How to Create a Vision for Your Life (and the Year Ahead)

There’s something about the start of a new year that invites us to stop, zoom out, and ask bigger questions about the lives we’re building. If you clicked on this post, I hope you’re ready to tackle the year ahead with a positive outlook of growth, clarity, and possibility.

I’m a big believer in setting goals, but only after you’re clear about your goals. direction For me, the most powerful work happens before I set my goals, when I take the time to define my vision for the coming year.

That’s why I begin each year with a practice of focusing on my future self, my growing self, and the life I want to fit into. If you need guidance in navigating through this process, future self worksheet We’ll walk you through these same questions step-by-step and help you turn abstract ideas into clarity.

Today we’ll focus on the first and most important part of the process: creating a vision for your life.

Why I write down my vision every year

There is no shortage of content on manifesting and vision boards. Although visualization is powerful, we find that it is often insufficient for clear understanding. why We want what we want and how we actually live it every day.

I’m an Enneagram 3. I like clarity. I like intentions. And I like roadmaps.

Here are some truths I learned over time: Visualization; Plus, a tactical plan to get the job done.that’s the secret to creating real momentum towards creating the life of your dreams.

Before you set goals or create a vision board, taking the time to define your vision will help you navigate the year with more focus, confidence, and calm. This will allow you to revisit it as often as you like, especially when you need a reset.

“All you need is a direction, not a destination. Direction is enough to make your next choice.” —James Clear

How to create a vision for the life you want to live

Companies create vision statements to guide decision-making and keep teams aligned. I believe we deserve the same level of intentionality in our lives.

Creating a personal vision isn’t about making a strict plan, it’s about being clear about how you want things to look. feel, liveand appear Next year.

Below are the nine steps I use to define my vision each year.

If you need help getting through these reflections, future self worksheet provides guided prompts to help clarify what is being revealed.

1. Write a mantra for 2026

If your vision is the long version, your mantra is the short version.

Think of it as a phrase you can come back to when you need grounding, a phrase you can post somewhere you’ll see it every day. You don’t have to land right away. It often becomes obvious after completing the rest of the process.

Here are some examples of mantras I’ve written over the years to help you unleash your creativity.

• Less distractions and more engagement.
• Slow down and don’t rush.
• Boost your energy.
• Have fun today.
• Come here now.
• Simplify.
• Enjoy more.

2. What does your dream life look like?

Close your eyes and imagine a day in your dream life. It’s not a highlight reel, it’s the rhythm of an ordinary day. Don’t limit yourself to what seems realistic at the moment. Let your imagination run free. To break away from the idea that a “dream life” is the same as status or material possessions, I want to focus more on what real life is like. day Life in a dream will look like this if you answer the following questions:

• where are you?
• Who are you with?
• how do you feel?
• What does “success” mean to you?

I always find that this practice gives me new insights. Helps clarify what you’re doing actually I want instead of what I think should want.

3. How do you want to feel this year?

I like to anchor my vision in emotions rather than focusing solely on results. Choose up to five emotions you want to experience more of this year and remind yourself of them often. If you simply ask, “How can I feel more of this today?” It can change the tone of your entire day.

Some examples are:

Ground + Center: present, calm, stable, rooted, peaceful

Expansion + Growth Orientation: Curious, open, inspired, creative, brave

Vitality and motivation: Energetic, focused, motivated, competent, enthusiastic

Fun + light: Fun, playful, cheerful, grateful, happy feeling

Confident and confident: Confident, safe, self-assured, strong, and cooperative.

Connected + Supported: Connected, Loved, Supported, Seen, Belonging.

Hope and positivity: trusting, optimistic, hopeful, encouraging, resilient

4. When are you the happiest?

This simple question often leads to great insights. How often do we get on autopilot and forget to ask ourselves if we’re incorporating things into our daily lives that make us happy? When do you feel most like yourself? If you take a moment to look at yourself, you might find that you’re happiest when you’re cooking, walking with friends, trying a new sport, traveling, or just reading a good book. Whatever it is, the goal is to intentionally create more time. that in your life this year.

5. Where do you want to go this year?

Instead of deciding on your trip at the last minute, start dreaming about it proactively.

Why not name the places that appeal to you, then take an honest look at your calendar and budget to see what’s possible? Even if all your trips don’t happen this year, naming them plants a seed. I usually aim for one “big trip” per year and a few short trips to several locations within the United States. You may not be able to get there in a year, but if you follow this method, I’m sure you’ll find your dream spot. intention Stay in your future.

6. Who do you want to prioritize?

Relationships work better when you do it intentionally. For several years now, I’ve been saving notes in Evernote called “My Lists.” It’s the names of about 10 people in my life who are my top priorities (other than family). These are the people I want to invest in, spend time with, and build meaningful relationships with this year. We all know how busy life can get, but keeping this list somewhere easily accessible will help you remember to check in and stay connected throughout the year.

In this step, simply make a list of friends, colleagues, relatives, etc. that you want to prioritize this year. Keep it short enough that you can actually invest in each item.

7. What do you want to read this year?

I like to choose small, meaningful reading lists, often tied to personal growth goals or pure enjoyment. One book per season is a great place to start.

8. What do you want to learn?

Learning expands your life. Instead of being too hard on yourself, choose to: one What you want to explore this year is something that feels nourishing, not performative.

9. Bring your vision to life visually

Once your vision is clear, creating a visual anchor can be very powerful.

This is where the vision board comes into play. Not as a starting point, express A vision you have already defined. The images and words you choose, whether digital or tactile, should reflect how you want your life to feel.

If you like practical rituals, Casa Zuma Vision Board Kit is designed to help you transform your vision into something tangible—something beautiful enough to live in your space and meaningful enough to revisit every day.

If you’re looking for guidance, reflection, and community as you do this work, Vision Board Workshops offer a supportive space to design your vision with intention, whether you participate virtually or in person.

You did it

Creating a vision for your life is a powerful act that you can return to again and again throughout the year. Celebrate this moment of clarity. You have taken a meaningful step toward designing a life that feels aligned, intentional, and deeply yours.

If you want to review this process structurally, future self worksheet Always there to guide you to what matters most.