3 Ways to Begin Mapping Your Journey

Originally seen on Careers and the City

“I feel stuck.” “I have no idea what I want to do.” “I’m not sure if I can do that.” “I want something more for my life.” “I should be further along in my career.”

Do any of these phrases sound familiar? If you’re nodding your head yes, don’t worry. You are not alone.

In subtle and not-so-subtle ways, society tells us we are not complete. That we don’t have the right title, that we don’t have enough, that our lives aren’t exciting enough, that we’re not hustling hard enough, we’re not advancing fast enough, or that we don’t want it bad enough. It’s exhausting, right? But know that you are, have, and do enough.

It’s so important to not let others dictate what your journey should be or determine the details of said journey. You and only you can and should decide what your journey is, how you feel about it, and where your journey will take you. It may not feel like it now, but you already have all the tools you need to chart your course. Once you recognize and accept that fact, you can begin to harness your own power.

So, by now, you’re probably saying, “This is great and all, but where should I begin?” Here are three ways that you can begin to map your journey:

#1: Clearly identify your top 5 needs and values

Needs and values are similar in nature, but the big difference is that needs tell us what’s important to us right now, and values point to what we care about long-term.

By identifying our needs, we start to get a clear picture of what makes us feel alive and helps us to become aware of our deepest desires. When we list our values, we lay claim to what we stand for. By clarifying your values, you have a blueprint for making important life decisions. It’s amazing how much power lives in defining our values. Our values are truly the lens through which we do everything!

#2: Visualize your future self

Visioning is an excellent way to discover your passions and open the door to all that’s possible for your life. It helps connect you with the person you want to become so that you can start establishing the blueprint for personal change (sense a theme developing yet?).

The truth is the person you want to become is already inside of you, but fear may be holding you back from realizing your highest most ideal self. As you go through this process, you will get a clearer sense of who you are and what’s possible for your life.

Questions you can start to ask yourself are: What is your future self doing? What’s fulfilling about what your future self is doing? What advice does the future you have for the present-day you? What contributions has your future self made?

#3 Show up

Life is about showing up. Period. If you want to make a personal or professional change, you have to dedicate time toward the shift. It’s so easy to fall into the habit of endless and mindless scrolling on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc. But, if you are ready to get unstuck, start showing up for yourself. You can start where you are with what you have.

These are just a few of the many steps you can take to set sail on your personal journey, but they are a great place to start building your foundation.

Bon voyage!