# north-star.txt - Vision, values, and decision tests. Part of the Expert set (see 1-constitution/constitution-expert.txt).
# Char budget: keep under ~5000 characters. This file changes rarely; it is your compass.
# Replace every [BRACKET]. The Sam Rivera content is fictional; delete it.

=== CENTRAL SENTENCE (everything answers to this) ===
"[YOUR ONE SENTENCE]"
(example: A focused life where good work, real friendships, and steady health all hold at once.)

=== 3 PILLARS (run at the same time, every day) ===
| # | Pillar | Concrete picture |
| 1 | [PILLAR ONE]   | [what it looks like when it is working]  (example: Body - train 3x/week, sleep 7h, energetic) |
| 2 | [PILLAR TWO]   | [what it looks like]  (example: Craft - work I am proud of, paid fairly, clients who return) |
| 3 | [PILLAR THREE] | [what it looks like]  (example: People - a circle of 5 to 15 I keep up with on purpose) |

Everything else in this system serves these 3, or it is not needed.

=== THE LOOP (how the pillars feed each other) ===
[Describe in one line how your pillars cycle.]
(example: Body gives energy -> energy fuels good work -> work brings resources and freedom -> freedom protects time for people and rest -> back to body.)
If one link breaks, the others lose power.

=== DECISION TESTS (run before any new commitment) ===
Gate test (precondition):
- 0. Is this MINE, or am I trying to earn someone's approval? If not a clear yes, stop here.

Then the checks:
- [PILLAR ONE] test: does it help or at least not harm [pillar one]?
- [PILLAR TWO] test: does it move me toward [pillar two]?
- [PILLAR THREE] test: does it strengthen or at least not damage [pillar three]?
- Character gate: can I do this with honesty and still respect myself?

Logic: the gate comes first. The payoff should be proportional: either a big gain in one pillar or a general gain across all.

=== VALUES / CHARACTER COMPASS ===
Center: [YOUR CORE VALUE]  (example: be a friend to myself)
Outer 3: [VALUE], [VALUE], [VALUE]  (example: kindness, integrity, courage)
Background 3: [VALUE], [VALUE], [VALUE]  (example: wisdom, fairness, moderation)

=== RESET RITUAL (when energy or discipline drops) ===
1. STOP whatever the slide is (scroll, snack, doom-spiral).
2. VISION: re-read the central sentence above. Say thanks that it is coming closer.
3. SMALL WINS: name 1 to 3 small wins from this week that point toward it.
Use it in the moment you feel yourself sinking, not mechanically every day.

=== THIS QUARTER'S FOCUS ===
Motto: [SHORT THEME FOR THE YEAR]  (example: Build strength - in body, money, focus.)
| Priority | What | Target |
| P1 | [MAIN PRIORITY] | [measurable goal + date]  (example: 2 retainers by 2026-09-30) |
| P2 | [SECOND] | [measurable goal + date] |
| P3 | [LIMITED] | [cap, e.g. 5h/week] |