Why Holding onto Vision Kept Me Stuck

There’s a common belief that dreaming big is the key to success.

We’re often told to aim for the moon, to think in terms of thousands or even millions, to imagine sold-out products and packed stadiums.

But what if I told you that this approach might be keeping you stuck?

That the quickest path to achieving your dreams might have less to do with the big vision and everything to do with the steps in between?

Let me some of my personal insights in business to explain why this might be the case.

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Part 1: The Allure of the Big Vision

Like many entrepreneurs, I started my journey with a grand vision. I wanted to make $100k in my first month, then $200k, and eventually reach $1 million within 1 year.

I envisioned my products flying off the shelves, my brand becoming a household name. The excitement was palpable, and the possibilities seemed endless.

However, as time went on, I found myself stuck.

The big vision was always there, but the path to achieving it felt elusive.

I was so focused on the end goal that I neglected the smaller, incremental steps that would get me there.

This is a common trap, and here’s why it can be detrimental:

For one, it creates Overwhelming Expectations — the big vision can create unrealistic expectations, leading to disappointment when progress is slower than anticipated.

Also, when there is a lack of Immediate Gratification, our motivation fades.

The immediate results are often small and incremental, which can be demotivating when the focus is on the grand prize.

What’s more, the enormity of the goal can lead to paralysis, making it difficult to take the first step.

I remember sitting in my small office, staring at the spreadsheet where I had meticulously calculated my projected earnings.

Each month, I would update the numbers, hoping to see a leap towards my $100k goal.

But the reality was that I was barely making a few thousand dollars. The gap between my vision and reality was disheartening.

I was feeling so overwhelmed that I found myself quit doing the tasks that I’m suppose to do. I caught myself coming up with excuses. I found myself doing less and less of what I need to do.

In a few months, I silently gave up.

This pattern happened not only once, but multiple times. And then I would switch strategy and repeat the whole process again.

It was until one day, I had an epiphany. I realized that my focus on the big vision was actually a barrier to my progress.

I was so fixated on the end goal that I wasn’t paying enough attention to the steps that would get me there.

Part 2: The Steps in Between (also called “execution”)

The path to success is not a straight line; it’s a series of small steps, each building on the last.

These steps are crucial because it builds us up.

Each step lays the groundwork for the next. It’s about learning, growing, and giving us opportunity to refine our approach.

Also it creates momentum.

Small wins can create momentum, which is essential for maintaining motivation and pushing forward.

More importantly, focusing on the steps allows for flexibility and adaptation, as I can adjust my strategy based on what’s working and what’s not.

That’s when I decided to shift my focus.

Instead of dreaming about $100k, I started setting smaller, more achievable steps.

I aimed to increase my sales by 10% each month, to improve the sales process so that it’s more automatic, and to work 1 hour less but to keep or exceed my last week’s result.

These goals were more tangible, and I could see the impact of my efforts more clearly.

Part 3: The Power of Incremental Progress

The Breakthrough came as I focus on the steps in between rather than the vision itself.

As I focused on these smaller steps, something magical happened.

The progress I was making started to compound. Each small win led to another, and before I knew it, I was making more than I ever thought possible.

Here’s how the power of incremental progress works:

It builds confidence — achieving smaller goals can boost confidence, making you more likely to take on bigger challenges.

Also, it creats a Track Record — Each step you take is a testament to your ability to execute and succeed.

Moreover, it allows me to Learn from Experience — The process of working through each step provides invaluable lessons that can be applied to future challenges.

I remember the month I hit my first $1k in sales. It wasn’t the $100k I had initially envisioned, but it was a significant milestone.

The joy and satisfaction I felt were immense.

It wasn’t just about the money; it was about the journey I had taken to get there.

Part 4: Balancing Vision and Execution

While it’s important to have a big vision, it’s equally crucial to balance that vision with a focus on the steps in between.

Here’s my take on how to strike that balance:

1. Set Both Long-Term and Short-Term Goals: Having a clear long-term vision is important, but it should be broken down into achievable short-term goals.
2. Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate each small win along the way. This helps maintain motivation and momentum.
3. Stay Flexible: Be willing to adjust your approach based on what you learn from each step.

Looking back, I realize that my initial focus on the big vision was both a blessing and a curse. It gave me something to strive for, but it also blinded me to the importance of the journey.

By shifting my focus to the steps in between, I was able to make real progress and achieve more than I ever thought possible.

In conclusion, while dreaming big is important, it’s crucial not to let that vision overshadow the steps in between.

The quickest path to achieving what you want is often less about the big vision and everything to do with the incremental progress you make along the way.

By focusing on each step, celebrating small wins, and staying flexible, you can build a solid foundation for success and ultimately reach your big vision.