Mapping Out Your Future: Topos, Trail Mix, and Transformative Planning
I’ve spent some pleasant times over the last few days planning my next trip away.
There’s something magical about unfurling a topographical map. The crisp fold lines, the hypnotic squiggles of elevation, the tiny blue creeks snaking through valleys. For me, planning an outdoor adventure is more than just a hobby—it’s a ritual. I pore over those maps like they hold the secrets to the universe (and sometimes, they do).
I’ll sit at the dini table with a strong cup of coffee, a pencil, a ruler, and my dreams. I mark out potential routes, estimate walking times, check where I might want to camp, note water sources, and factor in elevation gain like a strategic general preparing for a mission. Then I pull up the weather forecast, check recent trail reports, tally up food and gear needs, assess my current fitness (some trips require a little more than a pre-walk stretch and a can-do attitude), and budget the adventure. It’s part logistics, part excitement, and all heart.
It might seem a far cry from the workplace, but I reckon this is exactly how we should approach our careers, our business strategies, and any big life projects. Whether you're mapping a solo trek into the wilderness or leading a team through a complex transformation at work, it all begins with good planning, honest assessment, and a bit of wild-hearted visioning.
The Map is Not the Terrain—But It’s a Bloody Good Start
When I sit with a map, I know it's not going to tell me everything. It won’t show the leeches, the loose scree, or that surprise downpour at 3 p.m. But it gives me the big picture. It shows the possibilities, the limits, and the choices.
In the workplace, the same principle applies. We often leap into projects without laying out a map—without considering the metaphorical elevation gain or whether we’re packing for sunshine when we should be preparing for storms.
Modern HR thinking now recognises the power of strategic foresight and human-centred planning. This isn’t about rigid Gantt charts and soulless KPIs—it’s about creating living maps for teams and individuals. Agile planning. Personalised development plans. Wellness check-ins. Cultural roadmaps. It’s not a one-size-fits-all itinerary anymore.
So, what does this look like in practice?
1. Start With the Vision (But Bring Snacks)
Every journey needs a destination—or at least a direction. What are you trying to achieve in the next 6 months? A promotion? A new business idea? A more balanced life?
Jot it down. Be honest. Be bold. And be flexible enough to adjust your route.
In HR speak, this is your strategic objective. But for the rest of us, it’s just your North Star. And just like I wouldn’t start a multi-day hike without knowing where I’m headed, you shouldn’t dive into your next project without a goal and some trail mix.
Actionable tip: Write down your top three priorities. Now next to each one, write what “done well” looks like. That’s your first map.
2. Assess Your Terrain and Tools
Just like I wouldn’t attempt a summit scramble with the wrong boots (well, maybe once…), we shouldn’t take on goals without assessing our current state. That includes:
Your capacity (mental, emotional, physical)
Your resources (time, money, support)
Your team (are you solo or rolling with a crew?)
External conditions (market trends, company culture, personal commitments)
This is where modern HR leans into psychological safety, adaptive capability, and skills audits. At Walk It Out Consulting, we encourage clients to do the same: take stock before you set off.
Actionable tip: Try a simple SWOT analysis—Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats—for yourself or your team. It’s like checking the weather and reading the trail reports.
3. Plan the Route (But Leave Room for Wandering)
Once I’ve got my route planned, I still allow for flexibility. Sometimes I find a better view, a smoother trail, or a campsite that just feels right.
In work, this translates to adaptive planning—setting goals but being open to better ways of reaching them. It also means building in rest stops. (Burnout is real, and no one makes good decisions with blistered feet and no sleep.)
Actionable tip: Use the “90/10 Rule.” Plan 90% of the task, but leave 10% unplanned for spontaneous inspiration or necessary pivots.
4. Execute with Purpose—and Joy
The best plans are the ones you enjoy putting into action. I don’t just plan adventures so I can stare at maps—I go out and walk them. I breathe the air, get dirty, get lost, get found, and come back changed.
Your career or project should have the same impact. It should energise you, stretch you, give you stories to tell. If it doesn’t—maybe it’s time to choose a different trail.
5. Reflect and Repack
After every trip, I take stock. What worked? What didn’t? What gear stayed in my pack the whole time? What am I bringing next time—and what am I leaving behind?
Contemporary workplaces thrive when we embrace continuous improvement and learning loops. Don’t just finish a project and run to the next one. Pause. Debrief. Apply what you’ve learned.
Actionable tip: Build in 15 minutes after every major milestone to reflect: What’s your biggest takeaway? What’s one thing you’ll do differently next time?
Final Thought: Adventure Isn’t Just Out There
Whether you’re hiking in the mountains or navigating your next workplace transformation, it all starts with the same things: a map, a goal, a bit of courage, and a good plan.
At Walk It Out Consulting, we help you plot your path with clarity and confidence—and just like any good hike, we believe the journey matters just as much as the destination.
So go on—spread out that metaphorical map. What’s your next adventure?
And don’t forget to pack the snacks.
