Have you ever asked yourself what it is that you really want out of life?

Eric Ries writes about the startup vision as an aspiration to create an enterprise that will change the world. And what about your personal vision? What do you strive to achieve, not only professionally, but also in your personal life? Imagine what it would be like if you started the morning with a clear goal, instead of giving in to a routine. What values ​​guide you and what passions drive you? How can you integrate these key elements into your daily life to live a more fulfilling life?

Elon Musk’s vision to change the way the world sees electric vehicles and space exploration laid the foundation for companies like Tesla and SpaceX.

The author of the Harry Potter book series, J.K. Rowling, transformed the detailed world she first imagined in her head into one of the most successful literary franchises in history.

Djokovic’s vision of his success and tireless dedication to his goals are an inspiration to many inside and outside the sport world. The greatest tennis player of all time often spoke about the importance of mental strength and visualization in tennis. His methodical preparation for matches includes not only physical training, but also mental visualization techniques with which he accurately imagines his moves and tactics on the court. This ability to mentally go through every aspect of the game before it takes place on the court is of key significance for his consistency and ability to win tournaments, which has helped him set the record for most Grand Slam wins.

How can you follow this approach?

Can you imagine what your life would be like if you took small steps towards your dreams every day, just like Musk, Rowling and Djokovic did? What could you achieve if you applied their principles to your life? Get started today – set clear goals and get on the path to your vision.

Breaking the routine monotony

You can think of a vision as a comprehensive picture of your ideal life, in which you have set goals in all important areas. It represents your personal roadmap, helping you navigate through challenges and decisions, ensuring that every step contributes to your picture of success and satisfaction.

In life, we often face routine and everyday life that can become monotonous without a clear direction. Having goals, or a vision for your life, is crucial not only for maintaining motivation, but also for giving deep meaning to our daily activities. Setting goals allows us to transform our dreams and ambitions into concrete steps towards achievement. Every goal we set and every small victory along the way makes our daily efforts meaningful and motivates us to keep going. In addition, a clear vision serves as a beacon that guides us through challenges and helps us stay focused and resilient when faced with obstacles.

Build a vision to transform your everyday life           

There are different ways, different techniques and approaches that can help you create a vision for your life, including vision boards, writing from the future, meditation and visualization, mind mapping, etc. One of the powerful ways is to write an imaginary article. This method, which stimulates creative thinking and an emotional connection to your goals, can have a profound effect on your motivation and focus.

Imagine being interviewed by a famous journalist for a prestigious magazine like “Time” or “Vogue” or “Nature” or a local magazine.

Imagine it is 2034 and you are reading an interview about yourself. What does that text say? Why is the public interested in you and your life? What are your greatest successes and how did you achieve them? Write a detailed article about your life in 2034. Use rich, sensory descriptions that bring your text to life. Describe what you look like, what you do, where you live and how you feel in your ideal life. Visualize the details of your daily routine, interactions with others, and the environment that surrounds you in order to truly make your vision come to life.

“The only way to achieve the impossible is to believe it is possible.” These words of Lewis Carroll remind us that the first step to achieving anything in life is to believe in the possibility of achieving it.

Maybe your loved ones will think that the content of the article is meaningless, impossible, that these are just empty dreams. Do not pay attention to that. It is important that you believe that it is possible. When others doubt, your belief in the possibility of success becomes even more important.

Grab a pen and paper or open a new document on your computer and start writing your future.

Setting Goals: The key to turning your vision into reality

In order to make the content of the article even more achievable, set goals in all important areas of your life. These should be the goals that you feel passionate about, that are really important to you.

There are some rules that should be followed in order to have the best chance of success, to make your goals achievable. In the language of NLP (neuro-linguistic-programming), choose a formed goal, define it in the manner many successful people have already done it and achieved extraordinary results. How exactly can you formulate such goals?

Think positively. Instead of focusing on what you want to avoid, imagine what you want to attract into your life. Let’s say, instead of saying “I don’t want to be tired all the time”, say “I want to feel energetic and lively every day”. This positive approach not only illuminates your path, but also motivates you to follow it with more enthusiasm.

Set measurable goals. Each goal should have its measuring points – a concrete unit that shows that you are on the right track. Ask yourself: How will I know I’m on the right track?

Imagine that a perfectly formed goal is a powerful novel that is not only read, but also experienced with all the senses. When you define your goal, make it as vivid as if you were writing a script for a movie in which you are the main character. Feel every detail of the scene — What do you see around you when you achieve your goal? What sounds fill the air? What does success smell like? What emotions overwhelm you as you stand at the pinnacle of achievement?

Take control of the journey you are on. Your goal should be like a vehicle you are driving – under your control. If your success in the first place depends on someone else, you will find yourself on the road without a steering wheel. Ask yourself: What can I do to achieve my goal? How can I start and hold on until the end? How much is under my control? How will I convince others to help me? What can I offer them to make them want to help me? Focus on actions that you can undertake on your own, although it is sometimes helpful to consider how to motivate others to support your mission.

The goal is to achieve the possible. A goal without the means to achieve it is like a ship without sails. What do you need? Do you already have it? If not, how will you get it? Consider the resources you need – whether it’s skills, knowledge, tools, or support from other people. If you don’t have everything you need right now, make a plan to get it. Set yourself subsidiary goals (by stages) that are stepping stones to your ultimate goal.

Be realistic. The size of the goal should match your ability to reach it. Goals that are too big can discourage you, while goals that are too small will not be enough of a challenge. If your goal is too ambitious, break it down into smaller, manageable parts. Set realistic deadlines and be prepared to adjust them as your circumstances change.

Set a deadline (specific time) for achieving certain results. Some goals are so time-bound that they would take several lifetimes to achieve.

Formulate your goal in the present tense in the form of a result, as if it has already happened. “I am sitting in the new office space, feeling the softness of the leather armchair under me and listening to the soft melody of the piano coming from the background system. Around me is the smell of fresh wood from the new furniture that fills the room.” This wording transforms a goal from something you strive for into something you are living out.

Remember to write down your goal. It’s not just an administrative act, but an act of magic that turns your dream into a plan. Put your written goal where you can see it every day, be it your inspiration board or a digital reminder on your phone or computer. This constant visual reminder serves as your personal compass, guiding you each day towards your dream destination.

Aligning goals with personal values and immediate surroundings

Your goals should not only lead you to success, but also be in harmony with the world around you. This means that goals should not compromise your well-being or conflict with the interests of those you share your life with.

Assess the goal’s impact on your surroundings. Are you wondering if achieving your goal will have unintended consequences for the people around you? For example, if your goal requires working overtime, how will that affect your family relationships or social life? Identify what you can do to mitigate those consequences, perhaps consider adjusting your schedule or setting clearer boundaries between work and personal life.

Goals should reflect your whole personality. Make sure your goals don’t require you to sacrifice your core values ​​or moral principles. The most successful and satisfied people are those whose goals align with their values.

Check your motives. Before committing to a goal, ask yourself: What will happen if I achieve it? Would I be happy with the outcome? Note any doubts you may have. “Yes, but…” may be a sign that you need to adjust your goals to ensure they are truly in line with your personality and life plans.

Get moving

Action is the last step.

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” said the sage Laozi (Lao Tzu). Every big dream starts with the first, often the most difficult, step. It’s up to you to take it.

What are the actions you can take today? Is there a small but significant step you can take this week? Consider how your daily activities can become the building blocks of your grand vision. Each step, no matter how small, takes you closer to your goal, strengthening your determination and resolve.

Be prepared for changes and adjustments. Flexibility is not only of key significance, but it is also necessary to keep your vision dynamic in an ever-changing world. As you, your surroundings and circumstances evolve, let your goals evolve as well. Adapting is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of wisdom that shows you are fully engaged in the process of achieving your goals.

Author: Snežana Selaković, Consultant and Certified NLP Practitioner