The world is a big place, full of endless opportunity and wonder. Before setting out, discover The Traveler. Focus on The Traveler that is taking this journey. Companions, let go of your own ideas allowing The Traveler to be in the driver’s seat. Think about The Traveler: Who are they? What makes them unique? What are their likes, dislikes, hopes, and fears?

Values act as a compass guiding decisions and actions toward things that matter most to an individual. Values motivate a person to act in a certain way and to move with intention. A value-driven life leads to enhanced feelings of success and happiness. Consider The Traveler’s values individually. Separately, consider the values of The Traveler’s support system. Are their conflicts or are the values aligned?

It may seem strange, but the start of this journey begins at the end. Where does this road lead? To prepare, plan, and pack, each person going on the trip needs to know where they are headed. Focus on The Traveler and who they are. Examine the values and explore and discuss the landscape of opportunity available that aligns with both. Together, decide where does THIS trip end?

To map out the route, the starting point must be known. Approach this step with honesty. Travelers need to know what resources they have now and what things they need to do at The Destination. Understanding where the trip starts is the foundation of a comprehensive plan for how to get The Traveler from here to The Destination.

Knowing where The Traveler is now is as important as knowing the road they have already traveled. Have they tried but the road was full of roadblocks, barriers, and detours. What has gotten in the way during past attempts to reach The Destination? Have there been things to overcome and get around? Any unexpected route changes?

This is the starting point for the process of drafting goals to create the route The Traveler will take. Reflect on what has been done to this point. Research The Destination’s requirements to understand what is needed to get to there and to be successful once there. Use all of this information together to inform your planning with knowledge of gaps in skills or experience, areas that can be leveraged for growth, and to make back-up plans for just in case.

This is one of the most important pieces of the process- the creation of The RoadMap. Goals will be set that will enable The Traveler to move along their path, bypassing Roadblocks, and bridging gaps between where they are now and where they need and want to be. Start by brainstorming broad areas of opportunities for growth then set specific goals to create the specific route.

The Manifest is the list of the people and resources who take this Road Trip with The Traveler, moving them along the path to The Destination. Each member needs to be willing to think differently and be flexible, fully collaborative and empathetic, working together for the benefit of The Traveler. Think about both those who are already on board as well as who or what resources may still be needed.

We have The RoadMap and The Traveler is at the wheel. Everyone is onboard and ready. Before heading out, make sure everyone knows their role, what they need to bring, and when we expect to get to The Destination. Establish the team Navigator to keep the whole RoadMap and on track. Remember, this is a collaborative team. Multiple people will address the same areas but will do so in their own way; The most complex life lessons are best experienced in varying ways.

Plan the Trip Itinerary- the timeline for the Roadtrip. What will be addressed immediately? Which goals will be left in the parking lot until later? Some goals have a definite “due date” that is already set, some may be more flexible. With time to The Destination in mind, map out the path for The Traveler with each team member and the frequency of team meetings, the Pit Stops, to ensure everyone stays on track. The team MUST collaborate for this journey to be successful.

At Pit Stops, The Navigator guides a discussion of each goal with the entire team, including The Traveler always. It is important to look critically at the road traveled and what lies ahead. The Pit Stops function for team collaboration. The Navigators will keep the journal of travels in the Trip Notes for reference and to look back to once The Destination is reached.

Looking ahead can be both exciting and scary. Roadblocks ahead may be new, or they could be recurring ones that have not been overcome or circumvented. Be proactive and plan now for a way around the barriers that might appear. Describe what could get in the way during the trip. Could there be things to overcome and get around?