Big goals are exciting. They’re also intimidating. But the difference between wishing for success and achieving it comes down to one critical factor: mapping the path forward.

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

From Dream to Execution: The Power of Mapping It Out

Back in March 2024, Embyr set 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, broke down the process, and built the plan.

Six hours later, she came back—not just with a goal, but with a clear roadmap. That changed everything.

As she walked me through it, I could see her confidence grow.

She wasn’t just hoping anymore—she had proof that her goal was possible. She was getting used to the idea. Making it real.

But she wasn’t done yet.

Execution, Accountability & Adjustments

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

She refined her approach, stayed focused, committed to the work, owned her journey, and kept evolving throughout the year. Then came race day.

The Moment of Truth

On her home track in Whistler, Embyr was 4th after the first run—a personal best. She texted me a picture of the standings with the comment: “This is wild—one more run.”

The start order for the second run was reversed—the pressure was intense. Embyr was rock solid. She pulled out of the handles and delivered another personal best run.

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 moment!)

She also placed 2nd in U23 Women’s Singles and was part of the Canadian Team Relay, which placed 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—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.

CEOs, Here’s Your Challenge:

• What’s your biggest goal this year?
• 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.

Want to Take This Further? Join Us Live:

📌 Gutting Out Your 3HAG Webclass – Learn how to build your 3-year growth roadmap and execute with confidence.

📌 Foundation for Business Growth Workshops – Discover the 5 key steps to sustainable momentum in your business.

📌 Read More: How to Set a Winning 3HAG – Dive deeper into building a clear, achievable strategy.

Don’t just set goals. Map them out and make them happen.

- Shannon Byrne Susko