Owning Your Story: Turning Vision into Action (Part 2)
(Part 2 of a 3-Part Series on Defining and Pursuing Your Ideal Life)
In my first article in this series, Owning Your Story: The Power of Personal Vision, I discussed the importance of having a personal vision -- a clear idea of the life you want and the person you want to become. But just having a vision isn’t enough. Real change happens when we take action. This article is all about turning your vision into reality by breaking it down into simple steps and making a plan.
Breaking Down Your Vision
Your vision gives you direction, but action is the only thing that makes it real. It’s not just about setting goals; it’s about knowing why those goals matter and how they fit into your personal vision.
In my previous article, I shared more about the 2023 shift that unfolded for me as I wrote my own personal vision at the end of 2022. This is also when I realized that my personal vision wasn’t about achieving more at work, but it also highlighted that I had allowed work to consume my life, clouding my true vision. My true vision was about finding more happiness and joy and being present in every part of my life. And that’s also when I remembered what my Peloton handle was – Choose_JoyToday – a username I created years before - HELLO?!
Beyond SMART Goals: A Simple Plan to turn Vision on!
1. Set your Goals. SMART goals are great, but let’s make them even easier
Specific: What exactly do you want to do? Why does it matter?
Measurable: How will you know you’re making progress?
Achievable: Is this something you can really do?
Relevant: Does this goal fit into your overall vision?
Time-bound: When will you get this done?
For example, if a major aspect of your vision is to get healthier, think about what that really means for you:
Vision: I want to have more energy to enjoy life with my family, have less anxiety, and be more present while excelling at work.
Goal: My goal is to improve my overall well-being by increasing my daily energy levels, reducing anxiety, and enhancing focus at work.
2. Create a Simple Roadmap: KISS
Once you have your goals, you need a plan to get there. Think of this as your Google map guiding you from point A to point B.
Create Actions & Prioritize: Focus on what’s most important to your vision.
Set Milestones: Break your plan into smaller steps.
Allocate Resources: Figure out what you need—time, help, or skills.
Stay Flexible: Be ready to change your plan if needed.
3. Stay Accountable to your Vision: Remember your "Why"
To make your vision happen, you need to stay consistent and keep yourself on track:
Track Progress: Write down what you’re doing and how it’s going.
Find a Buddy: Share your goals with someone who can support you.
Review and Reflect: Regularly check if you’re still on the right path.
4. Take Challenges Head On: With Grace
We all face challenges, but it’s how we deal with them that will get us back on track:
Stay Positive: Look for what you can learn from each challenge - what is the gift or knowledge you've received.
Seek Help: Don’t be afraid to ask for advice or support.
Adapt: If something isn’t working, change your approach. But be gentle with yourself.
Conclusion: Making Your Vision Real
Making your vision a reality takes commitment, consistency, and resilience. By breaking your vision into simple actions, creating a plan, and staying accountable, you WILL make real progress toward the life you want. Even if you're dreaming of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, like I was (spoiler alert, keep scrolling!)
Call to Action: Ready to start? Pick one goal that will bring you closer to your vision and make a plan to achieve it. Small, steady steps lead to big changes. If you need help along the way, let’s connect.
