Web of Influence: Creating Your Influence Map

🎒 Materials & Moments

What you’ll need
A sizeable canvas or paper for a vast voyage of self-discovery.

Instructions

Identify Key Life Areas
Think about different aspects of your life such as career, relationships, health, personal growth, etc.

Write these down on a large piece of paper, leaving enough space around each area.

Identify Influencers
For each life area, list the people (family, friends, mentors), media (television, social media, magazines), cultural norms, and societal expectations that have shaped your beliefs or behaviours in that area.

For Example:

Career

– Parents or family members suggesting traditional or “safe” career paths.
– Teachers or mentors who inspired passion for a particular field.
– Media portrayal of “successful” careers or high-status job roles.
– Educational experiences or courses that introduced you to specific industries.
– Personal experiences, such as internships or part-time jobs, that influenced career direction.
– Societal expectations regarding prestigious jobs or professions.

Relationships

– Parental or family models of what relationships should look like.
– Media representation of “ideal” romantic relationships.
– Friends’ perspectives or experiences in their own relationships.
– Cultural or religious beliefs about relationships and marriage.
– Personal experiences or past relationships shaping current expectations.
– Books or courses on relationships or communication.

Health

– Cultural norms regarding body image and fitness.
– Family habits or beliefs around nutrition and exercise.
– Information from health and wellness magazines or websites.
– Personal experiences with illness or health challenges.
– Advice or guidance from healthcare professionals.
– Popular diet or fitness trends embraced by peers.

Personal Evolution

– Inspirational figures or role models you admire.
– Personal challenges or experiences that led to growth or change.
– Books, courses, or seminars on personal development.
– Societal expectations around milestones and life progression.
– Feedback or advice from friends or mentors.
– Meditation, spiritual practices, or retreat experiences.

Hobbies

– Family or friends introducing you to specific pastimes.
– Exposure to hobbies via media, such as TV shows or online videos.
– Personal exploration or curiosity leading to new interests.
– Local clubs, societies, or groups promoting certain activities.
– Educational experiences, such as school clubs or courses.
– Cultural or societal appreciation for specific hobbies or crafts.

Travel

– Family vacations or trips during childhood.
– Friends’ travel experiences or recommendations.
– Travel shows, blogs, or magazines inspiring specific destinations.
– Societal trends or popular vacation spots.
– Personal experiences or desires to explore certain cultures.
– Budget, safety, or convenience considerations when choosing destinations.

Financial Beliefs

– Parental or family views on saving, spending, and investing.
– Personal experiences with money, such as debt or financial success.
– Financial advice from experts or mentors.
– Societal beliefs about wealth, success, and financial security.
– Exposure to financial news, stock markets, or investment trends.
– Educational experiences, such as financial literacy courses or seminars.

Draw Connections
Using lines, arrows, or other visual cues, connect each influence to the corresponding life area.

You might use different colours or symbols to represent positive or negative influences.

Reflect on the Map
Take time to look over your influence map.

What patterns or insights emerge?

How have these influences shaped your life?

Are there any surprises?

Consider Changes
If you identify any influences that you feel are hindering or misguiding you, think about steps you might take to reduce or counteract those influences.