Do you find yourself setting goals without having a vision or do you confuse the two to mean the same? Having goals without a vision might lead to counterproductivity. Both terms are fundamentally different, and each requires appropriate attention. Without one, the other cannot be achieved.
“Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success.”
– Pablo Picasso
Vision is your Why
This is your overarching purpose and it should describe for you what future success looks like. It gives you direction and includes what you believe in. It is your passion and purpose that inspires you to do whatever it is that you’re trying to do.
For your business or career, it is usually very specific, while for your life and relationships it might be broader. In both cases, your vision should be clear because it’s the foundation on which you build. It’s important to remember that it can also change over time. Having a vision will help remind you why you’re doing what you do.
Some examples of a vision might include living a healthy and happy, well-balanced life or helping people solve a specific problem that your business is aimed at helping them solve. People or organizations who only set goals and accomplish them without having a vision are usually negative because they might hit it and move on to the next without having a higher purpose, which can be demotivating.
Goals help you Achieve
These are specific stepping stones in the process of working towards your vision. Goals define clear end results that help serve as success indicators. They are the strategy and tactics used to move toward your vision. It’s extremely important to set and achieve goals that promote your vision.
Goal setting is a powerful process of thinking about your vision and motivating yourself to turn this into a reality. Set SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound) goals and write them down to make them feel tangible. You’ll then need to plan the steps you must take to realize your goals and cross off each one as you work through them.
By setting clearly defined goals, you can measure and take pride in the achievement of these goals and their place in your vision or the broader picture.
Bottom line
Your vision is the foundation for your goals. Use it to help fuel and define your goals. A clear vision with specific goals will help you to feel happy and fulfilled.