How to set Goals using Mind Mapping

Goals

“If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy and inspires your hopes.”

—Andrew Carnegie

Goals give our daily life more direction. When we set targets, we focus more on the things we really want, because our brain is easily distracted. If we do not set goals , we lose sight of what we desire to achieve.

“All successful people have a goal. No one can get anywhere unless he knows where he wants to go and what he wants to be or do. ”

—Norman Vincent Peale

Mind Map

Mindmap.com defines Mind Map as “a diagram for representing tasks, words, concepts, or items linked to and arranged around a central concept or subject using a non-linear graphical layout that allows the user to build an intuitive framework around a central concept.” 

Mind Mapping your Goals

Mind mapping helps you divide your goals into smaller, more easily accessible parts. You can view and monitor all of your goals on just one page. Mind mapping your goals allows you to visually structure your goals in such a way that it aid analysis and recall. Also, mind mapped goals are small enough to plan them on your agenda. This gives you leverage in planning and ensuring set goals are achieved.

“By recording your dreams and goals on paper, you set in motion the process of becoming the person you most want to be. Put your future in good hands—your own.”

—Mark Victor Hansen

Brainstorms goals

Using mind map let you brainstorm; ensuring every thoughts counts, write down all your unrefined goals in keywords or small sentences. Keep writing till nothing comes to mind. Writing down as many goals as possible is crucial because it aids the refining process.

Refine your goals

Refining your goals entails grouping them according to similarity. During the brainstorming process, you may have written goals that are similar; therefore, it is crucial you refine your goals by trimming them.

Write the central theme

After identifying your goals, the next step is to write the central theme in the center of a blank page. The central theme of your mind map is GOAL.

Categorize your goals

After identifying your central theme, it is vital that you categorize your goals. The following categories are a great way to bring order into goals: work, personal, education, financial, etc. This is highly dependent on goals you identify.

Identify and characterize your goals

Take a look at the goals on your list; connect each goal to a suitable category. Write behind your goals on the list what kind of goal it is: work, personal, education, and/or financial.

Now that you’ve linked each goal to a category, using the SMART framework set objectives for each goal that you must achieve. This is to ensure that your goals are;

• Specific: what you are trying to achieve.
• Measurable: how you can measure the progress of your goals.
• Attainable: ensuring the objectives are achievable.
• Relevant: ensuring your goals are relevant.
• Timely: ensuring each goal is time bound.

Implement tasks to help achieve your goals

Once your goals have been identified; linked to a category; and the categories linked to the central theme, it is time to then construct the tasks necessary to help achieve these goals. The tasks should be built from a clear and defined strategy that will help initiate action. Mind mapping this out will help you to prioritize the task according to importance.

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