Christina Toimela learns that setting goals can be fun

I have been setting goals for myself for all my life. At the age of five I announced that when I was older I would pass my matriculation examinations (the equivalent of British A-Levels) with flying colours. Twelve years later I did it. In one of my essays I explained that I would take an additional French test because I wanted to work for a classy French brand called Lancôme. Twelve years later I pursued a PR career working for L’Oréal’s Luxury Brand Division, one of the brands being Lancôme. I was not the applicant with several university degrees nor the one with tons of experience. However, I was the one whose attitude and fluency in French were approved by the native MD.
Later in life I have set my goals by listing them. It has been a serious process involving a lot of negative self-talk in case of losing my focus.

I’ve always hoped for a more pleasant and efficient way of doing it…

“This lady is fun and calm. I’m inspired!”

Fast forward to Brighton, Friend’s Meeting House: I wander down the corridor following the sounds of laughter. I’m on my way to Certified Goal Mapping Practitioner Jenny Harper’s workshop on Brian Mayne’s Goal Mapping technique. I enter the small room full of friendly people. Jenny happily chats with everyone, showing no signs of stress even if she is about to start her very first Goal Mapping workshop. Jenny describes herself as a fun person who likes to laugh and read a lot. She also likes adventure and change. She talks calmly and seems very relaxed, yet enthusiastic. I’m hypnotised. This lady is fun and calm. I’m inspired!

Jenny’s background is in nursing, management and consultancy. She has always been interested in people and group dynamics. She wants to know why some people manage to grasp opportunities and some people don’t. This is why she first attended a seminar led by Brian Mayne who created the Goal Mapping model. Jenny always knew how goal setting could help people. She was also aware that very few people set goals and, if they do, they only use words:

“Traditionally we use words alone to set goals, using our left brain and endless repetition,” Jenny says. “Establishing goals with Goal Mapping we also connect with the right, creative brain, using imagery – the language of the subconscious which helps us to feel empowered to take action.”

Jenny enjoys working with the Goal Mapping tool because it is a versatile approach: “It’s a fun and interesting way of setting goals. People feel less pressured and there is much more of a flow to it.” Instead of being told what she would be good at, Jenny hoped someone would have asked her what it was that she really wanted to do when she was young: “I want young people to have those opportunities that I did not have. Goal Mapping can engage people to think about what is it they really want.”

I sit in silence and think about my goals. In 2008 I decided that I want to interview inspiring people, encourage others, and to get my own chat show. I dropped my sales and logistics job and started a new career studying radio- and TV-journalism. If the 12-year pattern repeats itself I will have my own chat show in seven years’ time. I can live with that!

Brian Mayne’s Goal Mapping form

Do you know any people who have really inspired you in Brighton?
We’re not looking for celebrities. Not ordinary, but extraordinary.
Contact Christina: christina.toimela@gmail.com