Six Steps to Map Out the Life You Truly Want

As women, we’re often so focused on the immediate—checking things off our to-do lists, caring for others, meeting deadlines—that we forget to pause and ask ourselves: What do I really want my life to look like?

Crafting a life vision is one of the most empowering things you can do. It’s your opportunity to step back, dream boldly, and define success on your terms. But this process isn’t just about what you want—it’s about understanding why you want it and what’s holding you back.

Here are six key things to consider when creating your life vision, inspired by the wisdom in the Women Rising book.

1. Your Values: What Matters Most?

Your values are the foundation of your vision. They are the non-negotiables that guide your decisions and define what’s most important to you. Ask yourself:

  1. What brings me meaning and fulfillment?
  2. What principles do I want to anchor my life around?

When your vision aligns with your values, it feels authentic and deeply motivating.

2. Your Burdens: What’s Weighing You Down?

Sometimes, our vision for the future is clouded by the weight of the past. Burdens—whether they’re limiting beliefs, unresolved challenges, or societal expectations—can hold you back from dreaming freely.

Take time to identify what’s weighing you down and ask:

  1. What am I ready to let go of?
  2. What’s no longer serving me in this season of life?

Shedding these burdens creates space for new possibilities.

3. Your Energy: How Are You Spending It?

Your energy is one of your most precious resources, yet it’s often spread too thin. To create a vision that’s sustainable, reflect on how you’re spending your energy and where it’s being drained.

Consider:

  1. What energises me?
  2. What depletes me?
  3. How can I redirect my energy toward the things that matter most?

When your energy flows toward what’s meaningful, you’ll feel more aligned and fulfilled.

4. Your Joy: What Lights You Up?

Joy is often overlooked in life planning, but it’s essential. Your vision should include the things that spark joy, bring lightness, and make you feel alive.

Ask yourself:

  1. When was the last time I felt truly joyful?
  2. What activities, people, or experiences bring me happiness?
  3. How can I make more space for joy in my everyday life?

When you prioritise joy, you create a vision that not only inspires but sustains you.

5. Your Definition of Success: What Does It Look Like for You?

Success looks different for everyone. The key is to define it on your terms, not based on societal expectations or what others think you should want.

Reflect on:

  1. What does success mean to me?
  2. How do I want to feel when I’ve achieved it?
  3. What would my version of a fulfilling life look like?

When you know your version of success, you can create a vision that feels meaningful and true to you.

6. Your Obstacles: What Might Get in the Way?

Every journey has challenges. Identifying potential obstacles helps you prepare for them without letting them derail your progress.

Consider:

  1. What internal or external barriers might I face?
  2. How can I navigate or overcome these challenges?
  3. What support systems or resources can I draw on?

Acknowledging obstacles doesn’t mean giving them power—it means you’re ready to rise above them.

Your Vision, Your Power

Creating a life vision is about more than setting goals. It’s about designing a future that feels aligned, empowering, and uniquely yours. It’s about stepping back, reflecting on what truly matters, and saying: This is the life I want, and I am ready to create it.

Take the time to consider these six areas—your values, burdens, energy, joy, success, and obstacles. Be honest with yourself. Be bold in your dreaming. And know that every step you take toward your vision is a step toward a life that feels deeply aligned and meaningful.

P.S Join me for our free community coaching call in February where we will dive deep into setting up your vision and purpose for 2025. You can get all the details and register for free here.

Author(s)

  • Megan Dalla-Camina

    Founder & CEO Women Rising | Author | Women's Leadership, Empowerment & Wellbeing

    Megan Dalla-Camina is the visionary leader behind Women Rising—a global movement empowering women in leadership, wellbeing, and personal growth. As Founder & CEO, Megan brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for helping women unlock their potential. With an impressive academic background encompassing multiple Masters degrees and extensive research, Megan has honed her insights into actionable strategies that drive real change. She combines her academic and coaching prowess with decades of executive experience in Fortune 100 companies, providing a unique perspective that deeply resonates with women around the world. Through the Women Rising program, Megan has garnered widespread acclaim for her holistic approach to personal and professional development, with more than 5,500 women in 500+ organisations in 37 countries graduating in the past 2 years. With expert coaching, evidence-based content, and a vibrant community, Megan supports women to step into their power, thrive in their careers, and become authentic leaders who make a lasting impact. Her work has featured on major media platforms such as NBC, CNN, Forbes, and more. Megan is a sought-after columnist for Psychology Today and the best-selling author of three influential books: "Getting Real About Having It All," "Lead Like A Woman," and her latest, "Simple Soulful Sacred: A Woman's Guide to Clarity, Comfort, and Coming Home to Herself."