What, Why & How

Towards the end of 2024, I found me in a rather different place, something way different from what I have felt before. I had been helping my friend prepare for her brother's birthday since that morning, and naturally when the sun set, I was ready to drop everything and just BREATHE!

It was my first time walking a dog, a dog on a leash. I was scared at first but a friend of mine insisted that it was easy. No, it was not! I will tell you what it was; tough. But not in the scary way I thought it was. It was rather, building. I say this because most of the time, I needed to control the leash, after all, the dog was always going to follow my command.

As I was getting comfortable in my new job description, I noticed that the dog had his own scary moments and, in each moment, he was scared, he would bark and follow the direction of where he sensed danger, and I would also get to see him enjoy every little thing that came his way. And there I was, BREATHING. I can say that our walk to the beach was quite eventful. But this article is not about Alaska. In case you were wondering.

Our walk to the beach was eventful, but this isn’t a story about Alaska—in case you were wondering.

This is a story about a horse.

They say you never forget your first. And this? This was my first horse ride.

The night air was crisp, the waves sang their melody, and the moonlight glistened over the water. That’s when I saw him—a once-magnificent horse, now tired, worn, and somehow… sad.

"Do you want a horse ride?" those words echoed, and I found me letting out a sharp "No!"

A horse? I have never been on one before! What if I fell? What if... Before I could finish, I found myself on the horse, a tired horse. And best believe that I was absolutely terrified! The truth is, I have always wanted to learn how to ride a horse, but was always terrified of the "what ifs"

With a nervous laughter that turned into a hearty sigh, I did it! I FINALLY DID IT.

The was only one problem left; the horse was sad. Therefore, it made me sad. I said to my friend, "I wish I could buy that horse." " You can", convinced, my friend continued, "...and you should."

"But how? Horses are expensive and they need land to run free and run wild", I responded with so much conviction.

"Then start scouting for land and find a way to inquire how much the horse costs." " You do not find money first then figure out what to do with it", my friend said.

I was quiet on our way back home; I forgot about the dog because now I was thinking about the horse. And now I was no longer thinking about the horse, I was wrapped up in the; What, Why and the How.

What, Why & How

2025 was already welcoming me with lessons and the biggest lesson was, the beautiful reality of having a Vision.

I needed to seat and be realistic about this.

I could not imagine that these are the same topics that would usher me into 2025! Talk about fate.

I had the pleasure of tailor-making and teaching a workshop, HER VISION, organized by Tech Sisters Kenya, filled with beautiful faces and beautiful minds.

In case you missed out, here is a little snippet for you. Next time don't miss it.

What is a Vision?

To put it in simple terms, this is the Why before the How.

So, in reality, the Vision is not a future tense but in fact a present tense, in this case a doing word, something in the making. So, to move forward, you have to live in your Vision. Live like the person you want to become.

Activity

Q: What are 20 things you want to achieve before you die? [Time yourself, 15 minutes, DO NOT CHEAT!]

Q: From the list of 20 [see above] list 5 non negotiables, these things have to be achieved no matter what. [ Time yourself, 5 minutes, DO NOT CHEAT!]

Now, it is ok. If you felt stuck in any way, it is perfectly ok. This is very much important and needed.

Go ahead and answer the following questions as honestly as possible, WRITE IT DOWN!

Things to ask yourself:

Who am I?

Who am I not?

What do I enjoy doing?

What do I not enjoy doing?

Who do I want to become?

What can I be?

Realistically, what can I never be?

What things do I want to do?

What are the necessary steps to get these things done?

How do I leave a legacy?

How do I become mover or a shaker?

So now, we breathe. Breathe with your stomach, I recommend the 3-3-3

The first thing you want to do is;

A Grateful heart is a Graceful heart.

Gratitude

Origins & Meaning

The word "gratitude" comes from the Latin gratus, meaning "pleasing" or "thankful."

It’s closely related to grace and graciousness, signifying goodwill and appreciation.

It’s easy to set goals from a place of “I need more” instead of “I already have.” But gratitude flips the script. When you acknowledge what’s already working, you’re not chasing—you’re building. You are no longer operating from a lack-mentality, instead, from abundance.

And when things get tough (because they will), gratitude keeps you grounded. It reminds you how far you’ve come, what you’ve learned, and what’s still possible.

Try this: Before setting your goals, list five things you’re already grateful for. It shifts your mindset from scarcity to abundance—because a vision rooted in appreciation always has stronger legs to stand on.

Intention

A vision without intention? Just wishful thinking. Intention is what gives your goals weight—it’s the why behind them, the energy that turns them from ideas into reality.

When you set an intention, you’re not just chasing outcomes; you’re aligning with purpose. It’s the difference between “I want success” and “I’m committed to showing up fully in everything I do.” One is passive. The other? A game-changer.

Try this: Before setting goals, ask yourself: What’s the deeper reason behind this? When your vision is backed by intention, it stops being a checklist and starts being a blueprint for real change.

Positive Self-Talk

You can have the best vision, the clearest goals, and the strongest intentions—but if your inner voice is tearing you down, none of it sticks. How you speak to yourself shapes what you believe is possible.

Doubt will creep in, challenges will test you, and if your default response is “I can’t” or “I’m not good enough,” your vision crumbles before it even starts. Flip the script. Hype yourself up. Talk to yourself the way you’d encourage a friend.

Try this: When self-doubt hits, reframe it. Instead of “I don’t know if I can do this,” try “I’ve figured out hard things before—I can figure this out too.” Your vision needs a cheerleader. Be yours.

Red Car Theory

Ever noticed how when you start thinking about a red car, you suddenly see them everywhere? That’s not magic—it’s your brain’s Reticular Activating System (RAS) filtering in what matters to you. The same applies to your vision.

If you focus on problems, you’ll see more of them. If you focus on opportunities, they start showing up. Your mindset sets the tone for your reality.

Try this: Get clear on your vision and remind yourself of it daily. Whether it’s a sticky note, a vision board, or a mantra—keep it front and center. The more you focus on it, the more it starts to appear.

Skills

A vision without the right skills is just a dream. You don’t just wish your way into success—you build your way there. The gap between where you are and where you want to be? It’s filled with the skills you choose to develop.

Instead of feeling stuck, ask yourself: What do I need to learn to make this happen? Growth isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being willing to level up.

Try this: Identify one skill that would move you closer to your vision. Invest in it. Read, practice, take a course—because a sharpened skill set turns a goal into a guarantee.

Emotional Intelligence: The Secret Weapon for Success

Your vision isn’t just about what you want—it’s about how you handle the journey. Emotional intelligence (EQ) is what keeps you grounded when things don’t go as planned, helps you navigate setbacks, and strengthens your relationships along the way.

Self-awareness, resilience, and the ability to regulate emotions? Game-changers. Without them, frustration takes over, and your vision starts slipping. With them, you adapt, pivot, and keep moving forward.

Try this: Next time you hit a challenge, pause. Ask yourself: Am I reacting or responding? Mastering your emotions isn’t about suppressing them—it’s about using them wisely. That’s how you stay in control of your vision.

Nonviolent Communication

Your vision doesn’t exist in a vacuum—it thrives in the relationships you build along the way. And if you’re not communicating with clarity, empathy, and intention, misunderstandings and conflicts can derail even the best plans.

Nonviolent Communication (NVC) shifts the focus from blame to understanding. It’s about expressing needs without attacking and listening without defense. When you communicate this way, doors open, support flows in, and your vision becomes easier to achieve.

Try this: Next time tension rises, pause and reframe. Instead of “You never listen,” try “I feel unheard when this happens. Can we find a solution together?” How you communicate shapes the path to your success.

Habits as the Backbone of Your Vision

A vision isn’t built in a day—it’s built in the small things you do daily. Motivation sparks the fire, but habits keep it burning. You don’t rise to the level of your goals; you fall to the level of your systems.

Want lasting change? Focus less on big leaps and more on consistent action. Even the smallest habits, done repeatedly, create massive shifts over time.

Try this: Pick one habit that aligns with your vision and commit to it daily. Whether it’s reading 10 minutes, journaling, or setting boundaries—small actions, done consistently, lead to big results.

Ethics as Aesthetics

Somewhere between the what, the why, and the how, there lies an interesting intersection—ethics as aesthetics. It sounds like something out of a philosophy class, right? But stay with me.

If aesthetics is about beauty, form, and how something feels, then ethics—the guiding principles of our actions—should feel beautiful too. Integrity, kindness, honesty—when practiced, they shape a life that is not just good, but also stunning.

A beautiful life isn’t just curated like a social media feed; it’s designed with intentionality. It’s the tiny moments where you choose to be honest when a lie would be easier. It’s the way you treat people when no one’s watching. It’s knowing that doing the right thing will always make you glow from the inside out, even when it’s inconvenient.

Try this: The next time you have to make a decision, ask yourself—not just “Is this right?” but “Does this feel beautiful?” Does this choice add harmony or chaos to your life? Because true aesthetics isn’t just about appearance—it’s about alignment. A life well-lived is a work of art, and your ethics are the brushstrokes.

The Art of the To-Do List

A vision without action is just a wish, and action without structure? Chaos. That’s why a to-do list isn’t just a productivity tool; it’s a ritual. A sacred practice of turning intention into reality, one line item at a time.

But here’s the thing—writing a to-do list is easy. Making it work for you? That’s the real game-changer.

Try this:

1. Brain Dump First – Write everything down. No order, no judgment, just get it out of your head. Clearing mental clutter is the first step to clarity.
2. Prioritize Ruthlessly – Now, from that list, pick three non-negotiables. The ones that absolutely need to get done. If you accomplish nothing else, these three should still move the needle forward.
3. Batch & Categorize – Group similar tasks together. Admin tasks, creative tasks, errands. Your brain will thank you for the efficiency.
4. Time It – Estimate how long each task will take. Most of us overestimate what we can do in a day and underestimate what we can do in a year. Know your pace.
5. End with Reflection – At the end of the day, check in. What worked? What didn’t? What needs to shift for tomorrow? This is where growth happens.

Your to-do list isn’t just a checklist—it’s a map. And the more intentional you are with it, the more it leads you exactly where you need to be.

Journaling: The Mirror for Your Vision

Your mind is cluttered with thoughts, ideas, doubts, and dreams. Journaling clears the noise and brings clarity. It’s where your vision takes shape, your patterns become visible, and your progress gets tracked.

Writing things down makes them real. It helps you process emotions, refine your goals, and stay accountable to yourself. Some days it’ll be deep reflections, other days just a brain dump—but every entry moves you forward.

Try this: Each morning, write down 10-15 things you’re working toward in the present tense, as if they have already happened. Never look back at what you wrote yesterday—always start with a fresh list. Then, make a to-do list, rearrange it by priority, and write down one thing you’re grateful for. A vision you write is a vision you own.

Gratitude

It’s easy to focus on what’s missing, but gratitude shifts your mindset to what’s already working. And when you acknowledge the good, you attract more of it. A vision rooted in appreciation is stronger, more sustainable, and more fulfilling.

Gratitude also keeps you going when things get tough. Instead of fixating on setbacks, you learn to see progress—even in the smallest wins.

Try this: Start or end your day by listing three things you’re grateful for. When you focus on abundance, you create more of it.

Now that these have established its importance in your life, go ahead and categorize your goals in this order by understanding what these three things need; mind, body & soul.

Career & Business

Health & Wellness

Relationships

Finances

Personal Growth & Spirituality

Travel & Experiences

Mental & Emotional Well-being

With more clarity and confidence!

There you go! You are ready to create your vision board!

Catch you in the next event. This one is for my ladies You did not hear it from me, but this is all about a BOLD, RAW and FEARLESS affair. Stay tuned and maybe you won't miss out!

Follow www.mentalmosaic.org for more information on how to be a partner for this event designed to celebrate and love you! I don't know about you, but this sounds like a treat for me!