Uncovering Your True North: Reflecting on Values and Goals

Have you ever felt like you’re just drifting, unsure of where you’re going or what you want to do with your life? You’re not alone. Many high school students feel lost, facing a seemingly endless sea of possibilities without a compass to guide them. This is where the concept of “True North” comes in.

Think of your True North as your personal guiding star, a direction that points you towards a life filled with purpose and meaning. It’s not about having a perfectly defined plan for the future, but rather about understanding your core values and goals, which will help you navigate the twists and turns of life’s journey. Just like a sailor uses a compass to stay on course, understanding your values and goals will help you make decisions that align with who you are and what you truly want.

So, what exactly are values? They’re like the invisible forces that shape our choices and actions. They’re the things we deeply believe in, the principles that guide our behavior, and the things that matter most to us. Values can be as simple as honesty, kindness, or creativity, or they can be more complex like independence, adventure, or making a difference in the world.

Think about your favorite athletes, musicians, or artists. What qualities do you admire in them? Maybe you respect their dedication, their passion, or their commitment to excellence. These qualities are likely reflections of their own core values.

It’s important to identify your own values because they act as a compass, helping you navigate the choices you make in school, in your relationships, and in your future career. If you value honesty, you’re more likely to be truthful in your interactions with others. If you value growth, you might be more inclined to challenge yourself with new experiences and learning opportunities.

There are a few ways to uncover your values:

• Journaling: Take some time to write down what’s important to you. What are your hopes and dreams? What kind of person do you want to be? What qualities do you admire in others?
• Value Clarification Activities: There are many online quizzes and exercises that can help you identify your values. These activities often involve ranking different statements or scenarios based on how important they are to you.
• Talking to Trusted Individuals: Sometimes it’s helpful to talk to people you trust, like family members, friends, mentors, or teachers. Ask them what they see as your strengths and values. Their insights can provide valuable perspectives.

By taking the time to understand your values, you’ll be better equipped to make decisions that align with your true self. This is the first step towards discovering your True North and living a life that is authentic and fulfilling.

Now that you’ve explored your values, it’s time to turn them into actionable goals. Think of your values as the fuel that powers your goals, giving them purpose and meaning. If you value creativity, for example, a goal of starting a photography club or writing a short story would align with that value.

But it’s not enough to just have goals; they need to be SMART goals. SMART stands for:

• Specific: Instead of saying “I want to be a good student,” try “I want to improve my grades in math by 10% this semester.”
• Measurable: How will you know if you’ve achieved your goal? Use numbers or specific criteria to track your progress.
• Achievable: Set goals that are challenging but realistic. Don’t set yourself up for failure by aiming too high.
• Relevant: Make sure your goals are aligned with your values and interests. This will help you stay motivated and engaged.
• Time-bound: Set deadlines for your goals. This will help you stay on track and avoid procrastination.

For example, if you value helping others and want to volunteer, a SMART goal could be: “I will volunteer at the local animal shelter for 2 hours every Saturday for the next 3 months.” This goal is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

Brainstorming Goals:

Take some time to brainstorm goals that align with your values. Don’t be afraid to think big! Once you have a list, break down each goal into smaller, manageable steps. This will make your goals seem less daunting and more achievable.

For example, if your goal is to get a summer internship at a tech company, you could break it down into these steps:

1. Research tech companies: Identify companies that align with your interests.
2. Network with professionals: Reach out to people in the tech industry for advice and connections.
3. Update your resume and cover letter: Tailor your application materials to each company.
4. Practice your interviewing skills: Prepare for common interview questions.
5. Apply for internships: Submit your applications before the deadlines.

Kyros.AI’s Roadmap Planning: Kyros.AI’s Roadmap Planning module can help you plan your courses and extracurricular activities with your counselor. This can be a valuable tool for setting SMART goals and breaking them down into smaller steps.

By setting meaningful goals and breaking them down into smaller steps, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your dreams and living a life that is truly fulfilling.

The journey to finding your True North isn’t always a smooth sail. Just like a ship encountering storms, you’ll face obstacles and setbacks along the way. Maybe you’ll hit a rough patch in your studies, struggle with a personal relationship, or feel unsure about your future career path. Remember, everyone experiences challenges, and it’s how you handle them that matters.

Don’t be discouraged! Instead of letting setbacks derail you, see them as opportunities for growth. Think of it like building a muscle: lifting weights can be tough, but it makes you stronger in the long run. Here are a few strategies to help you stay motivated and navigate those roadblocks:

• Seek Support: Don’t be afraid to reach out for help! Talk to trusted friends, family members, teachers, or a school counselor. They can offer encouragement, advice, and a fresh perspective. You’re not alone in this journey.
• Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself! Everyone makes mistakes, and it’s okay to have bad days. Instead of beating yourself up, acknowledge your feelings and try to learn from the experience. Remember, you’re still figuring things out, and that’s part of the process.
• Reframe Challenges: Sometimes, the biggest obstacle is our own mindset. Instead of seeing a challenge as a roadblock, try to reframe it as an opportunity for learning and growth. For example, if you struggle with a particular subject, consider it a chance to develop your problem-solving skills and learn new study strategies.

Flexibility is Key: As you learn and grow, your values and goals may evolve. That’s perfectly normal! Be open to adjustments and don’t be afraid to change course if something no longer feels right. Think of your True North as a guiding star, not a rigid destination. The journey is just as important as the destination, and it’s full of exciting possibilities!

Kyros.AI can be a valuable resource in your journey of self-discovery. Its various features and services can help you explore your interests, set meaningful goals, and navigate the challenges you face.

• Colleges: Kyros.AI’s College Search feature can help you find colleges that align with your interests and goals. You can search by location, major, cost, and other criteria.
• Benchmark and Chancing: Kyros.AI’s Benchmark and Chancing feature can help you assess your academic and extracurricular strengths and predict your chances of admission to different colleges.
• Majors and Careers: Kyros.AI’s Majors and Careers feature can help you explore different majors and careers based on your interests and personality.
• Extracurriculars: Kyros.AI’s Extracurriculars feature can help you find summer programs, clubs, organizations, community service opportunities, competitions, and research and publication opportunities.
• Scholarships and Cost: Kyros.AI’s Scholarships and Cost feature can help you find scholarships and calculate the cost of attendance for different colleges.
• Sample Profiles: Kyros.AI’s Sample Profiles feature can help you compare your profile to other students and see their application outcomes.
• Courses: Kyros.AI’s Courses feature can help you find and watch video lessons for various school courses.
• Tests: Kyros.AI’s Tests feature can help you find and watch video lessons for standardized tests like PSAT, SAT, ACT, AP, etc.
• Expert Guidance: Kyros.AI’s expert guidance features, including Sunday Webinars, Sprint Programs, SSM Counseling, and Future You Lab Premium Programs, can provide you with personalized support and guidance from experienced professionals.

This journey of self-discovery is about more than just finding a career or a college major. It’s about understanding who you are at your core, what truly matters to you, and how you can use that knowledge to create a life that is both fulfilling and meaningful. By taking the time to reflect on your values, set meaningful goals, and navigate challenges with resilience, you’ll be well on your way to uncovering your True North and living a life that aligns with your deepest aspirations.

Remember, this is a personal journey, and there’s no right or wrong way to do it. Embrace the process, be open to new experiences, and don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way. You’re not alone in this exploration, and there are countless resources and support systems available to guide you.

We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below. What values have you discovered? What goals are you working towards? What challenges have you overcome? Let’s learn from each other and support each other on this exciting journey of self-discovery.