How to start creating a vision for your future

So you have decided to create a vision for your future? It’s a crucial step if you want to live a fulfilled and happy life. What you need to create depends on what you’re looking for, but setting a well-defined vision will act as a compass to guide you through life and towards your goals. We have created an easy-to-use guide to help you get your life in order and set meaningful personal goals.

1. Have a moment of self-reflection – Focus on your values and passions.

Take some time for yourself and examine what makes you who you are. Examine your core values and what you consider to be your passion. What you identify as such is usually a fundamental principle and interest that drives your actions on a daily basis, whether you are aware of it or not.

Ask yourself questions such as:

What activities make you feel alive and engaged?
What values are non-negotiable in your life?
When do you feel most fulfilled and satisfied?

Jot down your answers to these questions. They will form the foundation of your vision.

2. Envision your ideal life

Go back to the questions you’ve asked and imagine how you can apply them to different aspects of your future or present life: career, relationship, health, personal growth and your role in society. Try to visualise: what is your role in your future life? How does it feel to visualise yourself doing this particular thing or meeting this particular person? How does it make you feel? Write all this down, be as specific as possible.

3. Set long-term goals

Once you’ve written down everything and you feel like you’ve managed to create a clear vision, start using it to set long-term goals. They don’t have to be super specific, again we’re talking about the long term, so achieving these objectives could take years.

Let’s look at some examples.

Career: Want to improve your skills and climb the corporate ladder? Maybe you want to start your own business or become an expert in your field.

Health: Want to improve your lifestyle, create a weekly or monthly exercise routine, eat a more balanced diet, or try to make regular exercise a part of your life?

Personal Growth: Fulfilling your academic calling? Learn a new language or why not finish that book?

Ensure that your long-term goals align with your values and passions.

4. Break down goals into manageable steps

I know it can be daunting to start planning for a degree when you know it might take 10 years – break it down into smaller, bite-sized steps that feel more manageable.
To go back to the examples from the paragraph above:

Career: Enroll in relevant courses or network with industry professionals.
Health: Set weekly exercise routines or plan healthy meals.
Personal growth: Dedicate a few hours each week to learning a new language.

5. Create a vision board

If you’re the type of person who benefits from visual learning, a vision board can be a powerful tool for visualising your goals. You can choose the style you prefer, a collage of images, quotes or whatever affirmations you like.

6. Develop an action plan

From words to action. Turn your goals and mood boards into a concrete action plan. You’ll need to outline and design specific tasks, timelines, and the resources you’ll need to achieve both your short and long-term goals. From words to action. Turn your goals and mood boards into a concrete action plan. You’ll need to outline and design specific tasks, timelines, and the resources you’ll need to achieve both your short and long-term goals.

7. Stay flexible and adaptable

Don’t make the mistake of becoming too orthodox about your goals. They can change…your whole life can change in a matter of seconds. Remember that changing plans and adapting is not the end of the world, review your goals and progress regularly, and welcome change and newness in your life as you grow and develop.

8. Seek support and accountability

Don’t be shy about sharing your journey with those around you. Share your vision with friends, family or a mentor you trust. Their support and encouragement can be invaluable and give you a different perspective on life. If you haven’t already, consider joining groups or communities, online or in real life, of people with similar interests to keep you motivated and on track.

9. Celebrate your achievements

Always put yourself and your well-being at the centre of your goals. Take time to celebrate yourself and your successes, no matter how small. Rewarding yourself will boost your motivation and reinforce your commitment to your vision and future goals.

10. Embrace the journey

Creating a true vision for your future is not always about getting there. It is a lifelong learning process, so try to embrace the growth, the learning, and all the mistakes and experiences that will come your way. Try to stay curious, open-minded, and resilient along the way.

Some books for inspiration

For those seeking to create a vision for their future, several insightful books offer valuable guidance:

1. “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey is a classic that emphasizes the importance of defining your personal mission and goals.

2. “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek explores the significance of understanding your core purpose to drive your vision and actions.

3, “Designing Your Life” by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans provides practical advice on how to apply design thinking to craft a meaningful and fulfilling life.

4. “Atomic Habits” by James Clear offers strategies for building good habits and breaking bad ones, essential for achieving long-term goals.

5. “The One Thing” by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan helps readers focus on what truly matters to achieve extraordinary results.

These books collectively provide a comprehensive framework for envisioning and realizing a successful future.