Life Mapping – A Vision of Success

Success in not defined by monetary gains or received degrees and diplomas.  True success is when all aspects of your life are defined clearly by you.  This can be achieved utilizing your “Life Map.”

Your Life Map includes the following:  who you are; your vision of who you want to be; your life mission; your expertise, attitude and usable skills; and a timeline of objective goals. 

Let’s explore these components.  Begin with identifying and defining who you are.  This is the point of origin for your Life Map.  Evaluate and list the things that make you up.  What is your belief system?  Your values you live by?  What ethical standards do you hold yourself to?  Which morals and societal norms drive you?

Your destination should now be sited.  Who do you want to be?  What is your vision of yourself in 5, 15 or 50 years?  Can you list your personal goals and visions?  It is important to know who you are to have a clear sight through this step.  Ask yourself, “To achieve this vision of myself, what do I need to change about myself and life areas?”  Do you need an attitude adjustment or to open your mind to different perspectives?  Your destination is here to cover all parts of yourself.

Be sure to explore all your components:  your physical body, your emotional state, your level of intellect and your spiritual being?

So how will you reach your personal destination?  This route is referred to as your mission.  This can be focused around your chosen career field or largest life interest.  For example, if your vision statement is to live your life driving a truck cross country, then your mission would entail studying laws, DOT regulations, attending driving school and obtaining your CDL.  This plan will now assist you in pinpointing what new skills are to be acquired, whether attitude or social changes should occur and points of knowledge to be obtained. 

The last step is to objectify and timeline your life map.  For example, you need to study the CDL manual before obtaining your CDL; hence you cannot complete both tasks simultaneously.  Record your timeline using your objectives as landmarks on your Life Map.

The purpose of the Life Map is to give you a clear picture of who you want to be and how you are going to achieve it.  However, remember that real life throws curve balls, so be ready to adapt or change along the way to “You.”