We’ve heard it over and over again - life is a journey. What many of us don’t realize is that the journey is ours to create! But much like any good road trip, it’s not a simple as grabbing the wheel. Without a properly defined destination, you’re just driving around aimlessly. If this sounds familiar, keep reading.

Let’s get focused on your personal roadmap. This should be complete with checkpoints along the way to make sure you’re steering toward your goals / destination. In our world, we use the following to help us stay focused:

1. Destination Checkpoint: Review your long term goals. What are your top 3 big ideas or goals? Do you see any common themes or patterns emerge? Circle or highlight the goals that deliver your best future.
   
   
2. 3-Year Checkpoint: What needs to happen in three years to keep you on course? What are the inspiring extras that are lofty, but achievable with hard work and a little luck? Circle or highlight your ideas and goals that paint the best picture for you in three years.
   
   
3. 1-Year Checkpoint: Here is where we need to have a clear map of our next 12 months. What has to happen this year to ensure you arrive at your 3-Year checkpoint? It is important to prioritize all the many things you could do to the handful (3–8) things that you MUST accomplish this year.


   
   
4. A note about stretch goals vs. concrete goals: Stretch goals are big and bold and are set far enough to act as a beacon. Concrete goals are short term and specific and need to be written S.M.A.R.T.: Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-bound.

Of course, you are certainly welcome to modify the plan to make sure it makes sense the most sense for you. After all, it is your journey. You just need to get started!