Heartmapping: Your Treasure Map to a Fulfilling Life

Your Heart Holds the Gold—This Map Helps You Find It.

Buried beneath life’s distractions lies something priceless—the gold in your heart. Heartmapping helps you uncover it, guiding you toward a life rich in meaning and joy.

Path to Purpose

Whether you’re seeking clarity, direction, or the courage to dream again, A Heartmap empowers you to navigate life with intention and joy. It’s time to chart the course to your most fulfilling future—one step at a time, straight from the heart.

Why Heartmap?

Because your heart holds the answers your mind can’t find. Heartmapping helps you uncover what truly matters, guiding you to a life filled with purpose, joy, and authenticity. It’s not just about dreaming—it’s about discovering the path to live those dreams every day.

Take Off

A Heartmap turns uncertainty into clarity and dreams into action. It helps you break through limiting beliefs, prioritize what truly matters, and create a personalized roadmap to the life you’ve always wanted. Ready to take off and let your heart lead the way?

If you’ve ever felt lost, uncertain, or unsure of your next step, this is the map that will guide you—not to where the world says you should go, but to where your heart is calling you.

How Heartmapping Changes Everything

Most people chase happiness, fulfillment, and purpose—only to end up wandering in circles. That’s because they’re using the wrong map: one made of expectations, obligations, and “shoulds.”

Heartmapping flips the script. Instead of looking outside for direction, you turn inward—to the gold in your heart. This process helps you uncover what truly matters to you, so you can create a life that’s aligned, intentional, and deeply satisfying.

The Benefits of Heartmapping

💛 Clarity That Feels Right – No more second-guessing. Know what truly matters and why.

🛤️ A Path That’s Yours – Stop following someone else’s plan. Design a life that fits YOU.

🚀 Decisions, Made Easy – When you know what aligns with your heart, choices become clear.

⚡ Momentum Without Burnout – Focus on what fuels you, not what drains you.

🌟 No More FOMO – When your life is built on your values, you stop comparing and start thriving.

💎 A Treasure Map for Life – Your Heartmap isn’t just a concept—it’s a tool you can return to again and again.

Key Takeaways

What You’ll Gain from Heartmapping

Heartmapping isn’t just about dreaming—it’s about discovering what truly drives you and creating a map to follow. Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

🔹 A Clear Vision of What Matters Most – No more drifting. You’ll know exactly what fuels your happiness, purpose, and fulfillment.

🔹 A Personalized Blueprint for Your Future – This isn’t a generic life plan—it’s a custom-made map based on your values, desires, and non-negotiables.

🔹 The Confidence to Move Forward – When you understand your heart’s direction, every step feels more intentional and aligned.

🔹 A Life with More Meaning and Joy – Because when you follow a path built on what truly matters, life feels richer, deeper, and more fulfilling.

Common Pitfalls

Why People Struggle to Find Their Path

Even with the best intentions, many people get lost before they even begin. Why? Because they’re using the wrong compass. Here’s where most people go wrong—and how Heartmapping helps them break free:

🔻 Chasing Someone Else’s Dreams – It’s easy to follow the goals society, family, or social media glorify. But if it doesn’t light you up inside, it’s not yours. Heartmapping helps you filter out the noise and reconnect with your truth.

🔻 Focusing on “Should” Instead of “Want” – “I should want this. I should be happy. I should just be grateful.” Sound familiar? Heartmapping strips away external pressures and gets to what truly resonates with you.

🔻 Skipping the Deep Work – Meaningful goals aren’t just about what you want; they’re about why you want them. Heartmapping uncovers the real reasons behind your desires so they actually stick.

🔻 Ignoring Your Non-Negotiables – Many people set goals without considering the things they refuse to sacrifice. If you don’t identify these early, you’ll burn out or feel unfulfilled—even when you “succeed.”

🔻 Forgetting to Keep It Visible – A dream you never look at is just a wish. Heartmapping helps you create a tangible, visual tool that you can return to whenever you need guidance.

 

The Process Steps to Heartmapping

Step 1: Identify Your Core Values

Before mapping where you want to go, you need to understand what drives you. Your values are the foundation of your decisions, happiness, and fulfillment.

Step 2: Discover Your Deepest Desires

Your values point the way—your desires fuel the journey.

Step 3: Define Your Non-Negotiables

A strong Heartmap isn’t just about what you want—it’s about where you won’t compromise.

Step 4: Create Your Map

Then, you’ll bring it all together. In this step, you’ll visualize your Heartmap as a mindmap, roadmap, or constellation of dreams.

Step 5: Make It Yours

This isn’t just a list—it’s a living, breathing representation of your path. In this step, you’ll personalize it!

Let's Identify Your Values

Why Your Heartmap Starts with Values

Before you can build a fulfilling life, you need to understand what truly matters to you. Your values are the foundation—the gold in your heart that shapes everything you desire, every choice you make, and how you experience joy, meaning, and success.

Most people skip this step. Instead, they chase what looks good on paper, what others expect of them, or what they think should make them happy. But when you don’t start with values, you end up with goals that feel empty—even when you achieve them.

Heartmapping flips this process. Instead of starting with what you want, you start with why it matters.

The Connection Between Values & Desires

Think of your values as your internal compass. They naturally shape the things you’re drawn to, the experiences you seek, and what brings you joy. When your desires align with your values, you experience a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose. When they don’t, you feel restless, unfulfilled, or stuck—no matter how much you accomplish.

For example:

🔹 If you deeply value freedom, a rigid daily routine might make you feel trapped, even if it looks like “success” to someone else.
🔹 If you value connection, a high-paying job that isolates you won’t bring true happiness.
🔹 If you value creativity, following a predictable, structured path might feel suffocating.

Your values and desires must work together. When they do, you create a life that feels deeply satisfying—one that’s authentically yours.

Why This Process Matters

Taking time to uncover your values before setting goals does three powerful things:

✅ Eliminates Wasted Time & Energy – No more chasing things that don’t truly fulfill you.
✅ Helps You Make Better Decisions – When you know your values, choices become clearer.
âś… Creates Goals That Actually Feel Good – No more “empty victories”—your goals will be meaningful and aligned.

This is why we start with values first.

Now, let’s explore yours. Use the list below to discover what matters most to you, then we’ll turn that insight into a map for your future.

How to Identify Your Core Values

Below, you’ll find several categories of values. Open each tab and browse through the lists, letting your heart—not just your mind—guide you. Pay attention to the words that resonate deeply or spark an emotional response.

âś… Choose as many as you want. You can refine them later.
âś… Feel free to combine or modify them. Your values should feel personal and true to you.
âś… Shuffle, sit with them, and adjust. The goal is to land on the values that tug hardest on your heart.

Once you feel confident in your selections, you’ll use them as the foundation for your Heartmap—the gold that will guide your journey forward.

Character Values

These values define who you are as a person and how you navigate life.

  • Integrity
  • Honesty
  • Loyalty
  • Responsibility
  • Authenticity
  • Self-respect
  • Humility
  • Courage
  • Patience
  • Kindness
Growth Values

These values focus on lifelong learning, self-improvement, and the pursuit of personal goals.

  • Curiosity
  • Wisdom
  • Open-mindedness
  • Creativity
  • Self-awareness
  • Knowledge
  • Adaptability
  • Mastery
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Independence
Achievement Values

These values drive ambition, hard work, and professional or personal success.

  • Excellence
  • Persistence
  • Discipline
  • Success
  • Leadership
  • Innovation
  • Competence
  • Productivity
  • Determination
  • Initiative
Freedom Values

hese values are about autonomy, choice, and living life on your own terms.

  • Independence
  • Freedom
  • Self-sufficiency
  • Adventure
  • Individuality
  • Boldness
  • Spontaneity
  • Exploration
  • Taking risks
  • Non-conformity
Well-Being Values

These values focus on physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

  • Health
  • Balance
  • Vitality
  • Wellness
  • Self-care
  • Fitness
  • Mindfulness
  • Mental resilience
  • Rest and relaxation
  • Energy
Contribution

These values are about making a difference in the world through service, generosity, and leadership.

  • Altruism
  • Service
  • Philanthropy
  • Social responsibility
  • Justice
  • Environmental stewardship
  • Ethical living
  • Mentorship
  • Advocacy
  • Generational impact
Security Values

These values focus on creating a safe, predictable, and stable life.

  • Safety
  • Financial security
  • Stability
  • Order
  • Reliability
  • Predictability
  • Comfort
  • Practicality
  • Home and family security
  • Preparedness
Spiritual Values

These values focus on meaning, purpose, and a connection to something greater than oneself.

  • Faith
  • Purpose
  • Inner peace
  • Enlightenment
  • Gratitude
  • Reverence
  • Transcendence
  • Mindfulness
  • Connection to nature
  • Acceptance
Enjoyment Values

These values focus on joy, pleasure, and the lighter side of life.

  • Playfulness
  • Humor
  • Fun
  • Celebration
  • Creativity
  • Leisure
  • Music and arts
  • Travel
  • Spontaneity
  • Excitement

Let's Identify Your Heart's Desires

Step 2: Discovering Your Deepest Desires

Now that you’ve uncovered your core values, it’s time to connect them to your heart’s desires—the experiences, feelings, and goals that will bring your life into full color.

But here’s where most people go wrong:

🔹 They think too small. Instead of imagining what truly excites them, they limit themselves to what feels “practical” or “realistic.”
🔹 They ignore emotional desires. They focus on external achievements instead of asking How do I want to feel?
🔹 They choose desires that don’t align. They set goals based on expectations, not what actually resonates with their values—leading to frustration instead of fulfillment.

💡 Let’s break that cycle.

Your desires should be as bold, deep, and vibrant as your values. Let’s start expanding your vision.

Grab a pen and paper.

Take your time.

Visioneer Your Dream Life

Take a moment to imagine your ideal life—without limitations. Dream bigger than you think is “reasonable” or “realistic.” Close your eyes and explore these questions:

🌟 What do I want to spend my days doing?
🌟 When do I feel happiest and most alive?
🌟 Where is this life happening?
🌟 Who am I sharing it with?
🌟 What does my home or environment look like?
🌟 What truly matters, and how am I engaging with it?

Write freely. Don’t filter. This is your time to dream bigger. 🚀

Go Even Deeper: Finding Your Why

Your desires aren’t random—they connect directly to your core values. When a vision excites you, ask:

✨ Why does this matter to me?
✨ What feeling am I chasing?

For example:

âś… Living in a warm, quiet coastal town because I love the sea and beach life.
âś… Spending my mornings gardening because I love growing my own food.
âś… Traveling abroad twice a year because I thrive on adventure and learning.

Hint:

Your Why Is Always Tied to Your Values

Let Your Heart Lead the Way

Now, refine your list. Some desires will stand out—others will feel less important. Trust your instincts.

đź’› Does this truly matter to me?
đź’› Why is this important?
đź’› What would life be like without it?

If something sparks joy, excitement, or deep emotion, it belongs on your Heartmap.

 

Once you have a solid list of desires, dreams or goals, let’s move on to the next step.

Let's Look at Your Non-Negotiables

Define Your Non-Negotiables

Now that you’ve uncovered your core values and deepest desires, it’s time to set the guardrails that will protect them.

Non-negotiables are the absolute must-haves for a fulfilling life. They define what you will not sacrifice, ensuring that your choices stay true to your heart.

But here’s the key: Your non-negotiables are only as strong as the boundaries you set to protect them. Without clear boundaries, it’s easy to let obligations, expectations, or outside pressures water them down—and before you know it, you’re making compromises that leave you feeling disconnected from what truly matters.

💡 Think of boundaries as a protective circle around your dreams. They don’t close you off from the world—they keep what’s most important to you safe.

Let’s get clear on yours.

Three Dreamers – Three Stories

This person has big dreams but never sets clear boundaries, so outside demands constantly pull them away.

 

Ava had a dream—she wanted to write a novel. She could see the finished book in her hands, feel the excitement of sharing her story. But every time she sat down to write, something pulled her away.

Her son needed a babysitter. A friend needed help moving. The laundry pile stared at her accusingly. “I’ll get back to writing when things quiet down,” she told herself.

But things never calmed down. The small interruptions added up, chipping away at her time, her energy, and eventually, her dream. She never set clear boundaries—never protected her writing time—so everything else took priority.

Years later, she still talked about “someday” writing a book. But the dream had faded into a what-if instead of a reality.

📌 Lesson: Dreams don’t just slip away—they get pushed aside by everything else unless you guard them. The Empowered Dreamer would have set clear, kind boundaries to protect their time:

✅ Scheduled non-negotiable writing sessions—and treated them like important appointments.
✅ Used a simple, firm response: “I’d love to help, but only if we can work around my other committments.”
âś… Created a distraction-free space to reinforce their commitment.

Setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s how you make space for what matters.

Sets strict, all-or-nothing rules that make their dream feel suffocating. They refuse to adjust or compromise at all, turning their passion into pressure until they burn out and quit.

James always dreamed of running a marathon. He wasn’t just committed—he was all in. He designed a strict training plan, scheduled his runs months in advance, and vowed to never miss a single workout.

At first, his dedication felt empowering because he made such good progress.. But then… life happened.

A friend invited him on a weekend trip. “No way,” James said. “I can’t skip my long run.”
His grandaughter asked for his help with a school project. “Not today,” he told her. “I have to train.”
A minor injury flared up. Instead of resting, he pushed through—until he was sidelined for weeks.

James had set boundaries around his non-negotiables, but he had made them too rigid. Instead of supporting his dream, his rules suffocated it—isolating him from loved ones, draining his joy, and ultimately derailing his progress.

📌 Lesson: Boundaries should protect your dream—not make it feel like a prison. The Empowered Dreamer would have:

✅ Allowed flexibility—adjusting training when life called for it.
✅ Balanced priorities—knowing when to bend without breaking.
✅ Listened to their body—recognizing that rest isn’t failure.

A strong foundation isn’t built on rules alone—it thrives on adaptability and wisdom.

Finds the balance. They set strong  boundaries but remain flexible in the process. They know what truly matters and protect it, but they also adapt and evolve—ensuring steady progress toward fulfillment.

Margaret had always dreamed of learning to paint. But between raising kids, working full-time, and managing a household, her dream had been put on hold for decades. Now, in retirement, she finally had the time—but life still had a way of filling her days.

Instead of letting distractions take over or becoming rigidly obsessed with her goal, Margaret did something different.

She set firm, flexible boundaries.

🖌️ She blocked off three mornings a week for painting—no excuses, no guilt.
🖌️ She protected her time, kindly saying, “I can help after my painting session.”
🖌️ She stayed adaptable, knowing that if life disrupted her schedule, she could shift without quitting.

What she didn’t do:

❌ She didn’t let guilt or obligation erase her personal time.
❌ She didn’t let perfectionism hold her back—she painted for joy, not pressure.
❌ She didn’t assume it was “too late” to chase a dream.

Because she honored her non-negotiables, Margaret gained more than just a new skill. She felt energized, fulfilled, and confident. Her ability to hold space for her passions allowed her to dream even bigger. She signed up for an art retreat in Italy, something she never would have considered before.

📌 Lesson: The Empowered Dreamer doesn’t just dream—they make space for their dreams. With healthy boundaries, self-trust, and adaptability, they achieve more than they ever thought possible.

Guiding Questions to Define Your Non-Negotiables

Ask yourself:

🔹 What are the things I absolutely need to feel fulfilled?
🔹 What am I unwilling to sacrifice, no matter the circumstances?
🔹 Where have I made compromises in the past that left me feeling lost or unfulfilled?
🔹 What boundaries do I need to set to protect these priorities?

Your non-negotiable desires, goals and dreams will act as the foundation of your Heartmap, helping you navigate life with confidence.

Mapping It Out

Now that you’ve identified your values, desires, and non-negotiables, it’s time to see it all come together. Your Heartmap isn’t just a list—it’s a visual guide to your dream life.

Here’s how to create yours:

🗺️ Start at the Center: Write your big, bold dream in the middle of a blank sheet of paper. This is your North Star—the vision that pulls you forward.

đź”— Surround it with Values: Around your dream, place the values that matter most to you. These are the core reasons your dream is important.

🌟 Expand with Non-Negotiables: In the next layer, write down specific desires or goals that are directly connected to your values. These are the things you refuse to compromise on—the stepping stones that turn your dream into reality.

đź’ˇ Keep Building: Extend your map even further. Add places, events, opportunities, or techniques that support your journey.

🖌️ Example:
Margaret dreams of earning an income from her paintings at art shows.
🎨 Her values: Creativity (painting) + Financial Freedom (making an income).
🎨 Her non-negotiables: Setting aside time to create, pricing her work fairly, and getting her paintings in front of buyers.
🎨 Expanding outward: Researching art festivals, galleries, and online marketplaces to showcase her work, plus experimenting with new painting techniques to refine her style.

Your Heartmap will grow and evolve just like you do. But once it’s on paper, you’ll have a clear path forward.

 

First Round:

  1. Identify the dream.
  2. Surround it with your core values.

Add Your Non-Negotiables

  1. Conncect them to your values.
  2. Add more
  3. Keep going, creating as many layers as you need.

Make It Real

Memorializing Your Map

Your Heartmap isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s a blueprint for your dream life. Now, let’s make it vivid, personal, and impossible to ignore.

🖌️ Get Creative: Grab markers, crayons, paint, or stickers—make it something you’ll love looking at.
📸 Add Visuals: Glue on photos, words, or memorabilia that remind you of what you’re working toward. (That trip to Italy? Print out a picture!)
đź’ˇ Bring It to Life: Write in bold colors, doodle in the margins, or add meaningful quotes. The more connected you feel to your map, the more powerful it becomes.
đź’» Go Digital: Prefer a virtual version? Use a vision board app, digital mind-mapping tool, or even a simple photo collage to keep your dreams front and center.

Now, put it where you’ll see it often. Hang it on a wall, tuck it into a journal, or set it as your phone wallpaper. Your

Heartmap should be a daily reminder that your dreams are worth following.

🚀 Final Thought: A map only works if you use it.

Your Heartmap is Ready to Serve You—and So Am I!

✨ Want deeper guidance? Join one of our Heartmapping Workshops, where we’ll walk through this process live, answer your questions, and help you refine your path. Write to me and ask to be added to the wait list at Lisa@skipidee.com 

 

📩 Reach me by email at Lisa@skipidee.com  Tell me you want to Sign up for the waitlist to be the first to know when the next workshop opens!

💬 Have questions or an aha moment to share? I’d love to hear from you! Email me at lisa@skipidee.com —let’s talk about where your Heartmap is leading you.

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