Don't manage your life vision like a project

One of the most common mistakes I see in my work is treating your life vision like a project.

"How do you ensure you stay on track?" people often ask me about their vision.

I wanted to unpack the three key differences between project and life vision management. Let's get into it.

1. Projects Need Deadlines; a Life Vision Doesn't

In project management, deadlines are essential. They provide a structured timeline for planning, executing, and monitoring progress.

However, deadlines can be counterproductive when it comes to your life vision. They often create pressure and a sense of lack that hinders your natural flow.

Not attaching a specific timing allows your vision to unfold organically without rushing or slowing it down.

Sometimes, things manifest faster than you could have imagined, as I have seen with many clients.

2. Project Success is Quantitative; Life Vision Success is Qualitative

Tangible and measurable factors define a project’s success. Meeting project goals, staying within budget, and delivering specific outcomes. Key performance indicators (KPIs) evaluate progress.

In contrast, the success of a life vision is subjective and qualitative. It is determined by how you feel about your life, personal growth, and alignment with your values.

Success is defined by feeling great rather than external metrics.

3. A Project Requires Staying on Track; a Life Vision Requires Creating Your Track Step-by-Step

Project management involves regular check-ins and progress reviews.

You need to ensure the project stays on track and meets its objectives.

You use monitoring and control mechanisms to address any deviations from the plan.

On the other hand, a life vision serves as a guiding compass that informs your next steps but it does not come with a map.

"If you can see your path laid out in front of you step by step, you know it's not your path." said Joseph Cambell

You will not know all the steps to realising your life vision. You must create the path step by step, focusing on the moment. It is the journey of a lifetime.

Conclusion

It's essential to recognise that our projects often emerge from our life vision.

For example, my first book began as a vision, and it turned into a project once I signed a contract with my publisher. Then, deadlines, milestones, and stakeholder management came into play.

Take a look at your goals—are they at the vision stage or at the project stage?

If they are at the vision stage, simply focus on taking the right next step, that feels good. No need to worry about the whole path, it will appear as you move.

If it is a project, project-manage the heck out of it.

Either way, have fun.

Take care,

Caterina

Additional resources

Create Your Path: You can watch the talk I delivered at an ICF event where I share a framework for clarifying what you want.

All 1:1 LeaderRetreats with me are sold out now for the summer. I will resume offering them in September; reach out if you want to explore.

In the meantime, you can check out my on-demand courses. As a heads up, I will be closing the doors to all three of them in the fall (they will only be available to people who buy my other coaching programs as I decided to consolidate my offers).

Team Genius: Lead your team to greatness.

Thought Leader: Make a difference with your writing

ParentPath: Raise happy kids while rocking your career