If you’ve ever felt stuck in a job or industry, unsure where to go next or how to even start, or simply found yourself yearning for more, then you’re in the right place. Picture your best friend or big sister wrapping an arm around your shoulders, leading you with love and wisdom through a transformative process. Here’s a proven 10-step process, brimming with heartfelt advice, to help you sculpt a radiant vision for both your personal and professional life.
Self-Reflection & Assessment:
Ah, the magical realm of self-discovery! Dive deep into understanding your passions, core values, personal strengths, and dreams for the future. We recommend you start by defining your core values. You can download our step-by-step guide here.
After you’re super clear on what values keep you most aligned and joyful, it’s time to journal, in detail, what you want your future to look like. The more specific you are the easier the rest of this process will be. Take your time on this step. Remember, you’re not being held to anything you write down. Think of this exercise as daydreaming on paper. Keep it fluid. It’s more about exploring your feelings and desires in detail.
Define Your Vision:
This is where you start to get strategic. Defining a clear vision for your future is like creating a blueprint. It’s a more structured, purposeful process where you pick a direction and lay out a more detailed, specific plan for getting there. It’s the big picture you’re genuinely committing to and will shape your decisions, goals, and actions to bring it into reality. Having a clear vision is like having a compass; it helps you navigate life’s challenges with purpose and direction.
If you are married, live with someone else or share any financial responsibilities, it is VERY important at this point to bring that loved one into the discussion. A key component to a strong relationship is a clear shared vision for your joint future.
Set Specific Targets:
Break that majestic vision into bite-sized pieces! Setting SMART goals and targets ensures you’re not just dreaming, but also doing. By being specific, measurable, and time-bound, you’re setting up a clear roadmap for your journey.
Exploring Skill Gaps & Acquire Knowledge:
Every dream requires careful analysis of your current skills and any gaps in what you need to know to get there. Do a little research on the ideal companies you’d love to work for, explore LinkedIn pages of their current employees and top executives. Where do your skills and training differ? This same approach can also be applied to entrepreneurs and influencers on social media.
Whether it’s learning a new language, mastering digital marketing, or understanding human psychology, commit to learn and grow in whatever direction is necessary. When you arm yourself with knowledge and skills, you’re not only advancing towards your dream but also evolving as a person.
Network & Seek Mentors:
Remember, you’re not alone on this journey! The world is teeming with kindred spirits who’ve walked paths similar to yours. Seek them out, learn from their stories, and let their experiences illuminate your path. Don’t be afraid to reach out to the people you find in your research and ask for a quick conversation or interview.
Look into online courses, coaching or mentorship that might exist. The accountability that some of these programs offer is invaluable when you’re just getting started on a new path. But if you’re on this website, you’re already on the right track. Explore our other articles and Free Resources for more career and personal development advice.
Establish a Routine:
Routines reduce chaos, infusing your days, months and weeks with a comforting rhythm. They’re your silent cheerleaders, nudging you forward consistently. And the key to accomplishing any goal or new skill is consistency. Here is a quick list of some of my favorite goal-crushing routines:
- Start every month with a quick review of your goals. Pull out the targets that you’re trying to hit that month…further pushing towards your goal. Write them into your planner, on a post it or hang them on the frig. Somewhere you’ll see them each week when you’re deciding on your daily priorities.
- Set aside at LEAST 30 minutes Monday – Friday to actively work towards a goal. I often find this fits into my busy mom life RIGHT after I put them to bed. Don’t sit down on the couch just yet! I know it’s hard to keep this discipline and motivation, but your future self will thank you.
- Have a weekly or monthly “business meeting” with your partner, roommate or mentor or accountability friend. Someone that you can discuss your progress, brainstorm solutions to setbacks…etc. If this meeting is with the person you life with, then I also suggest using this time to discuss household division of labor and checking in on just how each person thinks things are going related to the business of running your family.
- Establish a doubt busting mantra to keep you motivated and get you over the struggle mountain. This is key for me! I am often someone who’s mind starts spinning tails of imposter syndrome, “is this worth it”, “you should be happy with what you’ve already accomplished” thoughts.
My mantra right now:
“You can either make six months of progress. Or you can be exactly where you are. I can’t wait to see what me in six months looks like!”
Stay Adaptable & Resilient:
Life, in its playful unpredictability, might throw a few curveballs. Your strength lies in dancing with these changes. Being adaptable ensures you make the best of every situation, and resilience guarantees that you’ll bounce back but not give up on your vision.
Resilience has been tied to long-term success for decades. Emmy Werner and Ruth Smith conducted a landmark 32-year longitudinal study in Kauai, Hawaii, tracking the lives of nearly 700 children. They found that a third of the children who faced multiple adversities grew into competent, confident, and caring adults. It’s not always easy, but when life throws you a sucker punch it’s your ability to get back up that will define who you are in the future.
Practice Mindfulness & Self-compassion:
Amidst the hustle, take a pause. Breathe in the present and be gentle with yourself. Mindfulness anchors you, preventing overwhelm, and self-compassion ensures that on the days you falter, you’ll pick yourself up with love and grace.
Regularly Review & Adjust:
Growth is dynamic. As you evolve, your vision might too. It’s not only okay but essential to recalibrate. Periodic reviews keep you aligned with your core values and ensure that your path remains true to your heart’s desires.
Celebrate Milestones:
Ah, the sweet taste of achievement! Whether big or small, every milestone is a testament to your commitment and consistency. Celebrate them, for they fuel your spirit and remind you of the beautiful journey you’re on. Take yourself to dinner, buy an expensive bottle of wine, or just take a guilt-free day off work and do whatever the hell you want!
In conclusion, crafting a vision for your personal and professional life is akin to painting your masterpiece. It requires patience, love, reflection, and action. But remember, you’re the artist, writer and director of your life. Embrace this journey with an open heart, and let the magic unfold!
We recognize this article might be a lot to take in. If you’re the kind of person who likes a specific checklist and how-to’s, download our Defining Your Future Workbook now.