18 August 2025

Why Knowing What You Want Matters in Life and Work

If there’s one truth we all bump into sooner or later, it’s this: life doesn’t go as planned. Things shift, curveballs get thrown, and sometimes what you thought was a straight road ends up being a winding path with a few surprise detours. But here’s the thing—having a clear idea of what you want in life and in your work is what helps you keep moving forward, even when the road looks nothing like you imagined.

Think of it like building a puzzle. If you don’t know what the picture on the box is supposed to look like, every piece feels random. But once you know the vision—the big picture—it becomes a lot easier to see where each piece fits.

Why a Clear Vision Matters

In business or your career, this clarity is everything. If you know what the “finish line” looks like for you—whether that’s starting your own company, leading a team, creating financial freedom, or simply doing work you love—you can make decisions that actually get you closer to it. Without that vision, you risk chasing opportunities that look shiny in the moment but don’t actually align with where you want to end up.

A vision acts like your internal compass. It doesn’t predict the future (because none of us can), but it does help you adjust when life throws storms your way. You might not be able to control the weather, but you can control how you steer the ship.

Growth Needs Direction

Here’s another important point: growth isn’t random. We grow in the direction of our focus. If you know what you want—really want—you can choose experiences, relationships, and work that help you grow toward that. Without that direction, growth can feel scattered, and you end up wondering why all your hard work hasn’t led to something fulfilling.

Practical Ways to Get Clear on Your Vision

If you’re not sure what you want yet, don’t worry—most people don’t have it all figured out. Here are a few simple steps to help you gain clarity:

1. Picture Your Finish Line
Close your eyes and imagine your life 10 or 20 years from now. What does a day in that life look like? Where are you living, what kind of work are you doing, and how do you feel about it? Write it down, even if it feels ambitious.

2. Ask Yourself “Why?” (More Than Once)
Maybe you want to start a business. Ask yourself why that matters to you. Then ask “why” again to dig deeper. Usually, after three or four “whys,” you uncover the real motivation—the thing that truly drives you.

3. Make a Vision List, Not a To-Do List
Instead of focusing only on tasks, write a list of outcomes you want in your life and career. Things like: “I want to be financially free,” or “I want to work on projects that excite me.” These are guiding lights, not checkboxes.

4. Revisit and Refine Often
Your vision will change as you grow—and that’s a good thing. Check in with yourself every year. Adjust the picture if needed, but always make sure it still excites and challenges you.

The Bottom Line

Knowing what you want isn’t about locking yourself into a box—it’s about clarity. It’s about giving yourself a sense of direction so you can make choices that move you forward, even when the unexpected happens.

So ask yourself: What do I want my life and career to look like when I cross the finish line? The answer doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should be honest. That clarity might just be the most powerful tool you’ll ever carry with you on your journey.