What if your vision isn’t actually helping you, but hurting you?
Most people think the point of having a vision is to get clear, plan everything out, and ensure they’re moving in the right direction. But what they don’t realise is this:
A vision built from pain will keep you stuck in pain, no matter how beautiful it looks on paper.
This is the trap of a wounded vision. One that’s unconsciously shaped by past hurts, unprocessed emotions, or the desire to prove yourself.
Let’s unpack it.
Vision Always Comes First — But Not All Vision Is Equal
Every action starts with a vision. Even something as basic as needing to pee. Sounds ridiculous, right? But it’s true.
You don’t move until you’ve seen yourself doing the thing, whether it’s walking to the bathroom or launching a business. That mental image precedes action. That’s the power of vision.
Here’s the catch though.
Most people are running on reactionary vision. That means visions shaped by what they don't want.
- “I never want to be broke again.”
- “I’m done dating toxic people.”
- “I need to prove I’m good enough.”
These aren’t visions. They’re reactions to pain.
And they still control the path you take, often without you knowing it.
The Problem With Reactionary Vision
When your vision is born from a wound, it might still get you results, but they come at a cost.
Why?
Because you're trying to use your future to fix your past.
- You overwork to outrun your shame.
- You chase money to soothe insecurity.
- You seek external validation to heal internal abandonment.
But the truth is: a vision can’t heal you.
That’s not its job.
Healing is the point. Vision is what you create after.
So many entrepreneurs, creatives, and purpose-driven people fall into this trap. They think “once I hit the goal, I’ll finally feel whole.” But the hole never fills, because it was never about the goal.
Inspired Vision Feels Different
Real vision isn’t about what you’re running from.
It’s about what you feel called toward.
There’s no forcing. No overthinking. No trying to make it perfect before you begin.
Instead, it feels like a whisper. A pull.
Like a little flame in a dark forest that draws you down a path, even if you don’t know where it leads yet.
That’s how aligned vision works. It doesn’t demand clarity. It invites curiosity.
You only need enough of a vision to take the next step.
You’re Allowed to Change Your Vision
One of the biggest reasons people resist defining a vision is fear. The thought:
“If I commit to something, I’m stuck with it forever.”
But vision is not fixed.
It’s supposed to evolve as you do.
Who you are today isn’t who you were five years ago. It won’t be who you are five years from now either. Your vision should reflect that.
Let it be messy. Let it change. Let it breathe.
Where To Start: The “I’d Love To…” Method
Here’s a simple way to get started without the pressure of perfection:
Open a page and write at the top:
“I’d love to…”
Then write freely, without editing:
- What you’d love to be
- What you’d love to do
- What you’d love to have
Do this across different areas of your life. Business, finances, relationships, health, family, travel.
Don’t worry if it’s vague or unfinished. You can come back to it. The key is to move out of the reactionary state and into inspiration.
Write what lights you up, not what you’re trying to avoid.
One Small Thing, Repeated
Once you’ve got your vision, even a loose one, there’s one question that matters:
“What’s the one small thing I can do every day to move toward this?”
That’s it.
Consistent effort toward an inspired vision will take you further than any grand plan rooted in pain.
Final Thought: Your Future Self is Watching
Everything you do today is shaping the life your future self will inherit. They’re the one who gets to experience the result of your vision or the consequences of staying reactionary.
So the question becomes:
What kind of life do you want to hand them?
Want help getting started on your vision?
Start with this simple prompt:
“I’d love to…”
Write it down. Begin there.