The Power of Mapping Your Goals – A Lesson from the World Luge Championships

"A goal without a plan is just a wish."?– Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

CEOs & Leaders, how clear is your path to success?

Big goals can be exciting. They can also be intimidating. But the difference between wishing for success and achieving it comes down to one thing: mapping the path forward.

I saw this firsthand last month when my daughter, Embyr, placed 4th in Women’s Singles at the World Luge Championships—an incredible result. Her journey to that podium spot started long before she hit the ice in Whistler.

Back in March 2024, she told me her best-case goal: Top 5 in the world.

I challenged her—“Great goal, but how are you going to get there?”

I asked her to map it out.

Every step. Every variable. Every detail. (She knew I was going to say this.)

Reluctantly, she sat down and did the work. She did the math. Six hours later, she came back, not just with a goal, but with a plan.

As she walked me through it, I could see it—her confidence growing. She wasn’t just hoping anymore. She had proof it was possible. She was getting used to the idea. Making it real.

But she wasn’t done yet.

At her year-end meeting, she shared the plan with her coaches. They were skeptical. She was not. The more she mapped it, the more she believed it.

She refined her approach, she stayed focused on the path, committed to the work, owned her journey and kept evolving through the year.

Fast forward to race day on her home track in Whistler.

She was fourth after the first run. A personal best on the track she has been sliding since she was 6. She text me a picture of the standings after the first with a comment: “this is wild – one more run”.

On the second run the start order is reversed, slowest to fastest from the first run. Embyr was starting fourth last – the pressure of the situation was impalpable – or maybe that was me at the finish.

Embyr was rock solid – pulled out of the handles and achieved another Personal Best run of her life!!

Two of the best runs of her life, back to back.

At just 19 years old, she placed 4th in the world—competing against her idols and against the odds!! (Proud Mama!!).

Embyr placed 2nd in the U23 Women’s Singles and was a part of the Canadian Team Relay, placing an historic 3rd place.

What’s the business lesson here?

? Big goals need a clear map.

It’s not enough to set ambitious targets. You need to map out every step required to get there. map it and keep mapping it throughout the year.

?? Confidence comes from clarity.

The more you define the path, the more you believe in it—and the more others believe in you.

?? Sharing your goals makes them real.

When you put your goals out there, you create accountability. Talking about them forces clarity, builds commitment, and gets others on board.

?? Mapping isn’t just about planning—it’s about belief.

The more you work through the details, the more real success becomes. You stop hoping and start executing.

So, CEOs, here’s your challenge:

What’s your biggest goal for 2025?

• Have you mapped it out completely?
• Do you know the steps, the numbers, the milestones?
• Have you shared it with your team?

The leaders who map their success are the ones who achieve it.

Start mapping. Start believing. Start winning.

Let’s grow!!

Shannon

PS. We had an incredible turnout in Dublin last week, if you and your team are struggling to set goals or map them out, join us at our upcoming workshops in Vancouver (CA) & Sydney (AU).

Find out more here