

Jason Weiss
Sep 30, 2023
Finding True North: Navigating Life with Purpose and Awareness
A dear friend of mine, we’ll call him Harold, has always been a beacon of talent and determination. With an impressive background that boasts a graduation from NYU's Tisch School of The Arts, his resume is embellished with roles in iconic films and TV shows. But beyond the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Harold has been a pillar in the artistic community, channeling his wisdom and experience into mentoring budding actors at prestigious institutions and charitable organizations.
But recently, as we sat across from each other in a dimly lit, loud Santa Monica sushi restaurant, I saw a different side of Harold. Beneath those confident eyes, there was a storm of emotions — a whirlwind of fear, anticipation, and uncertainty. He confided in me about standing on the precipice of a life-altering decision, contemplating a significant career shift. While the unknown always has its share of trepidations, there was also an unmistakable spark in his eyes, a fervor, signaling excitement about the myriad possibilities the future might hold. He was looking for an empathetic ear and perhaps, some nuggets of wisdom to navigate these uncharted waters.
As our conversation meandered through memories and musings, I posed some reflective questions. Questions that I believe can help us better understand and calibrate our guiding principles.
At Which Point in My Life Did Joy Peak? Reflect on life’s experiences. Maybe it was the time you volunteered abroad, immersing yourself in a different culture. Or perhaps, a recent accomplishment, like finishing a marathon. Such moments shine a light on what resonates deeply with you. Identifying these joyous peaks can guide us to weave more of these experiences into our lives.
Which Event Made Me Feel the Most Proud? Dig deep. Was it the instance where you mentored a young professional, seeing them thrive in their role? Or perhaps, standing up for a colleague, prioritizing justice over personal gain? These moments of pride often highlight our foundational values. Similarly, recollect moments of disappointment. They too can be signposts, guiding us towards more congruent decisions.
How Do I Prioritize My Discretionary Time? In the midst of life's cacophony, how we use moments of calm speaks volumes. Are they spent on enriching activities like reading or perhaps in nature, or do they drift away in idle pastimes? An audit of these moments can offer insights into our genuine priorities.
Are Our Paths Still Aligned? Shared aspirations with loved ones, like dreaming of a world tour or setting up a family business, necessitate mutual alignment. And sometimes, reaching out to old friends or mentors can offer a refreshing perspective on whether we're staying true to our values.
What Could Sever Our Bonds? Moving past the immediate answers like financial disputes, dive deeper. Could it be a difference in life visions or perhaps, growing emotionally distant? Such introspection can highlight foundational rifts and provide opportunities for mending.
If Given a Blank Slate, How Would I Craft My Days? Envision a world where the past holds no sway, offering a fresh tableau. With your accumulated wisdom, would you still chase after that promotion with the same fervor? Or perhaps, dedicate more time to a forgotten hobby? Such visualization can lead to meaningful realignments in our current lives.
What’s the Driving Force Behind My Choices? Every choice, from attending a reunion to skipping a meal during work crunch, stems from underlying values. It's vital to often question and decipher these motivations, ensuring that our actions are in harmony with our core beliefs.
Over dinner, Harold and I embarked not on a quest of intense introspection, but rather on a process of refinement and recalibration. Much like an artisan chipping away to uncover the sculpture within the stone, our dialogue was about fine-tuning our perceptions and beliefs. The essence of our conversation wasn't just about reflection but about attaining a deeper alignment.
As we sipped on our drinks and delved deeper, it became evident that life isn't a linear path; it's a myriad of choices, each branching out, shaping the journey. But without a guiding compass - a set of principles - the voyage can become aimless, with one wandering in circles. Taking the time, especially in the company of trusted companions, to ensure that our compass remains true to our core beliefs is imperative. It's not about rigidly sticking to a predetermined path, but more about adjusting our sails, ensuring our course remains true even when buffeted by life's unpredictable winds.
“It's less about journeying with a fixed destination in mind, and more about understanding and appreciating the direction we're taking," I mused, looking at Harold. "In a world inundated with distractions, maintaining a heightened sense of self-awareness ensures that each step, each decision, is not just an action but a purposeful stride towards a life lived meaningfully.”
“I believe that we are solely responsible for our choices, and we have to accept the consequences of every deed, word, and thought throughout our lifetime.”
- Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
Stay Connected. Subscribe to
The Methods to My Madness.
C ON S U L T I N G
Copyright 2024 Jason Weiss Inc. | All Rights Reserved