Career / Life Map / Vision Board Simplified!

We all like to make plans for the new year. In business, we often like to create SMART goals. These are: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound. I like to focus on the specifics, the plan to measure progress, and the milestone timing. I have learned through multiple multinational "breakthrough" assignments that anything is possible with the right team, roles, and focus... and what may seem impossible to one is realistic to another (although the laws of physics still apply).

So, here are some consolidated tips to help you realize your goals for the new year!

1. Do a "rocking chair" / restful nap envisioning session! Envision yourself 10 years from now - what are you doing, what are you skilled at, where do you live, what do you look like, what have you learned about yourself, how do you feel,... what are you most happy about and how does this serve others (this is the key one). One of my favorite quotes is: "If it's fun, it's never work and if it isn't fun, it'll never work" - Hobie Alter.

   • Know that your skills which are effortless for you to do will likely be your superpowers which will set you apart at work and bring joy to you and your family.

   • Know that the combination of your personality, experiences, faith, values, and goals make you 1 of 1.

     
     

2. Write it down! Then, write down where you would have to be with those goals in sub milestones... for you to plan time to review and renew your progress.

   • 5 years from now to know you are on track for the 10 year milestone

   • 2 years from now to know you are on track for the 5 year milestone

   • 1 year from now to know you are on track for the 2 year milestone

   • 6 months from now to know you are on track for the 1 year milestone

   • 3 months from now to know you are on track for the 6 month milestone

   • 1 month from now to know you are on track for the 3 month milestone...

     
     

3. Take Action! I like to use habit stacking - "Making it Easy" from Atomic Habits (book by James Clear I highly recommend reading!). Download your favorite pics and tape them on your bathroom mirror... your subconscious will be working toward your goals every time you look! :-)

   • Start action with the small steps to be on track for your first milestone a month from now and match it with something you already do. For example, if you want to learn a new language, start listening to training on your regular journey to and from work each day or during your regular coffee time in the morning...

   • A habit I started is learning something new every morning to trigger my mind on new perspectives and ways in which to help others. I combine this session with my Bialetti Moka Express coffee making ritual. I have been consistent for a few months now since starting! This replaced my mindless watching of the news...

Remember this is a process and the key is to focus on the milestones with the integration of your actions. My good friend Roland Zwick added to "find yourself a buddy, coach, mentor, trainer (call him/her whatever you want) to celebrate successes together and keep you going while struggling". I believe we don't get anywhere in life without the support of others. There will be good days and bad days (i.e. changing tides), but I guarantee with continued focus you will reach your goals. Don't forget to enjoy the journey!

All the best until next time!

© Nuri Dimler 2025