Start With Vision: The Power of Seeing Your Success Before Achieving It
As we enter the New Year, it's a natural time to set goals and dream about what lies ahead. But here’s a truth that’s often overlooked: the most successful people - whether in business, sports, or personal endeavors - don’t just set goals; they start with a clear vision.
The Science of Vision
Neuroscience of Visualization:
Studies have shown that the brain doesn't distinguish much between visualizing and performing an action.
When we vividly imagine success, the same neural pathways are activated as when we're physically working toward it. This primes our brain to take action.
Read more about it here.
Increased Motivation and Focus
A study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that participants who visualized themselves achieving a goal (and the steps needed to get there) were significantly more likely to follow through. Link to study here.
Clarity Leads to Action
Visualization provides clarity. According to Dr. Gail Matthews, a psychology professor at Dominican University of California, people who write down their goals and visualize success are 42% more likely to achieve them.
A Tale of Two Summits: My Personal Story
I’ve experienced firsthand the difference that vision can make.
Mt.Kilimanjaro, Africa: Seeing Success Before It Happened
I spent weeks visualizing the summit when I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro(5,895m) in July 2024. I looked at photos, imagined myself standing at the top, and pictured the sunrise over Africa. By the time I began the climb, the summit felt so real that every step was infused with purpose. That mental image carried me through the most challenging moments and helped me reach the top.
Mt.Aconcagua, Argentina: A Missed Opportunity for Vision
Last 3 weeks, I set out to climb Aconcagua (6,962m), one of the tallest peaks in the world. But this time, I was so busy with work, studies across 3 universities, and other commitments that I didn’t pause to see what the summit looked like. I had no mental picture of the top, no guiding vision. As I approached 6,000m and the climb grew harder, I thought for the first time, what does the summit even look like? That was a little too late. I lost focus without a clear image of the top in my mind. My body started showing signs of weakness and illness, and I had to decide that 6,000m would be my summit - a hard stop. I did not make it to the top.
The only difference is that I had not visualized myself being at the top before I started. I had done the work and training, but it is not enough.
Why Vision Comes First
These experiences taught me a powerful lesson: without vision, we lack the clarity and motivation to persevere when things get tough.
Whether you’re climbing mountains, leading a team, or setting personal goals, you need to start by visualizing what success looks like. This isn’t just about imagining the result - it’s about connecting deeply with your "why" and creating a mental roadmap to guide your actions.
Your 2025 starts with vision
If you want to achieve something meaningful in 2025, don't just write down your goals - set aside intentional time to visualize success.
Ask yourself:
What does success look like for me?
How will it feel when I achieve it?
What steps will I need to take to get there?
Set your vision first, and let it guide your goals, actions, and priorities.
Let’s make 2025 the year you not only set goals but achieve them with purpose and clarity.
“If you don't design your own life plan, chances are you'll fall into someone else's plan”
- Jim Rohn