63. Visualizing the journey ahead
A laptop with graphs showing on the screen
Introduction
Setting goals is an essential part of personal growth, but achieving them requires more than just planning and determination—it requires visualization, a clear picture of what success looks like. The principle of "show, don’t tell" has guided me in articulating my goals for the next year, allowing me to not just state what I want to achieve, but to show the journey ahead through vivid descriptions and detailed plans. This blog explores how I’m using this approach to set, visualize, and pursue my goals with clarity and focus.
Visualizing academic success
One of my primary goals for the next year is to return to university and earn a degree in physics. To achieve this, I’m not just telling myself to study hard or to excel in my courses—I’m visualizing what academic success looks like. I see myself immersed in textbooks, solving complex equations, and engaging in lively discussions with peers and professors. I imagine the satisfaction of understanding difficult concepts and the thrill of making new discoveries in the lab.
By showing this vision of academic success, I’m creating a mental roadmap that guides my actions and keeps me motivated. Each study session, each lecture, and each exam becomes part of a larger narrative of growth and achievement. This visualization helps me to stay focused on my goals, to see the progress I’m making, and to celebrate the milestones along the way.
Bringing professional goals to life
In addition to my academic goals, I’m also focused on advancing in my career as a millwright. To bring this goal to life, I’m using the "show, don’t tell" approach to visualize my professional journey. I see myself mastering new technical skills, solving complex mechanical problems, and collaborating with colleagues on challenging projects. I imagine the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing a difficult task and the recognition from peers and supervisors for a job well done.
By showing these professional achievements in my mind, I’m able to create a clear picture of what success looks like. This visualization not only motivates me to take the necessary steps to advance in my career but also helps me to anticipate challenges and prepare for them with confidence. The "show, don’t tell" approach turns my professional goals into a living, breathing plan that I can follow with purpose and determination.
Personal development through visualization
Personal growth is another key area where I’m setting goals for the next year. Whether it’s improving my physical fitness, enhancing my mental well-being, or cultivating new hobbies, I’m using visualization to bring these goals to life. I see myself enjoying regular workouts, feeling strong and energized, and achieving new personal bests. I imagine the peace and clarity that come from mindfulness practices, the joy of learning a new skill, and the fulfillment of pursuing creative passions.
By showing these personal achievements, I’m creating a vision of the person I want to become. This vision guides my daily actions, helping me to make choices that align with my goals and to stay committed to my personal development. The "show, don’t tell" approach transforms my goals from abstract ideas into tangible experiences, making it easier to stay motivated and on track.
Connecting goals to a larger vision
One of the most powerful aspects of the "show, don’t tell" approach is its ability to connect individual goals to a larger vision of success. By visualizing how my academic, professional, and personal goals fit together, I’m able to see the bigger picture of my journey. I imagine how the knowledge I gain in university will enhance my career, how the skills I develop as a millwright will contribute to my personal growth, and how my personal achievements will enrich my overall sense of fulfillment and happiness.
This holistic view of my goals helps me to see the interconnectedness of all aspects of my life, to understand how each goal supports the others, and to stay motivated by the larger vision of success. By showing this vision in my mind, I’m able to approach my goals with a sense of purpose and direction, knowing that each step I take brings me closer to the life I want to create.
Conclusion: visualizing success through "Show, don’t tell"
The principle of "show, don’t tell" has been a powerful tool in setting and pursuing my goals for the next year. By visualizing what success looks like, I’m able to create a clear and compelling roadmap for my journey ahead. Whether it’s achieving academic excellence, advancing in my career, or growing as a person, I’m committed to showing my goals through vivid descriptions and detailed plans. This approach not only keeps me motivated but also helps me to stay focused, organized, and ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead. As I continue this journey, I’m excited to see how my goals come to life, one step at a time.
The reference artwork
