20-20 Vision: How to get really clear on your 2020 vision

As a child, I remember my sister and I sitting on the living room floor, surrounded by piles of my mum’s glossy magazines. Scissors in hand, we’d cut and paste (the old-fashioned way!) the images we loved onto a piece of paper. Without realising it, we were creating our own version of the modern day ‘vision board’.

Now, I’m very practical and strategic when it comes to goal-setting. For a long time, I dismissed the whole concept of vision-boards as fluff and frankly, a bit ‘woo-woo’. But since becoming a certified coach and learning about the power of creating a vision, I’ve embraced the concept — albeit, in my own structured and logical way!

Here’s my practical process to help you get clear on your 2020 vision.

#1 — REVIEW 2019

Before jumping ahead to create your 2020 vision, it’s important to take stock of what’s already working!

Ask yourself — what worked in 2019? What activities, tasks and goals moved the needle in my business or career? Do more of these — consistently.

Next, consider — what didn’t work last year?

• What daily tasks can you tweak or eliminate altogether?
• What will you do differently in 2020?

For a simple, step-by-step process to help you review 2019, read this article.

Now you know what you’ll continue to do consistently — and differently — in 2020, you can start thinking about your vision!

#2 — KNOW YOUR PURPOSE & VALUES

Creating the right vision and goals is key if you want more meaning, satisfaction and success in your personal and professional life. This is why it’s crucial to align your vision to your purpose and values.

Your purpose or ‘why’ is what gives your life meaning and is the impact you want to have on the world. Forget the things you believe you ‘should’, ‘have-to’ or ‘must’ do. These are defined by deadlines, the expectations of others or society.

• If you’ve never considered it before — what does success look like to YOU?
• What drives you?
• What’s your why?

Meanwhile, your values are the things that are most important to you. Empty goals, such as the pursuit of money or power only lead to unfulfillment. Instead, start with the ‘big rocks’ first and build your vision and goals around those.

• Beyond money, what is most important to you?
• As an example, imagine you want to get a promotion at work. Is it really the promotion that you desire — or security, recognition or achievement that you really value?

Start by getting to know your purpose and values. Then, when we move onto clarifying your vision, you can be 100% clear they are aligned.

#3 — CREATE YOUR VISION

Imagine this. You wake up on 16 January 2021 — one year from now.

• What does your ideal life look like?
• As you look back at the past year, what have you achieved — personally, professionally, financially, in your relationships and health?
• Who have you become as a person — what qualities have you developed? What about yourself are you celebrating?
• What feelings come up as you picture bringing this vision to life?

Envisage your ideal day in detail from the moment you wake up, until the second your head hits the pillow at night. Allow yourself to really dream and journal or free write your ideal scenario.

Beginning with the end in mind is how you get clear on your vision. From there, you can determine your goals and actions based on this vision.

#4 — SET YOUR INTENTION

I know many successful business owners who follow the practice of setting a personal word of the year. And it’s a concept I’ve incorporated in recent years too. Instead of big new year’s resolutions we never keep, the idea is to select one theme word to focus on that captures your intention for the year.

As an example, last year my personal word was ‘imperfection’. Reflecting on this with a friend on New Year’s Eve I realised — 2019 was all about getting messy, trying things out and taking imperfect action. It gave me a clear focus and intention for the year, which in turn guided my decisions and action steps.

My 2020 guiding word is JOY. This is about giving my time and attention to the work that lights me up, taking time to celebrate and finding the joy in everything I do. It reflects my overall vision for the year and will drive all of my goals, thoughts and actions throughout 2020.

• What’s YOUR intention this year?
• And what’s your ONE personal word that sums up your 2020 vision?

#5 — CREATE YOUR GOALS & ACTIONS

Once you’re clear on your 2020 vision, reverse engineer it to identify the goals and action steps you need to take to get there.

Start with the big overarching goals you need to make your vision a reality. What are those key milestones?

Then, map out the specific actions you need to take to reach those goals. What are the exact steps you need to take, in order, to accomplish each goal?

Finally, refer back to your vision on a regular basis throughout the year. This is especially important when setting goals or making important decisions, to keep them aligned to your vision.

Remember, having a clear vision is the ultimate key to greater fulfilment and success in 2020 — or any year! These tips have helped my clients and I get crystal clear on our vision. I hope they support you too!

Want further support to clarify your career vision and goals?

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Stacey Back is a Career Strategist, Leadership Coach + Founder of Profile Careers. She helps high-achievers at a career crossroads find the work that lights them up, increase their income, impact and create a career + life on their terms. Stacey works virtually with individuals and organisations based across the globe.