Several years ago, I took the time to document in DETAIL what the next 20 years would look like for me. Here are a few things I considered:

• The kind of person I want to be – MY CHARACTER
• What I should have accomplished – MY ACHIEVEMENTS
• The impact I will make – MY INFLUENCE
• What I should be doing – MY ROLE IN THE MARKETPLACE – CAREER & BUSINESS
• What I should own- MY ASSETS

It’s been a journey and here are some thoughts on what I have learnt so far.

• IT STARTS IN YOUR MIND: Mapping out the plan/ vision requires intentionality. I created the time and space to think and dream without boundaries. I got out of my comfort zone in my mind, and I forced myself not to get in the weeds about how it was going to happen. That was a stretch for me because I am a “planner” at heart, but I did it.
• WRITING YOUR VISION GIVES IT LIFE: As I got my dreams out of my head and on paper, I received more clarity. I organized my thoughts better, and I began to believe that BIG dreams could come true. Today I review the plan regularly and use it to check for the authenticity of my decisions and the bold steps I take to make my vision a reality.
• IT BECOMES A NAVIGATION TOOL: While I don’t review my 20-year plan daily or weekly, I revisit it regularly. It has helped me stay focused when doubting myself. It helps me go back to the basics and is a data point as I consider my “WHY” for my decisions.
• THE PLAN CAN BE FLUID: Yes, you can have a plan, but an agile/ flexible mindset is critical. Life happens, and I have learned new things about myself and life. The world has even changed significantly since I first created the plan. I have learned to keep it fluid and focus on planning, taking action, and adjusting along the way.
• IT’S A TESTAMENT THAT DREAMS DO COME TRUE: Finally, I have consistently been amazed at the reality that dreams do come true. You, however, have to start with dreaming, with faith, and taking the right action- YOUR AUDACIOUS DREAMS do have a chance.

What will you look like in 20 years?