The first step in getting to where you want to go, is finding out where you are now. Sounds simplistic doesn’t it? However, orienting ourselves is often the most challenging step we take in goal setting – and often it’s a skipped step. Most people write down their goals either at the beginning of each year, or at the turn of a milestone and go full steam ahead – not taking in account where they are starting from, what they have to take with them, or what they will need once they get there. Skipping these steps can spell disaster, and can get you lost, or you could run out of resources – so take it from me, who has “been there, done that….” – take the time to locate yourself. Where are you now?
The first step of creating your map is to look at the level of fulfillment in your life of where you are right NOW. In hiking terms, we call this “living i
n the valley.” The valley is not necessarily a bad place to be! The soil of the valley is rich and fertile – amazing things grow in the valley! The valley can be very calming, beautiful, and comfortable. In the valley is where you will dig deep to gain the courage, wisdom and resources to take with you on your hike. The trail to the summit can be rocky, challenging, risky – even dangerous at times…. while you are ascending to your goals, you may even miss being in the valley where life was a little calmer.
Your assignment today is to get out your trail journal and your pen and write down everything about your environment now. Where are you? What experience do you have? How did you get here? How do you feel being here? Who is with you? What resources are available? What’s life like in your valley?
Tomorrow I’ll share with you some of my experiences in the valley, and how I started mapping my way points so I could make my ascension and hit the heights of my goals and dreams. If you are interested in working with me one-on-one, or downloading the activities and exercises that accompany this series – click HERE.
Until then, Hit the Heights!
Priscilla Hansen Mahoney
The Natural Business Leadership Guide
Gina Duke
Looking forward to tagging along!
~gina
Day 3 - Set goals that take you places
[…] If you have been following along, you probably have a few pages written in your journal already. Day one, I had you answer some questions about your environment, and life in the valley. Day two, you […]
Mae
I love this! I’ve recently developed a love for hiking and I love how you used that as a metaphor for navigating ourselves through life.
Rachel
Great advise… I’m going to get some writing done today thanks for the reminders. Appreciate your journey!
Anung V
This came at the perfect time. I want and am trying to make a change and go out on my own. I need to get out of all these dead end jobs and take back my health.
Priscilla Hansen Mahoney
Welcome to the trail Anung! Many of us (including myself) started exactly where you are. Just take it one step at a time. Let me know if I can assist you on your journey!