Every new year brings excitement. Many people begin with a reflection on the previous year and then start creating new year’s resolutions, vision boards, or goals for the new year.
These are all great things! I love a great vision board. I have my board, but here lies the problem. The vision board you create this year should be connected to a bigger vision board for your life!
I didn’t always think this way. My job was my life. I knew how to achieve goals and get things done, but my goals always revolved around my career and not my personal life.
In 2018, I left my career in higher education burnt out. I didn’t recognize who I had become. I was stressed and unhealthy. Leaving was an opportunity to change my life trajectory in a way that honored how I served others and showed up for my family and friends.
I needed a new vision.
WHERE DO I START?
The first year out of my job, I started focusing on my business. The one question I kept getting asked was, “what was my why?”
Why do you want to become an entrepreneur?
Why do you want to become a writer?
What kind of impact do you want to have in the world?
I had those questions answered for my career in higher education. But this was a new way of thinking. I switched to entrepreneurship because I didn’t just want to change my job, but I wanted to change how I lived. I desired the freedom to choose.
I wanted to be free to travel, start and end my day the way I wanted, live where I wanted, etc. I wanted to be free of the responsibilities of managing someone else’s company. I wanted to be open to using my gifts and talents in the way I believe would best serve women.
That’s great, Leslie, but where do I begin?
The first step in creating a vision for your life is asking yourself why? Why are you living how you live now? Is it satisfactory for you and your family?
If your answer is no, then you need to dream a bigger dream.
What do you want instead?
Don’t censor yourself with questions of doubt. ( I don’t know how I would ever be able to get a house. How would I find another job? I don’t have the qualifications? Traveling seems like fun, but I don’t know what to do)
Allow yourself the space to dream big dreams.
If you want to travel, where would you go?
If you want to move, where would you go?
Do you dream of a different job? What do you envision for yourself?
Take a notebook, or type out your thoughts. Think about the main areas of your life and write out a bigger vision. Remember, don’t censor yourself.
- Finances
- Health
- Relationships
- Career/Job
- Children
- Spiritual life
- Fun
- Travel
Next week I’ll show you how to start building, making this vision a reality!
