"Suis ta propre étoile"

Finding your own path in life and staying true to who you are—it's timeless advice. The idea is simple: chart your own course, don't just go along with what everyone else is doing. Each of us has our own unique aspirations, values, and desires. Following "your own star" means being true to those rather than conforming to the expectations or pressures of others.

Historically, this piece of wisdom has roots in the Renaissance era. It echoes the sentiment of self-reliance and individualism that thinkers like the Italian poet Dante Alighieri advocated. In "The Divine Comedy," Dante speaks about following your own star, suggesting that divine guidance or one's inner compass leads to a fulfilling life. It’s a call to self-discovery and authenticity, which is just as relevant today as it was centuries ago.

Let's bring this to life with a real-world example. Think about Steve Jobs. He didn’t follow the beaten path. Dropping out of college wasn’t exactly a conventional move, but he had a vision. Jobs wanted to create something different—something that wasn't just about making a profit but about making a lasting impact. He followed his passion for technology and design, and the result? Apple Inc., a company that revolutionized several industries, from personal computing to mobile phones. Jobs faced skepticism and failure along the way, but by staying true to his vision, he ultimately succeeded in ways that continue to influence the world today.

So, how can you apply this wisdom to your life? Start by identifying what truly matters to you. Reflect on your passions, strengths, and values. What excites you? What can you immerse yourself in for hours without feeling drained? Once you have a clearer sense of your direction, make decisions that align with your intrinsic goals rather than external pressures. It could be as big as changing your career path or as small as choosing a hobby that really resonates with you. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection. There will be bumps in the road, but those are part of the journey.

Imagine you're at a crossroads, deciding between a stable job that doesn’t thrill you and starting a small business that you’re passionate about. The safe choice has its appeal—steady income, benefits, predictability. But your heart isn’t in it. On the other hand, the business idea excites you, but it’s risky and uncertain. Following your own star doesn't mean you should ignore practical considerations, but it does mean you should weigh them against your happiness and fulfillment.

Picture Sarah, a friend of mine. She was a lawyer—a good one—but she wasn’t happy. Her true love was baking. After years of toying with the idea, she finally took a leap of faith, left her corporate job, and opened a small bakery. It wasn’t easy. The first year was tough—long hours, financial stress, and the fear of failure loomed large. But Sarah was determined, and her passion for baking shone through. Slowly, customers started to notice. Today, her bakery is a local favorite, and Sarah couldn’t be happier. She followed her own star and found her path.

So, think about where you’re headed. Listen to that inner voice guiding you, even if it’s faint and drowned out by the noise of expectations. It might take courage, and it might not be the easiest route, but it’s likely to be the most rewarding. We each have our own star—our unique purpose—waiting for us to follow. So, what’s yours?