All It Takes Is a Goal

Connect with an authentic vision for your future by reflecting on your past.

According to most self-help books, you must create a detailed long-term vision of your life to achieve your highest potential. But many people struggle to visualize what they want to accomplish in minute detail. This phenomenon is known as hitting your “vision wall.” Other self-help manuals suggest mustering motivation by living your life as though you only have six months to live. But who would bother with the details of day-to-day living when facing imminent death? Imaginary near-death experiences don’t promote long-term change. 

Fortunately, there’s an easier way to connect to your desires: Instead of looking to the future (the realm of fantasy), evaluate your past (your real-life history). Jot down a list of your favorite experiences and achievements over the past two decades. Your “best moments” could include traveling to a far-flung destination or becoming a parent, for example. Don’t place any restrictions on what counts as a best moment; simply identify the times when you experienced joy. Even seemingly trivial moments matter...