How To Clarify Your Vision - June Newsletter

Can you believe it? We’re already halfway through the year!

We’re up in Northern California savoring precious time with my in-laws. Their cabin, perched above the lake, is surrounded by tall pine and cedar trees, and manzanita bushes.

This morning, we wandered through the woods down to the lake and noticed a big family of orange butterflies balancing on wild peppermint flowers. The ground is blanketed by pine needles, soft and lovely to walk on.

It’s always a real adjustment to go from full time hustle to slowing down and adjusting to summertime rhythms. I’ve been braving the cold creeks, swimming the kids, and loved learning to play a new board game with the grandparents - highly recommend Ticket to Ride if you haven’t tried it!

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

I recently wrapped up the Spring Mastermind, an 8-week program I designed to help leaders take intentional steps toward a career that feels aligned and inspiring.

I created the program I wished existed years ago, when I grappled with this question:

Is it possible to have a role or career that feels truly fulfilling, that aligns with my strengths and sense of purpose?

I’m so glad to say that it is absolutely possible.

After years of coaching, I noticed specific areas where people get stuck, such as coming up with a vision, and overcoming self sabotage and procrastination.

This is why I created the Purpose-Driven Career Blueprint which can guide you on your quest to grow your career in a mindful way.

If this resonates with you, keep an eye out for announcements about the Fall Mastermind program, which kicks off on August 30th.

In the Spring Mastermind we had a remarkable group of leaders, each on a unique journey—whether it was pivoting their roles or careers, seeking a promotion, launching a startup, or getting a new job.

Together, they uncovered their unique vision and zone of genius, and tackled the common inner blocks that inevitably arise when we step beyond our comfort zones.

It was deep, transformative work, with everyone learning as much from each other as from my guidance and curriculum.

A common theme emerged: we are so used to work toward other people’s priorities that we forget about our own.

We also discovered that we all know what we don’t want in our job, but we have a hard time creating a vision for what we do want in our career.

An important point about your vision: it’s not meant to be a buttoned up plan. Your vision is meant to inspire you to commit to your own growth.

Identifying a vision is challenging for many reasons for everyone - all completely normal and addressable, by the way:

1. Fear of Failure and Uncertainty

We struggle with ambiguity and fear of failure, pushing us into avoidance mode.

Even when we have clarity about what we want, we hesitate to go all in. As someone in the program said, “I would go after my compelling vision if I had guarantees that it’ll work.”

2. Lack of Self-Awareness and Clarity

Many people struggle to pause for introspection, which is necessary to uncover a unique vision.

It takes self-reflection and self-awareness to know what our passions, strengths, and values are. These are the building blocks for creating a unique vision.

3. Fixed Mindsets and Limiting Beliefs

Carol Dweck’s research on mindsets shows that people with a fixed mindset believe their abilities are static, which limits their ability see their potential for growth.

You can’t dream big when you’re drowning in negative self-talk and self-judgement.

4. Cognitive Load and Overwork

Many leaders I coach feel stretched by a constant stream of meetings, having no mental space for future-oriented thinking.

We feel productive when we’re busy. The bias for short-term gratification weakens our commitment to focus on a distant vision.

5. Pressure to Conform

This is a big one. We’re conditioned to follow external standards rather than pursuing our true aspirations.

Without seeing examples of others who have successfully carved their unique path, it’s hard to conceptualize and pursue your own.

Here are strategies to overcome these challenges:

✨ Self-Reflection - Clients who are clear about their vision have a journaling and meditation practice. Also, self-assessment tools can increase your self-awareness about what energizes you and what drains you.

✨ Growth Mindset - Developing a daily courage practice of stretching out of your comfort zone helps you believe in your untapped potential.

✨ Goal-Setting Frameworks - Use SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to get started. I also recommend setting your minimum goal first, your ideal goal, and then identifying your Goldilocks stretch goal, somewhere in the middle.

✨ Get support from Mentorship, Coaching, and Therapy - Having mentors who have taken similar journeys will inspire you. A coach can help remove limiting beliefs and craft a plan to help you follow through on your goals. A therapist can help heal your emotional blocks and past traumas.

✨ Reducing Cognitive Load - Simplify your daily routine and minimize low-impact work and meetings to create mental space for future-oriented thinking.

I want to encourage you sit with this question: How do I want to grow by June 2025?

Understanding why it’s challenging for you to identify a compelling vision can be the first step toward overcoming your inner blocks.

At this mid-point of the year, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and reignite your motivation for the second half of the year.

Also, take some time today to reflect on this question: What changes can I make to ensure the second half of the year is even more fulfilling?

Remember, big progress happens in microscopic steps forward. Stay focused and keep moving toward your vision. You got this!

I’m here to help you move forward with renewed clarity and purpose. 🩷

With love and courage,

Ramona