As we continue our exploration of behavior change, we delve into the concept of leading a vision-driven life. This approach isn’t just about setting goals—it’s about aligning our actions with our deepest needs and desires to achieve greater health, meaning, and fulfillment and equip ourselves with actionable strategies to make it a tangible part of our lives.
What it Means to Live a Vision Driven Life
“If a man knows not to which port he sails, no wind is favorable.”
Seneca
This ancient wisdom from Seneca highlights the first critical step in the behavior change journey—defining clear outcomes and who we become in the process. To live a vision-driven life means to actively pursue goals that resonate with our most authentic selves. It’s about crafting a life that meets our basic needs AND feels expansive and fulfills higher aspirations, bringing fulfillment. Getting outside your comfort zone is necessary for personal growth. A good vision should feel “electric” and should be a little bit scary. If it doesn’t scare you a little bit, your vision isn’t big enough.
In leading a vision-driven life, the clarity of your objectives is paramount. Evidenced based practices on goal attainment underscores the value of writing down your goals; it enhances the likelihood of realization by giving clarity and direction to our daily actions. A well-articulated vision acts as your North Star, guiding your focus and sustaining your motivation. Your vision will likely include a number of areas that enhance your health such as mastering a new skill and modifying a few lifestyle habits. I encourage my clients to write out a vision for four life domains: health & lifestyle, career & finances, love & relationships, and personal growth will build enthusiasm and motivation that can be a magnetic pull for forward action. Documenting a precise vision of the desired outcome, the values that this person possesses and who you become in the process furnishes your efforts with both direction and purpose. This vision will help you navigate the complexities of change that allow you to set small achievable goals, mark out milestones and anticipate the challenges that you will meet along the way, ensuring that each step you take is a deliberate stride toward your ultimate aspirations.
It’s also quite common to not know exactly what you want. In that case, work on solving specific problems first. Writing out the optimal vision of how your life will change after solving the problem still works here. Think and write out the optimal outcome after solving the problem and who you become in the process of tackling this challenge. This gives you a clear picture of success against which to measure progress, the habits that you will need to embody and an innately compelling goal to work towards.
Growth vs Fixed Mindset
“You don’t know what your abilities are until you make a full commitment to developing them.”
Carol Dweck
One transformative aspect of leading a vision-driven life involves understanding the distinction between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. Carol Dweck, an American psychologist at Stanford University, pioneered the concept of the growth mindset. This idea is foundational to how we perceive our capabilities and our capacity for change.
A fixed mindset assumes that our character, intelligence, and creative abilities are fixed and cannot be changed in any meaningful way. People with this mindset often avoid challenges, feel threatened by the success of others, and believe that talent alone, without effort, spells success.
Conversely, a growth mindset thrives on challenge and sees failure not as evidence of unintelligence but as a springboard for growth and for learning how to do something better through our mistakes. Adopting a growth mindset allows us to embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, learn from constructive criticism, and find lessons and inspiration in the success of others. This perspective dramatically affects our ability to make positive changes in our lives and move towards our vision. Incorporating this mindset into daily practices encourages a life of exploration, learning, and personal fulfillment, crucial for anyone aiming to live a truly vision-driven life. If you aren’t sure exactly what you want, adopt a growth mindset around experimentation to allow yourself the space and time to experiment with different activities, ideas, or habits where you feel an interest or pull towards.
In summary:
- Commit to developing a skill or ability
- Embrace the Challenges
- Learn through failure and constructive criticism
- Persist in the face of setbacks
- Find lessons and inspiration in the success of others
Actionable Tools and Tips to Overcome Resistance
Start Small
Effective change does not require monumental leaps; rather, it thrives on small, manageable steps that wire in new behaviors so they start to feel more automatic. These initial efforts build a foundation of confidence and capability, setting the stage for more significant changes.
Visualization and Affirmation
Visualization serves as a powerful tool in manifesting your goals by imagining “the bridge” that leads to the successful completion of your objectives. By vividly imagining ALL of the steps involved in reaching your objectives and the emotions tied to your successes, you create a robust mental and emotional connection to your future achievements. This practice not only motivates but also reinforces the neural pathways necessary for new habit formation and behavior change.
Research in neuroscience also backs up the benefits of visualizing the steps we take to achievement of our goals can rewire the brain (Basal Ganglia for neuroscience geeks—the brain’s hub for habit formation). [Huberman Lab Podcast; Andrew Huberman April 24, 2023] For instance, if adding meditation to your daily routine is a goal to increase mindfulness and reducing stress, visualize all the steps you need to take that lead up to a meditation session. Imagine creating a ritual for yourself and sitting there meditating for a short period and wrapping up the session calmer and in control. Using positive affirmations can also help you connect with the positive thought processes and emotions related to the behaviors you desire such as “I manage my stress and I am equipped to do so whenever I want to.”
Create Accountability
Creating accountability is another way create the support and sustain the motivation needed to achieve your goals and embrace a vision-driven life. Finding an accountability partner, joining a community with similar objectives, or enrolling in courses to acquire necessary skills can significantly enhance your ability to stay committed and on track.
- Find an Accountability Partner: Pair up with someone who is also striving to achieve similar goals. This partnership can provide mutual support, allowing both parties to share progress, overcome challenges, and celebrate successes together.
- Join a Community: Becoming part of a community that shares your aspirations can be incredibly motivating. Communities, whether online or in person, offer a wealth of resources, peer support, and a sense of belonging.
- Enroll in Relevant Courses: Educational courses provide structured learning and connect you with fellow learners who can become part of your accountability network. An investment of your time and resources into your development also reinforces your commitment to your goals.
- Find a Mentor: Seeking guidance from someone who has navigated similar challenges can be invaluable. A mentor can offer expert advice, strategic insights, and emotional support as you work towards your objectives. They can help you troubleshoot problems, refine your strategies, and stay focused on your long-term vision.
Make it Fun
Incorporating elements of fun into your new habits can greatly increase their stickiness. Add inspiring music, make a challenge for yourself etc… When the process is enjoyable, it’s easier to maintain the changes you’re striving for.
Reward System
Implementing a thoughtful reward system is crucial for reinforcing the positive behaviors you’re developing as you pursue your vision-driven life. Recognizing your efforts and finding intrinsic rewards in the journey can enhance the sustainability and enjoyment of your transformative process.
1. Appreciate the Positives and Your Daily Efforts: Make it a habit to reflect on and appreciate your efforts at the end of each day in a journal. Be intentional about looking for the positives. When life is tough, our brain is looking out for the negatives to keep us safe. This daily recognition validates your progress and keeps your spirits high, even on challenging days. This could involve writing down what you accomplished, how you overcame obstacles, or simply acknowledging the effort you put in, regardless of the outcome.
2. Find Reward in the Process: Learning to find joy and reward in the process of doing something challenging is vital. This could mean savoring the feeling of resilience when you push through a tough task, enjoying the learning that comes with each step, or simply taking pride in the gradual improvement of your skills. Recognizing and valuing these moments can transform potentially daunting tasks into rewarding experiences, making the journey as fulfilling as the destination.
By incorporating these strategies into your reward system, you not only celebrate achievements but also cultivate a deeper satisfaction from the growth and resilience developed along the way. This approach ensures that motivation remains high and that every part of the process contributes to a more fulfilling and enduring change.
Embark on your journey towards a life that seeks your deepest aspirations.
By understanding and implementing these strategies, you are better equipped to lead a life that is not only purpose-driven but also rich in achievement and satisfaction. In our final blog in this series, we will explore more about maintaining these behavioral changes for a truly transformative life.
If you are looking for guidance or need support as you navigate this path, don’t hesitate to reach out. Whether it’s joining the facebook community Wellness Pathways for Fatigue, applying for personalized coaching, or simply sharing your journey with our community, let’s support each other every step of the way.
References:
Science-Based Mental Training & Visualization for Improved Learning; Huberman Lab Podcast, April 24, 2023
About the Author
Heather Budd is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, trained by the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy. She specializes in guiding individuals through lifestyle transformations to manage chronic illness and combat fatigue. With a diverse background in business, leadership and a profound personal health journey, Heather empowers clients to reclaim their health and extend their health span.
Important Information: The information provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While health coaching can support and enhance overall wellness, it is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health care. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health objectives.