Vision vs Goal Setting

Aren’t You Just Splitting Hairs? Is This Really Important?

What’s the difference between having a vision and goal setting?

I am often asked what the difference is between a vision and goals. Visioning or visualization asks what and why whereas goal setting asks how. I can hear you now…but what does that mean, Lisa?

Let’s say your vision is to sail around the world. Why? Because you love to travel, you want to test your skills as a sailor, and you want to visit and explore so many locations at your pace. That’s the what and the why.

In this scenario, goal-setting might look like acquiring a boat or finding a boat you can join. It might look like planning the first excursion. It might look like determining the funds you’ll need and setting up the plan to save.

Why is this distinction important? Let’s use the example of the person whose vision is to become a lawyer. They go to school, pass the bar, and begin their career. Their vision was to become a lawyer. Some of the goals along the way included getting accepted and graduating law school, passing the bar, and joining a firm. Makes sense, right?

But then they come upon the ‘traditional career path’ in the legal profession which is to work your way up the ranks to become partner. The further up the ranks they went, and the closer they got to partner, the less they found themselves enjoying the work. They couldn’t figure what the problem was. They were seeing success — and being recognized for it. So, why weren’t they relishing the moment?

As they had watched the partners in the firm, what they saw was significant pressure on business development, a focus on managing a team, and longer hours. What they did not see — time spent practicing law. While they might be consulted on cases their team was working on, they had very few cases of their own. So, while the generally accepted vision of ‘success’ was to become partner, that wasn’t their vision. They did not want to manage others. They didn’t want to be responsible for managing others. They wanted to practice law and to continue to enjoy their time outside the office.

It can be disorienting to feel as though what others view as success doesn’t work for you. This is where getting clear about your vision can help you not only understand why that version doesn’t feel right but also gain confidence in the right path for you.

If you feel like you’ve lost sight of your vision, or are struggling to reconcile the fact that your vision doesn’t match others’ expectations of you? This is where working with a coach or mentor can help you gain clarity and confidence in following your path.