The Carry More Method - Doing What Matters in 10 Minutes
Our last Mind Map Nation Q&A explored the idea of simplifying and carrying less in life - a concept likely familiar to you as an Epiphany Newsletter reader, who is often more invested in collecting knowledge and experiences rather than material possessions.
But soon, we realized that simplifying isn't just about having less, but making room for more of what truly matters. This shift led us to a crucial question: "What do I want to carry MORE of in my life?"
This deceptively simple inquiry served as a launchpad to explore the intangible elements we value most – relationships, experiences, reflection, and intentionality:
One member shared that he no longer expects gifts from his kids on Father’s Day but instead asks for their love in the form of quality time.
Another member spoke about reconnecting with her cousin after 10 years, and the intentionality required to make it happen - even if it meant saying no to other opportunities.
Yet another member expressed her desire to prioritize personal reflection before a significant birthday next year.
I was personally struck by our collective recognition of the fleeting nature of time and the need to be more intentional about how we spend it.
As I mapped our responses, I realized the value in creating an Epiphany Map template to surface the intangible elements we want to carry forward, while considering the boundaries and reductions necessary to make room for those priorities.
Hence the “Carry More Map” was born.
Here's how it works in 5 steps:
Center your map with: "Carry More?”
Branch out with categories like:
Experiences (i.e. travel, cultural immersion)
Relationships (i.e. family, friends, community)
Personal Growth (i.e. journaling, new hobbies and skills)
Wellbeing (i.e. meditation, digital detoxes)
For each category, expand out sub-categories and activities you want to prioritize.
Add an "Actions" branching from each priority to map out immediate, concrete actions you can take in the next week and how long they’ll approximately take.
Create a "Boundaries" branching from each priority to list ways you'll protect time and energy for them.
Breaking out the Actions and time estimates is important to visualizing ourselves doing them. Often, we procrastinate pursuing what we want because the whole project seems so overwhelming. However, once you deconstruct it into simpler parts, you’ll see that picking up the phone and messaging someone only takes 5 minutes to get the ball rolling. Before you know it, you’re well on your way to planning that family reunion (or insert ideal outcome of your choice) you’ve always dreamed of.
This Epiphany Map will take only 10-15 minutes, especially if you’re mapping out something that’s been on your mind for a while. Yet its ability to offload your mental burdens and help you gain momentum can’t be beat. In other words, it’s a very high ROI exercise.
As Epiphany readers, you probably excel at optimizing and maximizing your experiences. This mapping exercise applies those same skills to recalibrating your inner compass, and in the process, enrich your personal life with the same rigor you apply to your career.
By mapping what you want more of, you're taking a step toward a life that's not just successful, but deeply satisfying.
I encourage you to carve out time this week to create your Carry More Map and, if you wish, share it with me - I’d love to see it!
If you’re a MMN member, share your insights in our community forum - your perspective could be the breakthrough another member needs.
🙌 Want to dive deeper? Join Mind Map Nation to access the full recording of this Q&A session, including my live mind mapping demo and this template in action. As a member, you'll have exclusive access to all our community meetups, workshop content, and courses to fuel your personal growth and professional success.
Make the most of your mind maps
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