Intentional Goal Mapping

The start of the year often brings with it an urgency to perfectly map out your vision and broadcast to the world this new, redefined version of yourself that suddenly has all the answers, knows all the people, and is setting all of the right goals. Goal setting in itself can be a very frustrating concept – constantly moving a goal from one year to the next because you haven’t had the capacity, the time, or the resources needed to see it through.

This year can be different. This year you can be intentional not just about getting clear about what you want but by defining the path to get there. Whether it be earning a new certification, completing a specialized course, networking for career growth, or integrating work and life, here are five tips for intentional goal mapping.

(1) Think Big Brainstorming

First, think big! Consider nothing out of scope. Write down everything that comes to mind. It doesn’t mean we’re going to do it all. We’re just getting into the practice of stretching ourselves to brainstorm beyond perceived limitations. No one ever got into executive leadership by playing safe. 

(2) Narrow Your Focus and (3) Take the Next Best Step

Second, it’s time to narrow your focus and get specific. Long-term vision defines what you want to become in the future and acts as a compass to keep you aligned with what you say you value. However, goal mapping should consist of short-term, three to six month actionable items that keep you on target with your long-term objective. Working only with what you have right now, what can you start immediately or in the near future? This is where you should place your focus.

Once you’ve narrowed your focus you can begin working towards maintaining a balance between being aware of the broader, long-term vision and keeping your short-term goals manageable by consistently taking the next best step. Segmenting your vision into milestones will keep you motivated to see it through. 

(4) Intentional Iteration

Next, remember, the best things take time and practice. It’s the things we do repeatedly that make the most impact. As you consistently take the next best step, evaluate your progress and create a plan to pivot and play to your stregnths as needed to see the change you desire. Don’t be afraid to start over if the outcome isn’t what you expected. Do this until you find your rhythm.

(5) Be Open to Feedback but steadfast in your commitment

Constructive feedback is an essential part of your journey. Be inspired, be motivated, and celebrate others as they level up without feeling the pressure to adapt your goals, habits, or workflows to theirs. 

Specifically, with career advancement, you may often be inspired by seeing other women in roles and with organizations that you aspire to but it is also true that it will be your unique expertise that will create room for you to get to the next level in your career. As you lean into you, you will inspire other women to do the same. 

The greatest measure of any goal is its ability to empower and liberate those connected to you to take action towards forward movement on their own paths. 

Remember, it’s okay. 

Finally, it's okay to not know, to change your mind and to pause. 

Maybe you'll be honest about your not knowing and stumble upon a mentor who wants to walk alongside you on the journey, a cool opportunity that stretches what you do know about yourself or, at the very least, you'll be able to let go of the weight of unrealistic expectations and timelines and just simply do what you love.