Have you ever wondered what it would look like to live a life you absolutely love? A life filled with meaning, purpose, and the things that matter most to you? Creating a life vision is the first step towards making that dream a reality.
What is a Life Vision?
A life vision is your roadmap to a fulfilling future. It’s not just a list of goals, but a guiding light that reflects your core values, deepest desires, and the kind of life you want to create. It’s your “why” – the reason behind the daily hustle, the fuel that propels you forward even when things get tough.
A life vision is a physical document that lists your dreams, who you are, and where you want to go with your life.
- Provide focus and direction.
- Boost motivation and perseverance.
- Empower decision-making.
1. Provide focus & direction
Patrick Sedivy, Cumorah’s founder and CEO, teaches students about the importance of a life vision at the start of every semester. To do that, he often uses the analogy of a canoe.
Picture yourself in a canoe. It is easy to paddle around in circles. A beginner at canoeing might not know how to get the canoe to move in the direction they want to go. Paddling aimlessly, with no clear destination in sight, is a recipe for getting lost or even tipping over.
The key to canoeing is to focus on something in the distance. It could be the other side of the lake, a lighthouse, a mountain, or a tree. When you focus on something in the distance and paddle, your canoe will move in the direction of that thing. So, if you want to get to the other side of the lake, focus on the other side of the lake.
Just like having a clear focus can help your canoe get to where you want to go, a life vision acts as your compass. Without a clear direction, you might paddle in circles, wasting energy and getting nowhere. But with a life vision, you can navigate challenges and reach your desired destination.
2. Boost motivation and perseverance
A life vision can boost your motivation by making your daily tasks feel more meaningful. It’s not just about checking things off a list; it’s about actively building the life you truly desire. Every step you take, and every skill you learn, becomes a brick in the foundation of your dream future. This sense of purpose keeps you motivated to keep moving forward, even when the daily grind feels overwhelming.
Secondly, a life vision acts as a built-in “get back up” button. When challenges inevitably arise, your vision reminds you of the bigger picture. It helps you see setbacks as temporary bumps, not dead ends. Knowing your “why” fuels your creativity to find solutions and keeps you persevering toward your ultimate goal.
3. Empower decision-making
In Lewis Carroll’s classic tale, Alice in Wonderland, a young girl Alice encounters a mischievous Cheshire Cat next to a fork in the road. Lost and unsure of her path, she desperately asks him, “Which way should I go?”
The Cheshire Cat replies “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to.” When Alice admits she doesn’t much care where she ends up, the Cat delivers a crucial message: “Then it doesn’t matter which way you go, does it?”
This exchange perfectly reflects the importance of a life vision. Like Alice, every path seems equally valid without a clear destination in mind. Decisions become a guessing game, leading to wasted energy and a sense of aimlessness.
But with a life vision, you’re not wandering blindly.
A life vision acts as your roadmap. It allows you to evaluate choices through the lens of your long-term aspirations. You can ask yourself, “Does this opportunity align with my values and goals?” or “Will this path lead me closer to my dream future?”
Decisions are no longer random guesses, but empowered choices that propel you towards a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Are goals the same thing as a life vision?
Think of your life vision as your ultimate destination. It’s the big picture, the kind of life you want to create for yourself in the long run. Your goals, on the other hand, are like the trail markers along the way. They’re specific, achievable steps that guide you on your journey towards that final destination.
Crafting Your Life Vision
Step 1: Reflect on Values
Your core values are the foundation of your life vision. Think about what truly matters to you – the activities that energize you and the principles you hold dear. Here are some prompts to get you started:
- What activities leave you feeling fulfilled and engaged?
- What kind of impact do you want to make on the world?
- What qualities do you admire in others?
- What are your dealbreakers in life and relationships?
Step 2: Envision Your Life
Now, let’s paint a picture of your dream life. Imagine each aspect reaching its full potential. Here are some prompts to spark your brainstorming:
- Career: What is your ideal job title and work environment?
- Relationships: Who do you envision surrounding you? What kind of dynamics do you desire?
- Personal Growth: What skills do you want to master? What experiences do you yearn for?
- Lifestyle: Where do you see yourself living? What kind of daily routine would bring you joy?
Your life vision is a roadmap to your ideal future. It’s a combination of who you want to become, the kind of life you want to create, and the impact you want to make.
While a concise life vision statement is a powerful tool, a two-page approach can provide a more comprehensive picture. Once you’ve completed the steps above it is time to fill out your life vision.
(Life visions can look different for everyone. Some are short, others are long. Here at Cumorah Academy, we ask students to fill out two pages, but feel free to tweak this to fit your life.)
Page 1: The Big Picture
- Who You Want to Become: Describe the qualities you want to cultivate as you move towards your vision. This could include personal growth areas, skills you want to master, or the kind of person you want to be known as.
- Your Ideal Life: Paint a vivid picture of your ideal life across different areas. Consider
- Career: What kind of work fulfills you? What impact do you want to make?
- Relationships: Who do you envision by your side? What kind of connections do you desire?
- Lifestyle: Where do you see yourself living? How do you spend your free time?
- Personal Growth: What knowledge or skills do you crave? What experiences are important to you?
Why This Matters: Connect your vision to your core values and purpose. What drives you? How will achieving your vision contribute to a greater good?
Page 2: Goals and Action Plan
- 5-Year Goals: Break down your long-term vision into specific, achievable goals for the next 5 years. Set measurable across different areas of your life that align with your vision.
- Action Steps: For each goal, outline concrete steps you can take to move closer to it. This might involve creating timelines, identifying resources, or establishing milestones. This will help your life vision seem more attainable and give you a starting point on how to achieve it.
The Wheel of Your Life
Crafting your life vision is an empowering journey of self-discovery. It’s about taking the wheel of your life and charting a course towards a future that excites and inspires you. Remember, your vision is a dynamic document; it can evolve and adapt as you grow and learn.
Review it regularly, use it to make decisions that align with your purpose, and allow it to be the guiding light that leads you to a life filled with meaning and fulfillment.
Here are some additional takeaways to keep in mind:
- Your life vision is a personal journey. There’s no right or wrong way to create it. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you.
- Embrace the process. Crafting your vision might take time and introspection. Be patient with yourself, and enjoy the journey of self-discovery.
- Share your vision with others. Sharing your vision with trusted friends, mentors, or a life coach can provide valuable feedback and encouragement.
- Take action. Don’t let your vision become a mere dream. Break it down into actionable steps and start taking concrete steps to make it a reality.
By taking the time to craft your life vision, you’re taking control of your future and setting yourself on a path to achieve your greatest potential. Remember, the most fulfilling journeys often begin with a single, purposeful step.
So, what are you waiting for? Start crafting your vision today and embark on the adventure of creating a life you truly love.
Written by Mack Fontano
Hi! I’m Mack, the content creator intern at Cumorah Academy for the Spring 2024 semester! I am from Utah in the United States and recently graduated from college in Communications and Digital Marketing. I love reading, writing – especially poetry, and drawing and I collect stickers!
Photos by Camila Caraveo
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
