Have a Vision, Not a Goal. Hello everyone, I hope you are well. In today’s post, I will be sharing an insight into why It is essential to have a vision, not a goal. Goals are great, but without a vision of what you will get after achieving the goal, it’s not achievable. You must understand that and be specific with your goals; you must be precise with your vision. Before I continue with the post, I would like to say a ‘Huge Congratulations’ to our New President of the United States of America, Joe Biden and First Black Woman Vice-President Kamala Harris. The storm is finally over.
Have a Vision, Not a Goal!
If you want to accomplish as much as possible, the most important thing to get right is the vision or goal you have to begin with. This is essentially the same as setting your trajectory; without a course, you don’t stand much chance of getting to your destination. Unfortunately, many people don’t know how to correctly write goals, which can prevent them from standing any chance of success in their chosen field.
And, if you’re setting off to write a goal, then you’re starting with the wrong intent, to begin with, because ‘goals’ aren’t as helpful as visions – which we’re going to explore here.
The Difference Between a Goal and a Vision
So what’s the difference between a goal and a vision? Essentially, a goal is something that you write down and that is very concrete and simple. A goal may, for example, be to ‘lose 10lbs in two months. That’s a goal, but it’s also not as effective as a vision designed for the same end.
This same ambition posed as a vision rather than a goal would be more the idea of being in shape. You might visualize yourself looking ripped and feeling healthy. You might imagine going for jogs on the beach with your top off in summer and feeling great about yourself. That’s your vision.
A vision can also be an image of yourself standing in an office block and looking out over the world, knowing that you’re in a position of great importance and power.
This is a much more abstract concept that helps you understand what you want and the emotion behind that goal.
Why Visions Work Better Than Goals
So why are visions more successful than goals?
For one, goals are not nearly flexible enough. If you have a dream, this gives you one thing you’re trying to accomplish and only one idea of how to get there. If it doesn’t go to plan, you have the freedom to change the steps you’re going to take to get there or bend them to fit your current lifestyle, goals, and free time.
Another reason visions work better is that they have more emotional content. When you visualize something, the same region fires in your brain as though it was happening. This, in turn, means that you can trigger the emotion as though it were happening. And it’s this emotion we can use to motivate ourselves to go through with plans!
I hope you enjoyed that.
Check out my Brand New Course – New Year, New Mindset.
Talk soon.
15 Comments
Luna S
This is a great way to look at it and I bet it would make more people complete what they’d like to get done.
Alena Michelle
I love this perspective. Goals are amazing but it is the vision and value behind the goal that motivates one to accomplish it. Great read
vidya
making that distinction between visions and goals is so cool and important
Jen @ JENRON DESIGNS
I like the idea of a vision instead of a goal, that is a great way to think of it.
Marysa
I love the idea of having a vision, and being able to see your success! This is a great mindset to have going into the new year.
Kimmy
Loved this! So motivational and visions are so great to have
Monica
The vision behind the goal is so important! I honestly feel that’s what keeps us going to get to that goal
Stephanie Pick
I love the differentiation between a vision and a goal! I’ve always been hard on myself about not setting goals but I work hard on my vision!
Sara
Oh girl yes!!! It’s so important to know the vision behind the goal to actually ACHIEVE YOUR GOAL.
Bri
LOVE THIS!! Goals and expectations set you up for failure. A vision gives you a variety of options to bring it to fruition!
Desiree Salcido
this is such a great article! Such a resource. It really makes me think about what my vision is!
Cassie
So helpful and motivational!! Thank you!
Stephanie
Great post! I recently wrote about my goals for the year, however I regret not thinking about my overall vision for the year. I need to focus on this more in the future. It also got me thinking about putting together a vision board for the year! I think that’s next on my list now ! Thanks !
Danielle
Yes! I think it’s so important to remember your goals came from that vision!
Cristina Petrini
I really like how to distinguish having a vision from a goal and how this actually puts it in perspective to self-fulfill.