The Desire Map

1. Desire is the engine of creation and the path to your true self

Desire is the engine of creation.

Desire as a creative force. Desire is not just about wanting; it's the fundamental driving force behind human creativity, innovation, and personal growth. It infuses us with courage to pursue noble acts, face challenges, and evolve as individuals. Through our desires, we come to know more about ourselves, others, and life itself.

The path to self-discovery. By examining and honoring our desires, we gain insight into our true nature and potential. This process of self-discovery can lead to profound personal transformation, as we align our actions with our deepest longings. Embracing desire as a positive force allows us to tap into our innate wisdom and creativity, guiding us towards a more authentic and fulfilling life.

2. Core desired feelings are the compass for a fulfilling life

We have the procedures of achievement upside down.

Redefining success. Traditional goal-setting often focuses on external achievements, hoping they will lead to desired feelings. However, this approach is backward. By first identifying how we want to feel, we can then design our goals and actions to align with those core desired feelings. This shift in perspective allows for a more authentic and fulfilling life experience.

Feelings as a guidance system. Core desired feelings serve as an internal compass, helping us navigate decisions and actions in all areas of life. By regularly checking in with these feelings, we can:

• Make choices that resonate with our true selves
• Prioritize experiences and goals that genuinely matter to us
• Find greater satisfaction and meaning in our daily lives
• Create a life that feels good, not just looks good on paper

3. Goals with soul: Align intentions with your desired feelings

Intentions and goals sustain the human spirit.

Redefining goal-setting. Goals with soul are those that align with your core desired feelings. Instead of chasing external achievements for their own sake, focus on setting intentions and goals that will generate the feelings you most want to experience. This approach ensures that your pursuits are meaningful and energizing, rather than draining or unfulfilling.

The power of alignment. When your goals are in harmony with your desired feelings:

• You're more likely to stay motivated and committed
• The journey becomes as rewarding as the destination
• You experience greater satisfaction and fulfillment
• Your actions feel more authentic and true to yourself
• You're better equipped to handle setbacks and challenges

By regularly revisiting and adjusting your goals to ensure they align with your core desired feelings, you create a more purposeful and satisfying life.

4. Gratitude and constructive critique create a balanced perspective

We need to get real about what's not working, so that we can change it.

The power of gratitude. Cultivating gratitude helps put everything into perspective. By regularly acknowledging what's working well in your life, you create a positive foundation from which to address challenges. Specific gratitude practices, such as listing unique things you're thankful for each day, can significantly boost your overall sense of well-being and contentment.

Constructive critique for growth. While gratitude is essential, it's equally important to honestly assess what's not working in your life. This balanced approach allows you to:

• Identify areas for improvement or change
• Develop realistic plans for addressing challenges
• Maintain a growth mindset
• Avoid complacency or denial of important issues

By combining gratitude with constructive critique, you create a balanced perspective that supports personal growth and positive change.

5. Resistance is a sign of positive change and growth

Your resistance is a sign that your system is reconfiguring itself toward success.

Embracing discomfort. Resistance often emerges when we're making significant positive changes in our lives. Rather than viewing it as a setback, recognize resistance as a natural part of the growth process. It indicates that your mind and body are adapting to new patterns and behaviors.

Strategies for working with resistance:

• Breathe through moments of discomfort
• Remind yourself that change is happening
• Focus on your "power thought" or core desired feelings
• Visualize your performance and desired outcomes
• Make small, consistent adjustments rather than drastic changes

By reframing resistance as a positive sign of progress, you can maintain motivation and push through challenges on the path to achieving your goals.

6. Trust and faith are essential in pursuing your desires

Trust that pure intention counts for plentiful support.

Cultivating trust. Developing trust in yourself and the process of pursuing your desires is crucial for maintaining momentum and overcoming obstacles. This involves believing in your ability to create positive change and having faith that the universe will support your efforts.

Practices for building trust and faith:

• Regularly acknowledge your past successes and strengths
• Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in you
• Create a "What I Trust" list to remind yourself of what's working
• Practice letting go of rigid expectations and embracing uncertainty
• Develop a personal mantra or affirmation that reinforces your trust

By nurturing trust and faith, you create a strong foundation for pursuing your desires with confidence and resilience.

7. Self-worth is the foundation for manifesting your dreams

You are worthy of your desires.

Embracing your inherent value. Recognizing and accepting your inherent worth is crucial for manifesting your desires. When you believe you're deserving of love, respect, and fulfillment, you're more likely to take actions aligned with your true desires and to persist in the face of challenges.

Cultivating self-worth:

• Practice self-compassion and positive self-talk
• Acknowledge your strengths and accomplishments
• Set healthy boundaries in relationships
• Engage in activities that make you feel valued and capable
• Surround yourself with people who appreciate and support you

By strengthening your sense of self-worth, you create a solid foundation for pursuing your dreams and living a fulfilling life.

8. Clarify your core desired feelings through introspection

Words. Feelings. Feeling words. Words that make you feel. Feelings that can be captured in words.

The power of words. Identifying and articulating your core desired feelings is a crucial step in the Desire Map process. By exploring the nuances of different words and how they resonate with you, you can pinpoint the feelings that truly matter most to you.

Steps for clarifying core desired feelings:

1. Brainstorm feeling words for different areas of your life
2. Look up definitions and synonyms to explore nuances
3. Select words that resonate most strongly with you
4. Examine patterns and overlaps in your chosen words
5. Narrow down to 3-5 core desired feelings

Through this process of introspection and refinement, you can identify the feelings that will serve as your internal compass for decision-making and goal-setting.

9. Transform your life by choosing actions that generate desired feelings

Small, deliberate actions inspired by your true desires create a life you love.

The power of intentional choices. Once you've identified your core desired feelings, the next step is to consciously choose actions, experiences, and goals that will generate those feelings. This approach allows you to create positive change in your life on a daily basis, rather than waiting for some future achievement to bring happiness.

Strategies for aligning actions with desired feelings:

• Regularly ask yourself, "What can I do today to feel [core desired feeling]?"
• Identify small, manageable steps that contribute to your desired feelings
• Seek out environments and experiences that match your desired feelings
• Reframe existing activities to focus on generating desired feelings
• Celebrate moments when you successfully create your desired feelings

By consistently choosing actions aligned with your core desired feelings, you create a more fulfilling and authentic life experience.

10. Focus on a few key intentions for maximum impact

Set out to do three or four things this year with gusto and excellence, rather than doing a dozen things just sufficiently.

The power of focus. Concentrating on a small number of significant intentions or goals allows you to channel your energy and resources more effectively. By prioritizing a few key areas, you're more likely to achieve meaningful results and experience a sense of accomplishment.

Strategies for selecting and pursuing key intentions:

• Review your list of desired experiences and goals
• Choose 3-4 that most excite and energize you
• Align these intentions with your core desired feelings
• Break each intention down into manageable steps
• Regularly assess progress and adjust as needed

By focusing on a few important intentions, you can create substantial positive change in your life while maintaining balance and avoiding burnout.

Last updated: August 20, 2024