ARTISTS' PROFESSIONAL TOOLBOX ::
Create a Life Map

It's a new year - the perfect time to refocus on what you want out of life. Tired of making the same old resolutions? Want to focus on the bigger picture of where you're going and not just for this year? Here's a creative exercise to help you find your life's purpose.

A Life Map is a visual picture of what you want out of your life and how you want to live it.

Gather the following:

• a large sheet of blank, heavy-weight paper;
• magazines, photos and other images;
• colored pens, pencils, crayons or any creative expression implement that you prefer (charcoal, paints, pastels, watercolors, etc.); and
• if you enjoy them - stickers, scrap book materials, colored papers, etc.

Now fill the blank sheet as you feel inclined. Cut out pictures and words from the magazines that speak to you. Draw little pictures or write down thoughts that come to mind. If you could do anything with your life, be anything, live as you desire - what would that look like? What makes you happy? What sparks your passion? Let your imagination run wild.

Once you're done, look over what you've created. Does anything surprise you? Did you learn anything new about yourself? Are there any patterns or prominent messages that leap off the page? What would you have to do to be able to live this life you've imagined? Does your Life Map give you any clues as to what your life's purpose should be? What action can you take today to start making your Life Map a reality? Now do it.

Quick Tip:
Focus on doing your best at everything you try rather than trying to be the best at everything you do. Everyone has the ability to do their best at anything. Doing the best you can is inspirational and will help you engage in life in a positive way. But trying to be the best at everything only leads to unrealistic expectations that 99.9 percent of the population won't be able to achieve. Sometimes a simple shift in focus can make all the difference.