Using Your Big Picture to Plan for Success

​When I think of planning for success I imagine a map of Self-defined Success-landia. Self-defined Success-landia is the land of self-defined success and all we need to get there is a map. The key to creating your own map to Self-defined Success-landia is your answer to the following question:


Point B: What is your big picture of self-defined success?

Success can mean a multitude of different things to different people and that truth does not affect the validity of each individual’s definition of success. So whether success to you is freedom of time, freedom of money, or achieving a desired career, the existence of one does not affect the existence of another. They are all real successes.

What does self-defined success look like to you?

To answer the question, we found it helpful to imagine in detail what our perfect day would be. Some people will answer lavish answers like never having to work again while others might respond with a simple seat in front of a beach sunset. We will call your big picture of your perfect day, Point B.

Point A: Where are you right now?

In order to create a map to Self-defined Success-landia, we need to first locate Point A and Point B. We’ve already defined Point B, where we would like to be in our big picture. Now we need to determine Point A, our current location. Where are you right now in respect to where you want to be? If your big picture is of you sitting on a bench as the sun sets on the beach, you might ask yourself where you currently live. Are you driving distance from a beach where you can watch the sun set? If your big picture is of you in a courtroom defending a high profile client, you might want to ask yourself if you are in law school? Where you are right now will give you insight on what the best route to success might be for you.

Most people set their goals with only Point A in mind. Planning to reach a goal with the big picture in mind allows you to customize a plan that efficiently serves your exact needs.

Everything in Between: What does it take to get there?

Designing your route to Self-defined Success-landia is so much easier when you can pinpoint Point A and Point B on your map. Now you can create the perfect plan to achieve your big picture day. If all you need to live out your big picture day is a bench and a beach, what is stopping you from enjoying that type of life everyday? If your big picture includes you in a courtroom defending a client, ask yourself, what does it take to get there? Usually, a simple online search will serve as a strong start to planning your route to success. "All" that’s left is to fine-tune the route to serve your non-negotiables! “Easy” peasy!

So, next time you sit down to set your goals, try starting with the big picture in mind.

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Trish perez

Trish Perez is the senior editor, content curator, intern, web designer, chef, custodian, and proof reader at Storm Praise Publishing. She also serves as lead in the creation of the children's series, The Adventures of Josie and Bud, which makes its debut in December 2017.