“Success begins with clarity. When you can visualize your goals, break them into actionable steps, and hold yourself accountable, you create unstoppable momentum. Seeing is believing—when you see your vision clearly, you’ll find a way to make it a reality.”

Roger Knecht

Setting goals is easy, but turning them into reality is where most people struggle. Every year, millions of people make resolutions, yet studies show that 90% of them fail to follow through. Why? The answer lies in the lack of a clear vision, structured planning, and accountability. Without a roadmap, even the most ambitious resolutions quickly fade into the background. But what if there was a way to make your goals feel tangible, achievable, and within reach? According to Roger Knecht, President of Universal Accounting Center, the key to success is visualization, strategic goal-setting, and consistent action. In this insightful interview, Roger shares powerful techniques for transforming ideas into reality using vision boards, SMART goals, and the power of mindset.

Roger has spent years helping professionals and entrepreneurs build successful businesses by not only teaching them the technical skills needed to succeed but also by guiding them on how to create a clear vision and execute it effectively. His approach combines science-backed visualization techniques with practical strategies that ensure long-term success. Whether you’re looking to grow your business, improve your health, or enhance your personal life, this interview is filled with actionable insights that will help you take control of your future. Get ready to discover how you can make this year your most successful one yet by turning your resolutions into reality.


Thank you so much for joining us, Roger! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you share your journey and how you got to where you are today?

Absolutely! I’m the President of Universal Accounting Center, a post-secondary school dedicated to helping individuals enhance their careers in accounting, bookkeeping, and tax. My journey into education and business development was driven by a passion for helping professionals build successful, sustainable careers. I’ve always believed that while technical skills are essential, mindset and strategy play an equally important role in success. Over the years, I’ve worked with countless individuals who had the potential to excel but lacked the structure, planning, and confidence to bring their vision to life. That realization led me to develop courses and coaching programs designed to bridge the gap between knowledge and execution. I’ve seen firsthand how visualization, structured goal-setting, and accountability can transform not only businesses but lives. That’s why I’m so passionate about today’s conversation—because when you align your goals with a clear vision and take consistent action, success becomes inevitable.

Many people set resolutions at the beginning of the year, but they often struggle to follow through. Why do you think most resolutions fail?

The main reason resolutions fail is that they are often too vague and lack a structured plan. People tend to make broad statements like, “I want to lose weight” or “I want to make more money,” but they don’t define what success actually looks like or how to achieve it. Without clarity and measurable steps, motivation quickly fades, and life’s daily distractions take over. Another reason resolutions fail is that people often set goals based on external pressures rather than personal conviction. If you’re setting a goal because society expects it rather than because you’re truly committed to it, you won’t have the emotional connection needed to push through challenges. Also, many people focus on what they don’t want rather than what they do want, which can lead to a mindset of avoidance rather than action. Instead of saying, “I don’t want to be unhealthy,” reframe it as, “I will establish a sustainable fitness routine.” By shifting from avoidance-based thinking to action-based thinking, you create a positive, forward-moving mindset that helps you stay committed to your goals.

You talk a lot about visualization as a tool for achieving goals. How can vision boards help turn resolutions into reality?

Vision boards are incredibly effective because they help turn abstract goals into tangible, visual representations that keep you focused and emotionally connected. Our brains are wired to process images more efficiently than words, which is why a vision board is more than just a collage of pictures—it’s a strategic tool that primes your subconscious to recognize opportunities and take action. When you create a vision board, you’re not just listing goals; you’re engaging with them in a way that makes them feel real and attainable. Seeing images that represent the future you desire—whether it’s a dream home, financial success, or personal growth—reminds your brain daily of what you’re working towards. This constant reinforcement helps you stay motivated and aligns your thoughts and actions with your goals. Successful entrepreneurs, athletes, and leaders use visualization techniques because they work. When you see your goals laid out visually, they become more than just ideas; they become part of your reality, driving you to take consistent steps toward making them happen.

Many people write their goals down in words. What makes using images more effective?

Words are important, but they don’t always create an emotional connection the way images do. Our minds think in pictures—when you imagine your dream vacation, you don’t just see the words “beach getaway”; you visualize the sand, the ocean, and the experience. That’s why using images on a vision board is so powerful—it taps into the subconscious mind and makes your goals feel real. When you see a powerful image every day, it reinforces your commitment and strengthens your belief that achieving your goal is possible. Additionally, images bypass self-doubt and resistance that words sometimes trigger. If you write down “I will make $100,000 this year,” your logical mind might immediately counter with doubts about how difficult that will be. But if you see an image of financial success—a check with your name on it, a lifestyle you aspire to—it creates excitement and motivation instead of skepticism. Images make goals feel achievable because they bring them to life in a way that words alone cannot.

For someone new to vision boards, where should they start?

The best way to start is by identifying the core areas of your life that you want to improve—career, health, relationships, finances, and personal growth. Once you have a clear idea of what success looks like in these areas, start gathering images, quotes, and affirmations that resonate with your goals. You can use a traditional poster board with cut-out pictures from magazines or create a digital version using tools like Canva or Pinterest. The key is to choose images that evoke strong emotions and truly represent what you want to achieve. Place your vision board somewhere visible, like your office or bedroom, so you engage with it daily. The more you see it, the more you internalize your goals, and the more likely you are to take action.

How can people ensure they stay on track once they create a vision board?

Staying on track requires accountability and action. One of the best ways to stay committed is to share your vision board with at least two people who will check in on your progress. This creates a sense of responsibility and motivation to follow through. Another important step is setting milestone goals. Break down your big vision into smaller, achievable steps that you can track. For example, if your goal is to start a successful business, your first milestone might be registering your company, followed by creating a business plan. Also, don’t be afraid to update your vision board as you grow and evolve—your goals may shift, and your vision board should reflect that.

A big challenge people face is taking action. How do you recommend breaking through procrastination?

The key to overcoming procrastination is breaking goals into small, manageable tasks that feel achievable. Many people get overwhelmed by the sheer size of their goals, which leads to inaction. Instead of saying, “I need to write a book,” say, “Today, I will write 500 words.” Small wins build momentum and make the process less intimidating. Another effective strategy is to set deadlines and hold yourself accountable. Whether it’s a self-imposed deadline or an external one, knowing there’s a time limit creates urgency. Also, shifting your mindset from perfectionism to progress is crucial. Many people hesitate to start because they want everything to be perfect, but taking imperfect action is always better than doing nothing.

What exactly are SMART goals, and how do they help with achieving success?

SMART goals provide a structured approach to goal-setting by making them Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic, and Time-bound. This framework eliminates ambiguity and ensures that your goals are well-defined. For example, instead of saying, “I want to save money,” a SMART goal would be, “I will save $5,000 by December by setting aside $500 per month.” This makes the goal clear, trackable, and achievable. The more detailed and structured your goals are, the easier they become to execute. SMART goals also create accountability—when you have a measurable outcome and a deadline, you’re more likely to stay on track.

Where can people connect with you and learn more about your services?

The best place to connect with me is on LinkedIn—just search for Roger Knecht. You can also visit Universal Accounting Center for free resources and courses, including our vision board training.

This has been such an insightful conversation. Thank you for sharing your wisdom today!

My pleasure! Remember—live life with purpose and make this your best year ever.

Tune in to Roger Knecht’s podcast episode, where he dives deeper into the power of vision boards, SMART goals, and actionable strategies to turn your resolutions into lasting success: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-visualization-methods-can-change-your-life–63859706

Roger Knecht is the President of Universal Accounting Center, a leading institution dedicated to helping professionals and entrepreneurs build successful careers in accounting, bookkeeping, and tax. With years of experience in business development and strategic goal-setting, Roger empowers individuals with the tools and mindset needed to turn their visions into reality. He is passionate about teaching practical strategies that drive long-term success, combining visualization techniques with structured action plans. To connect with Roger and access his free resources, visit Universal Accounting Center or connect with him on LinkedIn.

Author(s)

  • Stacey Chillemi

    A renowned 20 Times Best-Selling Author, Speaker, Coach & Podcaster

    The Advisor With Stacey Chillemi

    Introducing an extraordinary individual, a renowned speaker, an esteemed coach, a captivating podcaster, and a remarkable 20-time best-selling author! With such an impressive record of accomplishments, it comes as no surprise that she has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Entrepreneurs of 2023 by Apple News and featured in a prominent story on Grit Daily. But that's not all! This dynamic individual has garnered attention across major media outlets, including ABC, NBC, CBS, Psychology Today, Insider, Business Insider, and Yahoo News, accumulating an astonishing 17 million views! Furthermore, she has graced the stage of the Dr. Oz Show not once but five times, collaborated with influential figures like Ariana Huffington, and made captivating appearances on numerous TV shows, news segments, podcasts, and radio programs. Originally launching her career at NBC, where she contributed to Dateline, News 4, and The Morning Show, this inspiring professional redirected her boundless talents and capabilities toward becoming a full-time speaker and writer. With an unwavering passion for empowering both men and women to conquer their challenges and rise to the pinnacle of success, our speaker, coach, podcaster, and author invites you to unearth your true potential. Embrace the opportunity to be motivated by Stacey Chillemi's invaluable insights and strategies for living life on your own terms. Join this esteemed speaker today and allow yourself to be inspired to take that first transformative step toward lasting success! Welcome to a world of possibilities where you can thrive with Stacey Chillemi as your guide.