Dr. Bill Dyment * Team Doctor * Executive Coach Co-Author of Fire Your Excuses.
Like many of you, I have consumed 100’s of books, podcasts and videos seeking to develop my business and personal skills and to continue to grow and develop. I have learned and incorporated many strategies that have served me well.
But over time, I realized I was neglecting the one non-negotiable strategy that, since implementation, has made more of a difference than anything else—A Vision Mapping Meeting.
A Vision Mapping Meeting is a strategic appointment with yourself to do some deep reflection about your work, team, personal life, and the direction you are current taking, consciously or not. I find it optimal when you can also combine your meeting with a change of usual venue: Leave your usual office or workspace and get away to a coffee shop, private outdoor location, hotel lobby (or hotel room)-any place that is different, quiet and will aid you in being able to think deeply and creatively.
The higher you rise in your work (or wish to rise,) the more essential it is to set aside such time.
Vision Mapping is when you will come up with some of your best ideas and make all-important pivots in your focus and decide to quit altogether unproductive but familiar activities. Seth Godin in his excellent book, The Dip, states succinctly, “Winners quit all the time.” Thinking time is when you take the courage decision to do just that to make room for what is most important.
It is also when you will decide and take that first step toward launching into the projects you have long dreamed about but have not yet ever acted on. It is when you will pinpoint time trends and then choose to reallocate my time to spend it on what is most important, interesting, and productive.
Vision Mapping time is the highlight of my week. It is a sacred moment. A time to be guarded at all costs as it is so fruitful to me on many levels. I could say it has even a spiritual quality for me. While not everyone shares my spiritual faith, those who do will resonate with the question I often ask myself during these times: How is what I am currently doing align or not align with my purpose in the world and my relationship with God.
How much thinking time do you need? If you wish to be the best leader possible or maximize your impact in all areas of focus, I strong suggest the following schedule and frequency of meetings:
· One Vision Mapping Meeting– one hour a week for your weekly planning.
· One Vision Mapping “Deep-Dive” Session—one morning/afternoon or evening (3 hours) a month.
· One-Day Vision Mapping Retreat—once a quarter.
· One Vision Mapping Weekend—one weekend a year.
The challenge:
Perhaps as you look at the suggested guidelines and schedule for a year of regular Vision Mapping Meetings, the commitment level seems unworkable. I recommend you start small, with just one hour a month and see if your investment doesn’t immediately begin to provide dividends in your personal and business life. Once you experience the difference in your focus, fulfillment, and achievement, you will likely be sold as some many others have on taking the time for regular Vision mapping meetings of your own.
Fire Your Excuses™ is delighted to be able to support World Vision’s Well Projects by donating 10% of all gross income to assist the people of Malawi, Africa, with clean water. When you enroll in a Fire Your Excuses™ coaching program, attend one of our seminars, or order our book, you are also giving the gift of life—fresh water to needy communities in Malawi, Africa, the world’s sixth poorest country.