Goal setting is old news. Everyone knows it, preaches it, and does it. But let’s be honest—how many of us actually achieve the goals we set? And even when we do, how often do we find ourselves at the top of the proverbial ladder, realizing it’s leaning against the wrong wall?

The problem isn’t in the goals themselves—it’s what comes before them. Without a clear, compelling vision to guide us, goal setting becomes nothing more than an exercise in chasing numbers. So, let’s shake things up. Let’s talk about why vision, not goals, is the key to success and how you can cast a vision that guarantees your goals are both achievable and aligned with the life you truly want.

Why Vision Matters More Than Goals

1. Vision Provides Direction

Imagine climbing a ladder with all your might, only to discover it’s propped against the wrong wall. This is what happens when you set goals without first defining your vision. A clear vision ensures you’re climbing the right ladder. It helps you determine whether your goals are truly worth pursuing.

Here’s a story: A tax partner in a mid-sized law firm once told me he wanted to grow his book of business. When I asked why, he replied, “That’s what lawyers do.” My response? “Why more clients? Why more revenue?” If the answers don’t align with the life you want, you’re setting the wrong goals.

2. Vision Fuels Grit

Grit—passion and perseverance over time—isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the secret sauce behind big achievements. A well-crafted vision ignites your passion, giving you the stamina to persevere when the going gets tough. When you know why you’re pursuing a goal, the how becomes less daunting.

Take a moment to envision your life and practice three years from now. What needs to happen for you to feel successful? This long-term perspective taps into your natural grit, keeping you motivated and focused on what truly matters.

3. Vision Ensures Alignment

Setting goals without a vision is like letting someone else chart your course. You’ll end up somewhere, but chances are, it won’t be where you want to be. A vision aligns your goals with your values and aspirations, eliminating the disconnect that often leads to frustration and excuses.

My mother used to say, “There are reasons, and there are excuses. Know the difference.” A clear vision minimizes excuses by ensuring your goals resonate with your ultimate destination.

Three Keys to Casting a Vision

Crafting a vision isn’t just about imagining a future version of yourself; it’s about stepping into that future and owning it. Here’s how:

1. Write as Your Future Self

Most people misunderstand this step. Writing as your future self doesn’t mean picturing yourself three years older. It means envisioning the knowledge, skills, and experiences you’ll have three years from now and writing from that perspective.

Here’s an exercise to get you started:

List the knowledge, skills, and experiences you’ve gained over the past five years.
Reflect on how these have shaped you.
Now, project forward. What new knowledge, skills, and experiences will your future self need to achieve your vision? Write it all down, and don’t hold back.

2. Ruffle Some Feathers

A vision should be bold—bold enough to scare you and make others question your sanity. If it doesn’t, it’s not big enough. Push past the voice in your head telling you to play it safe. Be audacious. Let your vision challenge the status quo and inspire you to think bigger than you ever thought possible.

When a returning client once shared their goals, I asked, “Why so small?” They thought they were being ambitious, but in my world, their goals were timid. Don’t settle for comfortable. Dream big, scare yourself, and embrace the discomfort of aiming high.

3. Be Brave

Bravery isn’t the absence of fear—it’s moving forward despite it. Casting a vision requires courage. You’ll feel vulnerable, uncertain, and maybe even ridiculous. Embrace it. Recognize fear for what it is: a natural response to stepping out of your comfort zone. Then keep moving forward.

Remember, it’s okay to feel scared. It’s not okay to let fear dictate your actions.

The Vision-Casting Process: Your First Steps

Ready to get started? Here’s your action plan:

Block Four Hours: Set aside uninterrupted time to work on your vision. Go offsite—a park, a coffee shop, anywhere but your usual workspace. A change of scenery sparks creativity.
Reflect and Write: Use pen and paper to list the knowledge, skills, and experiences you’ve gained in the past five years. Then envision what your life and practice look like three years from now. Be specific, bold, and exhaustive.
Evaluate Your Goals: Once your vision is clear, compare your current goals. Do they align with your vision? If not, it’s time to reassess and adjust.

Don’t Be “Alice”

Remember the Cheshire Cat’s advice to Alice: If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there. Without a vision, goal setting is aimless. You’ll end up somewhere, but it may not be where you want to be. Don’t be Alice. Define your destination, align your goals, and let your vision lead the way.

Conclusion: Define Your Destination

A vision isn’t just a roadmap; it’s your North Star. It ensures your goals are meaningful, aligned, and achievable. It taps into your grit, fuels your passion, and gives you the courage to dream big. Most importantly, it guarantees you’ll reach the right destination—not just any destination.

If you’re ready to cast a bold, inspiring vision for your future, let’s talk. Visit John R. Kormanik Coaching to book a discovery session. Together, we’ll make your goals inevitable.