Achieving Your Vision — Three steps to success

Introduction

Do you feel stuck? Do your life goals elude you? Or do you feel you cannot devote time to what is important? Today, I will share how to be organized, focused, and motivated to accomplish what you want in life. This is not a shortcut or get-it-quick scheme; you must work hard and take responsibility. With three simple steps, you will make tangible progress in achieving your vision.

Three steps

Everyone has desires and things they want to accomplish. Sometimes our dreams feel like a mountain that is impossible to climb. From wise counsel and my experiences, I have discovered that fulfilling your dreams is possible when divided into three steps. The three steps to achieving your vision are: cast a clear vision, have achievable goals, and complete specific tasks. You must do each step in order; there are no shortcuts here.

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Clear vision

A vision is a big picture statement of what you hope to achieve. Having a clear vision for yourself is the most important step.

When creating your vision, ask yourself where you aspire to be in a certain area of life? What desires do you have that align with your values? Pursue those desires. Do not be afraid to dream big! You may not be the next rock legend or wall street tycoon, but you will accomplish more than you think if you work hard.

Your vision does not change overtime. Goals and tasks are adaptable to your circumstances, but your vision remains the same. You cannot rush to achieve your vision. You realize a vision gradually, sometimes over a year or more.

Here are examples of vision statements:

• I want to be a homeowner, so I can be more settled.
• I want to be emotionally healthy, so I can be a better parent.
• I want to be at a higher level in my career, so I can help others.
• I want to be free of my pornography addiction, so I am ready for a mature relationship.

Avoid vagueness such as “I want to be healthier,” or excessive detail such as “three workouts a week;” you will specify details in goals and tasks. Instead, write, “I want to eat healthy and exercise regularly, so I can enjoy physical activities with friends and family.”

Include your motivation

Do you wish to improve relationships or prepare for the future? Do not be afraid to include your motivation in your vision statement. Including your motivation will give you greater incentive. When you are feeling unmotivated, reading your vision statement will give you encouragement.

Achievable goals

After you have a clear vision, the next step is to set achievable goals. Goals are objectives to reaching your vision; they are more specific than your vision. If your vision is eating healthier and exercising, then one of your goals might be “Go to the gym three times a week.”

When setting your goals, they should stretch you but be achievable. You accomplish goals over an intermediate period, such as one to three months. Completing your goals will not come without diligent work. Be realistic about what you can do and give yourself grace. For example, start with weekly gym visits, increasing your frequency to three times a week, or keep once-weekly visits during busy seasons of life.

A small step forward is still a step forward! You will achieve your goals if you take them one step at a time. You will take more steps during some seasons than others. Missing the mark does not mean you are starting back at square one or you have lost any progress. Instead, failures are markers that show us areas we need growth. When you take responsibility for your actions; you take hold of the power to improve; “That was an action I chose. So, I will choose a better action next time.”

Specific tasks

The next step in achieving your vision is to create specific tasks. Tasks are individual activities that you can complete in a day or less. If you have a task that takes more than one day, consider making it a goal and splitting it into smaller tasks. Here are examples of exercising tasks:

• Renew gym membership (complete by the 13th).
• Go to the gym on Monday after work (leg day).
• Go to the gym on Wednesday during my lunch break (core day).
• Go to the gym on Friday after work (cardio day).

When setting out to complete a task, give yourself deadlines and plan times to do your activities. Being specific and adding things to your calendar will help guarantee you have the time to carry out your task without feeling overwhelmed.

Small steps (optional)

For some of us, breaking down tasks into individual actions is helpful. Steps will help you think through the actions required to complete your task. Steps take as little as a few seconds to complete, helping you feel motivated as you complete each action. If your task is to go to the gym, you might have steps like:

• Pack workout clothes into my gym bag.
• Put protein powder into my shaker bottle and pack it into my gym bag.
• Pack my gym bag in the car.

Dividing a task is not always helpful. Use your best judgement and do whatever helps you in achieving your vision.

Achieve your vision!

Achieving your vision is possible. When you cast a clear vision, set achievable goals, and complete specific tasks, you will climb the highest mountains. You do not have to feel stuck where you are or powerless. Embrace responsibility for your actions and take one step at a time. When failures happen, view them as opportunities for growth. With hard work, diligence, and grace, you will achieve your vision!