Has this ever happened to you? You create a plan, set a goal and work your tail off to accomplish said goal only to find that when you reach “the finish line,” you can’t figure out what to do next.
Well, you aren’t alone. While goals are great, they can also unintentionally cause you to lose momentum if they aren’t part of a larger vision, or what I call the “biggest vision.”
This is the optimal future state of what you hope to achieve and attain over time. It provides the guidance and inspiration for where you want to be in the next five, 10 or more years. Your vision functions as your “north star.” It includes feelings and big-picture outcomes that extend beyond a fixed goal.
When I work with clients around their fitness goals, I ask them to determine why they want to get fitter and become healthier. We then set goals as the framework for achieving the feeling associated with their biggest vision. Every day I see the burst of energy and confidence clients experience because they are at a healthy weight and have prioritized their self-care.
The vision focuses on those feelings, not the methods or goals used to get there. A vision helps determine which goals will provide the framework for each individual’s success. Clients set smaller, fitness-related goals that will leave them feeling energized and confident.
What else should your vision include? It should be clear and compelling. The truth is, life is full of crossroads. Without a clear and compelling vision, it’s easy to choose the wrong direction, or to lose precious time while determining which path to take. Rather than marking the end, if your vision is defined and grounded in purpose, it will continue to draw you forward.
I used this approach when I was developing my business. From the beginning, I wanted to create something that was bigger than just a gym or health club—I wanted to create a feeling of community. That vision has informed a variety of decisions, from marketing and branding to revenue goals and programming offerings. With a clear and compelling vision, I can stay laser focused on which business-related goals accomplish the larger feeling of community and inclusivity.
Whether you are working to create change in your wellness or your business, start with a vision that provides inspiration and the guidance to determine which goals move you toward your success, quickly and strategically.
Goals are undeniably great, but without a vision, you can sell yourself short or unintentionally lose motivation. Dream big, gain clarity, and then start goal setting. What you will uncover is the strategy and endurance to accomplish everything you desire.
