the voice of others. It’s the voice of expectation and “I should.” It’s the well-trodden path that you’re naturally pulled toward as a result of the societal conditions and influences around you.
- True North is your voice. It’s your personal insight, wisdom, and experiences. It’s a unique path that only you can uncover.
Finding your true north means facing off with some of life’s toughest questions and having the ability to discern your own voice from the voices around you. Isolating your unique voice gives you the tools and resources to create waypoints and guideposts to keep you moving toward True North.
So how can you stay on course with what’s most important in your life? And more importantly, how do you know which path is uniquely yours? The questions below are designed to help you distinguish between your voice (True North) and the voices of others (Magnetic North).
Discerning Between True North and Magnetic North
Have the courage to answer each question honestly. This isn’t the time to filter your thoughts!
The Daily Grind
The old way of working was defined by sacrificing a part of yourself to do what society and others expected of you. It centered on paying your dues and putting your passions aside until you gained credibility. The new economy is driven by work that people passionately want to do.
- What is your new way of working? How do you want to fill each day?
- What old ways of working are you (or others) doing that no longer serves?
Who Are You
Our culture is shifting toward recognizing people as human beings first, before their credentials and accomplishments.
- How do others define you? Who are you if you strip away your titles, accomplishments, credentials, and associated institutions?
- What do you want to be known for?
Measurement of Success
- How do you define success for yourself? What are the key measurements that will indicate your success now and in the future?
- Who is the one person’s opinion you value most? How do they measure your success?
What insights did you gain? Share your experience in the comments below and join our session at NI14 to share in person!
Taking the road less traveled isn’t easy. I know from experience that forging your own path can be solitary and often leave you feeling like a lone ranger. But by investing the time to understand and amplify your unique voice, you’ll become a more effective steward of yourself, the causes you deeply care for, and the world.
About Lindsay
As Equity Partner of the Center for Nature and Leadership, Lindsay Fahey is committed to inspiring and supporting fellow 20-somethings to bring forth their personal vision for change, by creating a safe and supportive community that encourages exploration, innovation, and experimentation. She left a successful corporate career as a Brand Strategist to build a life of purpose and impact. Following the completion of her Sustainability MBA in 2012, she could no longer live with a career that was in conflict with her values and passions. Lindsay believes our best work is rooted in collective experience and connection with nature, and she will be speaking at this year’s Net Impact Conference at The Road Less Traveled: Clarify Your Passion, Maximize Your Impact.
