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Steve's avatar

Thanks, Steve! This is one of the best articles I’ve ever read, possibly the best. It’s the perfect example of how to become the version of yourself you aspire to be.

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Steve Huynh's avatar

Thanks Steve!

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Nguyen Vu's avatar

I love how you explain the difference between vision, North Star, and goals. As a mom, I often find myself holding two distinct visions. One for my professional life and another for my family and personal life, each guided by its own North Star. At times, it’s hard to reconcile or balance the two. How do you navigate that tension when your roles or priorities pull in different directions?

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Steve Huynh's avatar

There's no perfect answer but I do think that the day dreaming about what a typical, awesome day would be where both coexist and are thriving is the key. If they are truly conflicting then you won't be able to imagine that future where both exist. Personally, I think they can if we think about it long enough.

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Vasyl Nedvyga's avatar

Sharp article. Sometimes I think the ultimate question is "why" - for daily/weekly decisions and impact on the future person. And what does a real person "want" - like Lambo or Corolla for future vision :-)

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Juan's avatar

Great advice Steve!

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Ankit Kesharwani's avatar

Hi Steve, I really liked your article and admire your clear thoughts on presenting this framework. I would love to read an article on the "framework to manifest your thoughts crisp and clear" written by you :).

I do have one follow up question on this article :

1. For step - set the goals - How to create the balance list consist of both, the necessity items based on current situation and the items aligned with the vision.

e.g. in your senior software engineer example,

North star is "is it reducing the complexity" but there are other situational constraint like "is it meeting the committed deadline". This situational constraint might override or overweigh on north star.

what is your thought to navigate such situations?

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Steve Huynh's avatar

That's a different article, but generally we will have many more things to do than time to do those things. You cannot literally do it all. If things MUST be done, then you have no choice, you must do those things. If things are OPTIONAL, apply the framework to get you closer to your vision. No need to over-complicate it.

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Ankit Chandra's avatar

Happy birthday Steve

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Dhananjay Nagargoje's avatar

Aren't visions just a bigger goal itself, that you achive by breaking down it into smaller goals and staying on track with North Star.

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Steve Huynh's avatar

For me visions are “what does it look and feel like”. Goals are things you complete.

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Jason P. Yoong's avatar

Happy belated birthday Steve!

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Hemachandiran's avatar

Just enjoyed reading your weekly news letter . Yes, I reread to take notes and follow this frameworks. Grateful to receive your knowledge through newsletter and YouTube videos. Thank you

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Barnabé AGUEH's avatar

Thanks Steve. Every Wednesday, grateful I feel toward you due to your articles

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Sravanthi's avatar

Much needed to hear! Love the actionable insights

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Andrew Gao's avatar

Thanks Steve - this was a timely reminder

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Alex Lima's avatar

Excellent article. Great framework with examples, actionable advice. I loved it!

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Reinaldo Teixeira's avatar

Perfect article! Thanks Steve

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Max Cunningham's avatar

I’m slightly confused about the distinction between a Vision and a North Star? Could you help clarify why they aren’t the same thing? If I have a vision of being a staff engineer working on cutting edge technology how would the North Star be any different from just asking if the current goal brings me closer or further away from that vision?

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Steve Huynh's avatar

The vision is the destination the North Star keeps you on track.

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