Create a Vision for 2013, not Goals

It's almost universal that the beginning of a new year is a time for establishing a new direction for ourselves, particularly our careers. Like many people, you have probably spent time pondering what you would like to do differently in your professional life in 2013. Perhaps you have thought about or have started creating goals for yourself. If you have done this or in the process of doing this, I have one thing to say to you...

Stop. Immediately.

Don't get me wrong: goals are important. But they are only one part of the success equation. In fact, they are merely the manifestation of something bigger and more compelling for you and your career:

A vision.

Visions are powerful and are the drivers of goals. Before you set the goal to lose 30 pounds or write that novel, feelings manifest around what it would be like to accomplish those goals. There's an underlying state or result that you are trying to accomplish and you use goals as a means to do so. But to make your goals powerful and more likely to be accomplished, it's essential that you have a strong vision that taps into those feelings.

How do you create a strong vision? Answer this question: what would be different for your career in 2013 that would make you feel powerful, accomplished, and terrific about yourself?

From there, continue with these questions (and don't just answer them: feel them. Experience them.):

What about this "different thing" would make you feel powerful and accomplished?

Imagine that it's the end of 2013 and you've created that which you want to be different: what would that be like?

When you think about the previous question, where do you feel it in your body? What "glows?"

Who would you become by this happening (not in the physical sense, but the spiritual one)?

What is a metaphor for this vision that you can tap in to when needed?

What is a visual (an object, a picture, etc.) that you can keep close by you to remind you of this vision?

Spend your time to create powerful, clear visions for your 2013, and create your goals from those visions. And spend time - every day - revisiting those visions to help strengthen your commitment to your goals.

How are you envisioning your 2013? Share in the comment section below.