“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” – Proverbs 29:18
Vision mapping is more than just setting goals. It’s about defining who you are becoming, not just what you’re achieving. Unlike traditional goal-setting, vision mapping stretches your imagination beyond your current reality. Many people make the mistake of crafting visions based on their present limitations theirenvironment, resources, or even fears. But a compelling vision must be:
Bigger than your current reality – It should stretch your faith
Clear on the “how” – A vision without execution is just a dream
Motivating – It should pull you forward daily
Years ago, a mentor asked me, “Elizabeth, where do you see yourself in 5 years?” I laughed and wrote down vague dreams- owning a school someday, maybe becoming a lecturer… in my 50s. He challenged me: “Why 50? What if you could do it in 5 years?” That conversation changed everything. Many people paste images of luxury cars, dream homes, or successful role models on theirvision boards. But if those boards lack actionable steps, they remain just pretty collages. I once attended a vision board party where we cut out pictures of dream lives from magazines. I pasted images of Oprah, a big house, and a fancy car. Nothing happened. Why? Because I didn’t:
Write a vision statement
Break it into actionable goals
Commit to daily steps _ A true vision board must include execution plans How to Craft a Vision That Works
How to Craft a Vision That Works
1 . Write a Vision Statement Your vision statement is a declaration of your future self. Mine: I am a confident, influential woman using my voice to inspire and empower others. I embrace continuous learning, grow in wisdom, and make an impact in my community and beyond. I build meaningful relationships and leave a legacy of purpose-driven leadership. How to Write Yours:
Start with “I am…” (future tense)
Include passion, strengths, and values
Keep it clear and concise
Break It Into Life Areas For Example: Career & Entrepreneurship My Vision: I am a thriving entrepreneur building a business that aligns with my passion and values. I create solutions that solve real problems, generate wealth, and provide opportunities for others. How I Made It Real:
I saved aggressively during NYSC (skipped buying wigs like my peers to fund my Master’s degree)
I started small (coaching sessions before launching full programs)
I invested in mentors (different ones for business, faith, and family) Family & Relationships My Vision: I am a nurturing and intentional woman, fostering love, trust, and purpose in my family. My relationships are built on mutual respect and shared values. How I Applied It:
I set boundaries (told my brother, “Don’t involve me in gossip about relatives”)
I scheduled family check-ins (weekly discussions with my husband and kids)
I led by example (integrity in all dealings) Spiritual Growth My Vision: I am a woman of faith, deeply rooted in God’s purpose. I cultivate a strong prayer life, serve in my community, and mentor others in their spiritual journey. My Daily Actions:
Prayer alarms (even at 12 AM- yes, it was hard at first!)
Scripture journaling (recording revelations)
Mentoring teens (hosting Kingdom Teen boot camps)
Goal-Setting Techniques That Actually Work
Reverse Engineering (How I Got My PhD by 33) My mentor broke it down for me:
Long-term (5–10 years): Become a PhD holder and lecturer
Medium-term (1–3 years): Finish Master’s, apply for PhD
Short-term (3–6 months): Save ₦50k monthly for school fees
Daily Action: Study 2 hours daily, network with professors Result? I finished my PhD at 33—way ahead of my original “maybe at 50” plan!
2 . The Updated S.M.A.R.T. Method I used this to write my first book:
Specific: Write a 150-page book on purpose-driven living
Measurable: Complete 5 pages weekly
Achievable: Write for 3 hours every morning
Relevant: Aligns with my mission to empower others
Time-bound: Finish manuscript by December 2025 Tip: I blocked distractions (even deleted social media apps temporarily!) How to Create a Vision Board That Actually Works
Include it in your vision statement
Add “how to” sticky notes around you
Place it where you see it daily Sometime ago, my husband wrote wrote a fake check for an outrageous amount and stuck it on his vision board. At first, it seemed impossible. But by:
Breaking it into yearly income goals
Tracking progress monthly
Adjusting strategies He signed that check amount in real life 3 years later!
Your Challenge
Write your vision statement (use the “I am…” format)
Pick one area (career, family, faith) and break it into:
1 long-term goal
2 medium-term steps
3 daily actions
3. Create a mini vision board (even if just on your phone notes) Remember: A dream written down with a plan becomes a goal. A goal broken into steps becomes a plan. A plan backed by action becomes reality. Your future is waiting, map it out and make it happen! “The people who go far are those who see their vision before they see the evidence.”
