Create a better mental map to achieve your true goals and ambitions

Diversify your list of meaning markers
Write down a list of as many meaning markers in your life as you can. Be specific and aim for at least 10. For example, instead of writing down “family,” you can write “To be a positive role model for my daughter.” Identify meaning markers in all areas of your life rather than focusing on only a few areas. Think about your finances, relationships, personal development, business, career, spirituality, and so on.

Perform a daily ‘meaning’ orientation
When you start your day each morning, ask yourself “What one action can I take today to help me get closer to my meaningful goals?” By highlighting this meaningful action daily, you’re training your brain to constantly reorient your map of meaning.

Draw a map of your current workplace
Which people or areas did you magnify on your map? Which areas are closest to the center? Now think about anything you’ve left out. Are there colleagues, places, or resources you may have overlooked? How about that very smart engineer on your team who’s kind of introverted? What about the office library that’s full of professional tools? If you notice things or people you’ve overlooked on your map, chances are you’re ignoring them in real life. Now think about how you can better utilize these people and resources.

Identify and stop your map hijackers
Look for 3 mental map hijackers that are pulling you off your path, for example, email alerts, office gossip, negative people, envying others’ success, online shopping, or going for drinks daily. Ask yourself, “What can I do today to avoid these hijackers and what meaningful habits can I replace them with?” Provide a copy of these hijackers to a colleague or close friend so that they can help you stay accountable.

Make a success instead of an escape map
Before your next project, create a mental map that’s focused on what it would take to succeed instead of what you would do if the project fails. If team members start to worry about problems, steer the conversation back to the positive. Ask them to focus on how success is possible before talking about things that may go wrong.

Regularly update your meaning map
At least once a month, spend 1 hour on a Saturday or Sunday reflecting on your mental map. Use that time to think about your current ambitions and whether you’re on track. If necessary, update your map.