Before You Blame Yourself That Your Goals and Vision Board Didn’t manifest This Year...
Here’s something important to understand about vision boards and goals:
There’s a difference between the two.
And often, things fall apart because we don’t align them correctly.
When someone says, “My vision board and goals didn’t work out,” the first thing I ask is:
How did you plan them?
Did you give context and strategy to your dreams?
Without clarity in these 4 dimensions, it’s easy to feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disappointed when things don’t go as planned:
Purpose
Nature
Form
Timeframe
Let’s break this down so you can understand it better:
Vision Board
Purpose: Represents your dreams and aspirations—the “why” and “what” behind your goals.
Nature: Inspirational and broad. It’s emotional and highlights your ideal life without focusing on the specifics.
Form: A visual tool that uses images, quotes, and symbols. For instance:A photo of a vacation spot to symbolize travel or rest.A happy family image to reflect strong relationships.A picture of a thriving business to represent financial stability.
Timeframe: Vision boards are typically long-term, capturing what you want to accomplish over a year or more.
Think of a vision board as your dream blueprint—the big picture that inspires you.
Goals
Purpose: Breaks down your dreams into actionable tasks. For example, if your vision is to become financially stable, a goal might be to save $10,000 by the end of the year.
Nature: Goals are detailed and measurable. They require clarity and focus, ensuring you know exactly what you’re working toward.
Form: Goals are written as clear, actionable statements.
For example:
→“Shed off 30kg,I will go to the gym thrice a week.”
→“Secure 5 new clients to grow my business.”
→“Apply for 3 jobs in my desired field to switch careers.”
Timeframe: Goals are time-bound. They have specific deadlines—short-term, medium-term, or long-term. This helps you stay accountable and track your progress.
→“Shed off 30kg by end of 2025.
→“Secure 5 new clients by March
→“Apply for 3 jobs and secure 1 remote job by August.
Think of goals as the building blocks that help you achieve what’s on your vision board.
How do Vision Boards and Goals Work Together?
A vision board alone isn’t enough. It inspires you but won’t help you take action unless it’s paired with specific goals.
Here’s an example:
Vision: You want a healthier lifestyle.
Your vision board might include images of nutritious food, someone jogging, or a quote like “Strong Body, Strong Mind.”
Goal: You set specific, actionable steps to make that vision a reality:
→“Go for a 30-minute walk every morning.”
→“Cut out sugary drinks for 3 months.”
→“Cook healthy meals at home 5 days a week.”
The vision board keeps you motivated and focused on the big picture, while the goals guide your daily actions.
Why do Things Don’t Work Out?
Many people fail because they set vague goals or they set goals without understanding their vision.
For instance:
You might create a vision board with pictures of vacations, family time, and career success, but fail to set specific goals like “save $1,000 a month for the vacation” or “schedule family time every Saturday.”
On the flip side, if you only set goals without connecting them to a vision, you may work hard but still feel unfulfilled because your actions aren’t aligned with your true dreams.
The 4 Dimensions in Action
Purpose
Your vision board answers the “why” and “what” of your dreams.
Your goals define the “how” and give your dreams a clear purpose.
Nature
Vision boards are inspirational and emotional—they spark desire.
Goals are specific, actionable, and measurable—they drive action.
Form
Vision boards use visuals (images, quotes, symbols) to inspire.
Goals are written as actionable steps to guide your efforts.
Timeframe
Vision boards focus on the long-term—the life you want in the future.
Goals are broken into short-term, medium-term, and long-term timelines to keep you accountable.
Why You Should Align Both
When you align your vision board and goals, you create a system that inspires you and keeps you on track:
Your vision board gives you the motivation to dream big and keep going.
Your goals provide the actionable plan to turn those dreams into reality.
I’m offering 2 exclusive slots to help you plan for 2025.
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I Help Introverts, Aspiring Leaders & Rising Professionals, Silence Imposter Syndrome & Boost Confidence 10x || Self-Confidence Coach & Advocate || Distinct Administrator || Virtual Support Expert || Author || Believer
8moThank you so much for this clarity Lulu Rasugu You know your onions so well.