I want to share with you a tool that I’ve just recently started using, and within it there are many other tools and ways of thinking that are helpful to adopt.

The tool is to create a visual map of your destination/goal and how to get from where you are now to that place. The idea is that whatever you want to bring about is possible–but you have to know HOW to get it, and it’s helpful to keep the right mindset in order to get where you want to go.

Here is a way to imagine this, so you can see how powerful this technique is. Imagine that someone just told you that there is a briefcase full of millions of dollars setting on a porch step in the city you live in, waiting for you to come claim it. The only problem is that you don’t know where it is exactly. Getting to the briefcase could be a challenging experience, but you know that if you had a map and your questions about how to get there answered, you could definately get there and claim your briefcase! Having a map creates a bridge between you and your desired outcome.

A Different View of Time

Eastern philosophy emphasizes the power of the present moment. Most of us get too caught up in thinking about past events or future events that may or may not happen. At the same time, it is typical to get stuck in the trap of feeling like present negative circumstances will never change. I believe that this “trap” is different from being truly “in the moment.” I have found that when I am truly in the present moment I feel a sense of eternalness. I feel like anything is possible in the present moment–especially the unexpected. I feel a sense of never having lost anything, that everything I’ve ever had is a part of me and is still present, and that everything I could ever want is already mine, waiting for me in the future. It is a freeing feeling that makes me feel like even though there may be very specific things I would like, I am in the space of infinite possibility. Infinite positive possibilities! This can be thought of as the “eternal now”, the moment right now that never ends and also extends into the past and future.

When you notice your thoughts tending to the past, future, or feeling resistance to the present moment, come back to the present and stop resisting it. Remember that this is just a moment in time that will change, and it is a moment on the way to your dreams. This is the purpose of creating a visual map. So you can actually see where you are and how you will get to your destination.

I have heard of an analogy for this process that is really powerful. Imagine you are taking a road trip from New York to Los Angeles. If you are really excited about getting to Los Angeles, you may feel discouraged and down when you need to stop and spend the night in a small town in the midwest, while on your way there. It is a long drive! But you wouldn’t beat yourself up for it. You wouldn’t feel like a failure, because you’re only halfway there. You could easily look at your map, and you know that if you keep going and follow the right course, you will eventually arrive at your destination. If the path is clear and you know you are going to make it, you might even feel free to enjoy your stay in the midwest. But if you doubted, you were going to make it, you might resist the moment and find reasons to be angry with yourself and your situation. So the key is to get really clear on how to get to your destination and then keep that big picture in mind.

Having Versus Hoping

Most of us spend a lot of time struggling and suffering because we are hoping. We are hoping for things to change, hoping for someone to return, hoping to return somewhere, hoping something will go away, hoping to move into a new space, a new career, etc. But the secret is: you can’t have if you are hoping. Hoping implies something that is far, far away from you, that is scarce, that is not for you. It is something you wish you had, but there is a sense of vagueness about it. Your desire floats like a pipe dream off in some distant place that you can’t reach. There is no clear path to get there. You just “hope” one day it might drift toward you.

So what is the alternative? The alternative is to HAVE. This is an idea of abundance rather than scarcity. And notice that it fits more in line with a feeling of the present moment being past, present, and future all at the same time. Steer your thoughts away from hoping to have what you desire and imagine you already have it. Feel how it feels to have what you would like. Let’s say your dream is to live in Hawaii. Think of that dream as already existing in your future. If it’s a part of your future, it is already a part of you, the way your past is a part of you.

Link the feelings and sensations you have with your dream to your present reality. When you feel the sun shine on your face, imagine that sun is being experienced from your house on the beach in Hawaii. When you sit down at your desk, imagine that you are sitting down at your desk in Hawaii. When you walk down the street in your neighborhood, see yourself walking along the beach near your new home.

Being able to imagine this will strengthen the possibility, both in your own mind, and I believe also in reality. An attitude of having, versus hoping, linking the feelings of your present moment with your future dream, and a clear plan of how to get there is a powerful combination!

Create Your Map

The first step is to make a list of all the possible ways you can achieve your dream. For this part, write as many as you can without censoring which ones are realistic, preferred, etc. Just get as many as possible out of your mind and down on paper.

The next step is to pick the one that you believe will get you there as quickly as possible. This suggestion should be in alignment with your dreams for yourself. Ask yourself how it makes you feel. When you look at your list, imagine that the best answer will be highlighted. It doesn’t have to make logical sense. Follow your feelings. Some options will make your heart expand and some will make your heart contract. Follow your good feelings and trust them.

You many find there is one main path that can be broken down into smaller goals. You may find there is more than one main path also. For instance, there could be a long list of things that could get you to your dream of living in Hawaii. Start with the small one you can do right now. For instance, the first step might be looking at homes available in Hawaii. Once you get an idea of what’s available and the price ranges, you can determine if you are ready to make a purchase, rent, or look for alternatives to increase income if necessary. Your goal should be at the top of the page with your first step at the very bottom. All other pathways can be shown in between the first step and your desired goal. The reason you are putting the goal at the top is to reinforce the idea that it already exists and that you are working backwards. You are envisioning yourself at your end goal and looking at the bridge backwards that brought you there. Try to see this bridge as clearly as possible. You may even want to create a timeline for reaching each point on the map.

Simplicity is Key

It is a basic truth that the bulk of your results come from a small amount of your actions (this has been proven statistically via experiments). And many experts claim that as they work on refining their craft, they have greater results by making very small changes. Therefore, start with a goal along your path likely to give you the greatest return for the smallest amount of effort. It should be an achievable goal that will propel you far forward. And if possible, choose only one, the best one to start with.