Clarity Is Your Compass: How a Simple Question Can Change Everything

Jun 02, 2025

By Kristina Karlsson | Founder of Dream Life

Have you ever had that feeling where you’re doing all the things—working hard, keeping busy—but deep down, something feels off?

Like you’re moving, but not really getting anywhere meaningful?

I’ve been there, and this recent podcast episode was born from that experience.

Many years ago, I found myself wide awake at 3AM, asking the big question:

“What am I going to do with my life?”

That moment changed everything for me. It sparked the beginnings of my dream life journey, and led me to create what I now call my 3AM List—a collection of dreams straight from the heart, unfiltered by doubt or fear.

And the funny thing?

I had no idea how I was going to make those dreams happen. I just knew I needed to name them.

That’s why this recent episode is centered around an ancient quote that continues to resonate today:

“There is no favorable wind for the sailor who does not know where to go.” – Seneca the Younger

It’s such a powerful reminder that without direction, we drift—even if we have the wind at our back.

So let’s talk about direction. Let’s talk about clarity. And let’s talk about the one simple step you can take this week to start steering toward the life you truly want.

Why Clarity Is Everything

We often think that motivation, time, or even money is what holds us back. But so often, it’s a lack of clarity. We haven’t allowed ourselves the space to define what we truly want.

And when we don’t know where we’re going, even the strongest effort can leave us feeling stuck.

The good news?

Gaining clarity is simpler than you think.

Ask Yourself the Big Question

The same one I asked myself at 3AM.

“What do I really want in my life?”

Not what your family expects. Not what your friends have. Not what society deems successful. But what you want.

Write it down. Don’t edit it. Don’t filter it. Let it be bold or soft, practical or wild. It’s your dream life.

And don’t worry about the “how.” You’re not making a plan yet—you’re just pointing the compass in the right direction.

Pick Just One Dream

Once your dreams are written down, choose one to focus on this week.

Yes, you can have more than one dream (and you should!), but focusing on just one makes it manageable. It brings momentum.

Ask yourself:

“What’s one small action I can take this week to move toward that dream?”

Keep it simple.

Maybe it’s sending an email, booking a coffee with someone inspiring, clearing a space, or saying no to something that drains you.

Set a Mini Compass Each Morning

Each morning this week, take a few minutes—without your phone—to check in. Ask:

What do I want from this day?
What is one thing I can do today that aligns with my dream?

Write it down. Sticky note. Journal. Scrap paper. Whatever works. You don’t need to map out your entire future—just your direction for the day.

You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

One of the biggest myths we buy into is that we have to figure everything out by ourselves. But the truth is, structure and support change everything.

That’s exactly why I created the Dream Life Coaching Program. Because I know how easy it is to get overwhelmed and distracted without a plan—and how transformational it is to be guided and held accountable in a community of like-minded dreamers.

If you’re ready for clarity, structure, and momentum, we’ve just kicked off our six-month reset and next-quarter planning. This is the perfect time to join us. You’ll find all the details here.

This Week’s Journal Prompts

As always, I love leaving you with journal prompts to bring these ideas into your everyday life. Grab your journal and reflect on these three questions:

What does my dream life look like in one sentence?
What’s one small step I can take today?
What does success feel like for me this week?

Let them guide you gently, and don’t overthink it.

Progress, not perfection.

Final Thoughts

You are the sailor. Your dreams are your compass.

Even if the full map isn’t clear right now, your next step will be. Trust your direction, and just begin.

Let’s make the most of these next six months.

Let’s take action on one dream, one small step at a time. I’m cheering you on—today and every day.

And if you feel inspired, share what actions you'll be taking below.

Hope to see you on our next Zoom call.

Keep dreaming big 💛