By Britt Yenser
As HETMA embarks on the #Roadto10K, this journey is about more than just growing our numbers—it’s about supporting the personal and professional growth of each member. Every month, we’ll explore a new theme centered on reflection, growth, mental health, and confidence. If the themes ever feel overwhelming, this column will offer them in small, approachable steps to help you engage at your own pace.
July’s theme was True North: Your Future You. If the month flew by and you didn’t get a chance to reflect—no worries! We’re moving at our own pace. Whenever you’re ready, let’s revisit the core prompts:
Why do you do what you do, and where do you want to go?
Anchor your future progress.
These are big questions—so if they made your brain short-circuit, you’re not alone! Let’s break them down into smaller, more manageable pieces.
To answer the big question Why do you do what you do, and where do you want to go? — answer any of the guiding questions below that resonate with you.
1- What is your ideal, productive day?
2- What do you enjoy doing, even when it’s challenging?
3- What beliefs do you hold that influence your work?
4- What skills or talents do you want to share with others?
5- Who or what benefits from the work you do?
6- What kind of legacy do you hope to leave behind?
7- What experiences or people have shaped your path?
8- Did a specific moment or turning point lead you here?
9- How does what you do now connect to who you want to become?
10- If you stopped doing this, what would you miss most?
Remember, these questions are for you, so don’t let writer’s block hold you back. Answer freely and from the heart—using words, phrases, or even images, whatever feels right. When you’re done, highlight any ideas or themes that repeat. What comes up again and again? That’s your True North.
After discovering your True North, the next step is to anchor your future progress. This means identifying the values and beliefs that guide you along that path. Imagine a road lined with signposts—each one represents a value or belief that helps keep you on track.
To find yours, reflect on the guiding questions below and answer the ones that speak to you:
1- If there were no limits—financial, geographic, or otherwise—what would you be doing?
2- What kind of work or life would make you proud?
3- What kind of roles, responsibilities, or environments do you want to move toward?
4- What do you want more of in your life or work? What do you want less of?
5- What do you keep coming back to, even if you’ve taken detours?
6- What impact do you want to have in your field or community?
7- What problems do you want to help solve?
8- What motivates you to take the next step?
9- What’s something you’ve been hesitant to pursue—but can’t stop thinking about?
10- What does success look like to you in the next 1, 3, or 5 years?
Approach these as you did before—no need to be perfect. Answer in whatever format feels right: words, phrases, or sketches. Once finished, highlight any repeating words, ideas, or themes. These are your signposts—your anchors that keep you aligned with your True North.
Knowing your True North and what keeps you grounded along the way is a powerful first step toward a more meaningful path. Below, you’ll find a printable worksheet to help you map it all out. Keep it somewhere visible—it might feel cheesy, but a visual reminder of what matters most can go a long way.
And if you feel inspired, share your roadmap with the HETMA community or on socials using #Roadto10K!
