So, you’ve found yourself wondering… What is a life map?
What is a Life Map?
A life map is a powerful tool that can help you define your life purpose and set goals. By mapping out your life, you can get a clear sense of where you are and where you want to go.
What does a life map look like?
A life map can take on many different forms, depending on the person creating it. For some, it may be a simple list of goals and milestones, while for others it may be a detailed drawing with colorful annotations.
The important thing is that a life map provides a way to visualize where you’ve been and where you’re going. Whether you choose drawing or writing to create a life map, the process of life mapping can be an enlightening and empowering experience.
Draw a life map
If you enjoy drawing, you can absolutely draw it, like in this life map example.
Write a life map
If you are more of a writer, less of a drawer, you can create your life map with words, rather than art, like in this life map example.
Use an app to make your life map
Many software applications make diagrams and mind maps. One of those would be perfect for making your life map.
What should you include in your life map?
Your life map should include the answers to the following questions.
Where have you been?
A life map can help you reflect on your past and see the patterns in the stories you tell yourself.
You should gather information about what has happened in your life so far, then break it down into categories like family, friends, and education. After that, you can move on to other details like work experiences.
This self reflection on your key life events will help you understand who you are at your core — your “life story.”
Where are you now?
A life map can include information about where you are now. There are a number of factors that you may want to take into account when drawing your life map. For example, your age and stage of life can have a big impact on where you want to go.
If you’re just starting out, you may want to focus on finding a stable career or relationship. If you’re further along in life, you may be more concerned with retirement planning or estate planning.
Ultimately, the goal is to create a well-rounded map that covers all the important aspects of your life.
Where do you want to go?
A life map can be a helpful tool for plotting out your dreams and life purpose. By including information about where you want to go, you can begin to form a clear direction and move forward with realistic expectations.
Be sure to include both short-term and long-term goals in your life map. For example, you may want to set a goal of finishing your degree within the next five years. Alternatively, you may have a more long-term goal of saving for retirement.
In addition to your personal goals, you may also want to set goals around your career. By plotting out your desired trajectory, you can brainstorm a plan for how to reach your professional aspirations.
How do you create a life map?
There are a couple of different ways to go about life mapping. You can do it by hand on a blank sheet of paper or you can use an online tool.
Whichever method you choose, here are the basic steps to create your life map:
- Start by making a list of the life events that have been key moments in your story.
- Divide your life into different sections, such as family, career, education, friends, etc. Create a space in your map for each section.
- Then, map the events out in chronological order. For each event, record the date, location, and a brief description.
- Add lines to connect any events that are related.
- Finally, explore any life goals you have for the future in each area. What big decisions do you need to make? Are there any milestone successes that you want to achieve?
- Write down any steps that you know you need to take to progress toward each goal.
What are the benefits of life mapping?
Looking at your life map can help you to see the big picture and identify areas where you want to make changes. It can also help to keep you motivated and on track as you work towards your goals.
If you feel stuck or like you’re not making progress, let your life map inspire you. Take a look and remind yourself of how far you’ve come.
How do you use a life map?
A life map is a visual way to reflect on your past, present, and future. By looking at your life map, you can see how far you’ve come and what you’ve accomplished through the key moments of your life. You can also use it to achieve goals and create a vision for your future. Here’s how:
Reflect on your journey so far.
This can be a huge source of motivation when the world has got you down.
- What have been your biggest accomplishments?
- What challenges have you faced?
- What lessons have you learned?
- What are you most proud of?
Remind yourself where you're going.
Looking at your life map regularly can help to keep you motivated and on track. When you see the progress you have already made, it can be a powerful reminder that you can make it the rest of the way to your goal. Additionally, reflecting on your life map can help to identify any roadblocks that may be standing in your way.
Wrapping Up
A life map can be a helpful way to plot out your goals and dreams.
By including where you’ve been, where you are, and where you want to go, you can reflect on your life events and form a clear direction of where you want to go.
Be sure to include both short-term and long-term goals in your life map. For example, you may want to set a goal of finishing your degree within the next five years. Alternatively, you may have a more long-term goal of saving for retirement.
In addition to your personal goals, you may also want to include information about your career path. By plotting out your desired trajectory, you can develop a clear plan for how to reach your professional aspirations.
Looking at your life map regularly can help keep you motivated as you work towards achieving your goals.
What are you waiting for?!
Make your life map today!
