"When you have a goal, when you have a vision, everything becomes easy"

Having a clear goal or vision makes everything else seem easier. Picture it this way: you’re navigating an unfamiliar city without a map. You fumble around, unsure of where to go, often feeling lost and frustrated. Now imagine you’ve got a map, a clear route, and a destination in mind. Suddenly, each step has purpose. Each turn you take leads you closer to where you want to be. That’s the essence of having a goal or vision.

Historically, many great leaders and thinkers have emphasized the importance of having a clear goal. During the civil rights movement, Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream—a vision of a society where people were judged by the content of their character, not the color of their skin. This vision wasn’t just a lofty ideal; it was a guiding star for the entire movement. Every march, every speech, every act of defiance was fueled by this clear and compelling vision.

Take a real-life example: think about a student aiming to become a doctor. This isn’t just a vague wish but a specific, actionable goal. They know they need to excel in their studies, get into a good medical school, and complete years of intense training. Because of this clear vision, decisions become easier. Late-night studying, long hours, and difficult exams aren’t obstacles—they’re steps on the journey. The end goal makes the path clearer and the hardships more bearable.

So, how can you apply this wisdom to your life? Start by identifying what truly matters to you. What do you want to achieve? This doesn’t have to be a grand, life-altering vision. It could be something personal and immediate, like getting fit, learning a new skill, or even just being happier. Write it down. Make it specific. Instead of saying, “I want to get fit,” say, “I want to run a 5K in three months.” This clarity transforms a vague desire into a concrete goal.

Think about Sarah, a friend of mine who decided she wanted to run that 5K. At first, the idea seemed daunting—she wasn’t a runner, and the thought of running even a mile was exhausting. But she had a goal. She broke it down into manageable steps: first, run for five minutes without stopping. Then ten. She found a training program online, scheduled her runs, and stuck to her plan. Each run wasn’t just exercise; it was a deliberate step towards her goal. And you know what? She completed that 5K.

Let’s say you want to learn a new language. Instead of just saying, “I want to learn Spanish,” set a clear goal: “I want to be able to hold a basic conversation in Spanish in six months.” Now, find resources—apps, classes, language exchange partners. Create a study schedule. Celebrate small victories, like ordering food in Spanish or understanding a phrase in a song. This goal gives you direction and makes every study session more purposeful.

Having a goal or vision doesn’t magically make everything easy, but it provides clarity and purpose. It turns obstacles into challenges to be overcome. It gives you a reason to keep going when things get tough. So, take a moment to think about what you really want. Define it clearly. And then, step by step, move towards it. You’ll find that the journey becomes a lot more satisfying—and a lot easier—when you know exactly where you’re headed.