How do I figure out what my “stars” are so they guide me instead of just being nice ideas?

Try a short values-mapping session in your journal: 1) Peak moments: Write three times you felt proud or alive. What values showed up (courage, curiosity, kindness, craftsmanship)? 2) Role models: List two people you admire. What qualities do they consistently live? 3) Trade-offs: What have you willingly sacrificed before (comfort, speed, popularity) to protect a value? That value is likely a star. 4) Name 3 stars: Turn each value into a guiding statement, e.g., “I choose clarity over speed,” “I practice kindness without keeping score,” “I learn out loud.” 5) Daily navigation: Morning—pick one star and set a micro-intention (“One way I’ll practice clarity today is…”). Evening—note one moment you followed or ignored it and what you learned. In the Stoic app, keep these notes brief and consistent so your values become practical guides, not abstract ideals.

When I’m anxious about the future, how can I use this quote to feel less lost and more directed?

Use a “star vs. light” page. Draw two columns: Star (guides) and Light (noise). 1) Write the worry at the top. 2) In Star, list what aligns with your values and control (prepare, ask for feedback, rest, practice). 3) In Light, list what’s outside control or purely speculative (others’ opinions, exact timing, every possible outcome). 4) Choose one tiny action under Star for today (email, 20-minute practice, 5-minute plan). 5) Close with a grounding line: “I will follow my star, not chase every light.” Repeat nightly: Did my action reduce uncertainty or just distract me? Logging this in Stoic helps separate direction from distraction so anxiety has less room to spiral.

Work feels like a blur of tiny lights—busy but meaningless. How can I realign my day with my guiding stars?

Start with a 3-step focus ritual: 1) Identify today’s star: Pick one value that matters most for this day (service, depth, learning). 2) Align three tasks: Rewrite three tasks to reflect that star. Example: “Finish slides” becomes “Make slides that teach one clear insight.” 3) Protect one block: Reserve the smallest viable block (25–45 min) to do the most star-aligned task first. Evening debrief: a) One place I followed the star; b) One place I chased tiny lights; c) One adjustment for tomorrow. Use Stoic to capture the morning star and the evening debrief—over time you’ll see patterns that help you choose guidance over busyness.

QUOTE

People have stars, but they aren't the same. For travelers, the stars are guides. For other people, they're nothing but tiny lights.

Published on

Apr 25, 2025

Written by

Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Journal in Stoic

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People have stars, but they aren't the same. For travelers, the stars are guides. For other people, they're nothing but tiny lights.

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