I know you've often thought about goals you'd like to achieve or changes you'd like to make: a new job, a new relationship, weight loss, giving up smoking are among the common ones. If you've been successful, you've taken the time to chart out a plan to achieve each goal. I wonder: how often have you planned to enjoy the life you've envisioned? How often have you considered the choice you have in directing the big picture of your life?

This is not only relevant for today or the coming months. It's the kind of thinking and planning that can direct a lifetime of small decisions. It may seem daunting however, a life's direction starts with simple daily activities. Here are a few steps to try; some questions to answer that will begin the process of crafting a personal vision for your life.

Imagine you're looking back over the achievements of your life, the connections and contributions you've made, the people who loved and taught you, the place where you can clearly see your imprint. Have you imagined the overall theme? Use these questions to help you lay out the life plan you'd like to enjoy:

What is the vision you see for your life as your ideal?

What is truly most important to you? What would you safeguard above all else?

Who are the people you would like to have share your vision?

What resources will assist in the realization of your life vision?

What are the skills you will utilize to realize your vision?

What could interfere with your realization of your vision?

What actions will enable you to "live your vision" every day?

What one thing will you do today to move you forward?

This last question puts you to the test, helping to ground your life's vision in the here and now. Realizing that daily activities are part of a larger vision adds a significance to each small step we take and can invigorate those seemingly inconsequential wins we achieve. Just as having a destination helps us know which roads to take or avoid, having a life vision is a great way to gauge the value of decisions we must make.

I challenge you: name and claim your vision! Keep it in mind to propel you, to provide the energy and rationale to keep your personal commitments. Maintaining your personal commitment and knowing your dream can be achieved is a significant key to making it so.