Goals: With a Blurry Vision

Goals are often framed as the keys to success, and for good reason—they can give us direction, motivation, and a sense of accomplishment. But sometimes, even the idea of setting a goal feels overwhelming. And having a vision for where you want to go? That might feel downright impossible, especially if you’ve never been where you want to go before.

How do you imagine something you’ve never experienced? How do you set goals when your path feels uncertain or when even a small step feels like too much? The good news is you don’t need to have it all figured out today. Whether you’re ready to set a tangible goal or you’re working on creating a vision for your future, there are small steps you can take to move forward.

Here’s how to start, wherever you are in the process:

Two Ways to Set a Goal Today

1. Start Small and Specific

When everything feels too big or too far away, scale down. Instead of thinking about the entire journey ahead, choose one specific and actionable step to take today. For example, instead of saying, “I want to feel better about my relationship with food and my body,” your goal could be, “I will prepare one balanced meal today,” or “I’ll spend 10 minutes stretching after work.”

Small, achievable goals build momentum. They remind you that progress isn’t about giant leaps—it’s about showing up, consistently, in small ways that add up over time.

2. Focus on Consistency, Not Perfection

It’s easy to get stuck in the “all-or-nothing” mindset: if I can’t do it perfectly, why bother at all? But real progress isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being consistent. Instead of aiming to hit every goal flawlessly, aim for “most of the time.”

For example, if your goal is to drink more water, try setting a daily reminder to fill your glass. Miss a day? No problem—your success isn’t defined by the occasional slip but by your overall effort. Consistency builds habits, and habits move you closer to where you want to go.

Two Ways to Start Creating a Vision

1. Borrow Inspiration from Others

If it’s hard to imagine what your future could look like, try looking at people who’ve already been on a similar journey. This isn’t about comparison—it’s about possibility. Ask yourself, “What about their path resonates with me?” Maybe it’s the way they handle challenges or the way they prioritize balance.

Borrowing inspiration doesn’t mean your journey will look the same, but it can help spark ideas for what’s possible in your own life.

2. Visualize a Feeling, Not a Picture

Sometimes, imagining a clear, detailed future feels impossible. If that’s the case, focus instead on how you want to feel when you get there. Do you want to feel confident? At peace? Strong? Energized? Fulfilled?

Focusing on the feelings you want to cultivate can help guide your actions in the present. For example, if your vision includes feeling peaceful, you might prioritize activities that reduce stress or create calm in your life. If your vision is about strength, you might focus on building resilience—physically, emotionally, or both.

Why It’s Okay to Start Small

You don’t need to have a perfectly crafted five-year plan or a crystal-clear vision of the future to start moving forward. In fact, most people don’t. The process of setting goals and creating a vision isn’t about having all the answers right away; it’s about exploring what matters to you and taking small, intentional steps toward it.

Remember, there’s no “right” way to do this. Your goals can be tiny, your vision can be vague, and your steps can be wobbly. What matters most is that you start.

So today, whether you’re ready to set a goal or just beginning to imagine what’s possible, take one small step. Your future self will thank you.