The Desire Map: A Guide to Creating Goals with Soul

The Desire Map presents an alternative approach to goal-setting and life planning. Rather than pursuing goals with the hope they will eventually bring fulfillment, LaPorte argues that people actually chase the feelings they believe achieving those goals will create. This conventional approach is backwards and leads to burnout. The book proposes identifying your "core desired feelings" first, then creating "Goals with Soul" aligned with those feelings. It covers five life domains: livelihood & lifestyle, body & wellness, creativity & learning, relationships & society, and essence & spirituality. The workbook includes self-assessment quizzes, worksheets, and Desire Mapping tools. LaPorte explains how reducing expectations can paradoxically help you reach your goals. She notes that over 10,000 people have used this system, reporting outcomes ranging from career changes to personal renewals. The Desire Map is framed as a system for those seeking clarity and self-determination rather than relying on affirmations or distant bucket lists.