By Wendy Watson
Aligning Your Decisions with Your Vision
In today’s world, women are pulled in a million directions—whether you’re a mom juggling family and work, a C-suite executive leading a company, an employee hustling for that next promotion, an entrepreneur growing a business, or a teenager planning for the future. Every day, you’re making decisions that either move you closer to your vision or farther away from it. But how do you know if your decisions are truly in alignment with your goals? Enter: “Pivot or Quit It.”
This isn’t just a catchy phrase. It’s about evaluating your decisions and knowing when it’s time to pivot—
—making small but strategic adjustments to stay on course—or when it’s time to quit something that’s no longer serving you. Quitting, by the way, isn’t about failure. It’s about creating space for what truly matters.
This article will guide you through a simple yet powerful exercise designed to help you see whether your daily decisions are driving you toward your vision or keeping you stuck. You’ll start with a game of Would You Rather and end with a clear reflection on how aligned your decisions are with your ultimate vision.
Step 1: Would You Rather…
This game will give you a quick snapshot of how aligned your current decision-making is with your goals. Get ready to make some quick calls! Don’t overthink it—just grab a pen and paper (or open your notes app) and jot down your answers.
- Would you rather take on a new project that excites you or stick with the routine that pays the bills?Reflection: Are you making decisions that fuel your creativity, or are you choosing safety over passion?
- Would you rather work an extra hour today to get ahead or spend that time relaxing with family?Reflection: Are your work-life balance decisions aligned with your vision, or are you sacrificing personal time for the grind?
- Would you rather invest in yourself by taking a course or save that money for a future emergency?Reflection: Are your financial decisions empowering your growth, or are they based on fear?
- Would you rather say yes to a new opportunity, even if it feels overwhelming, or stick with what you know? Reflection: Are you prioritizing growth, or are you holding yourself back with comfort?
- Would you rather spend time organizing your workday or jump straight into tasks? Reflection: Is your decision-making organized and thoughtful, or are you constantly reacting without a plan?
- Would you rather delegate tasks to free up your time or do everything yourself to ensure it’s done your way? Reflection: Are you empowering yourself by trusting others, or are you micromanaging out of control?
- Would you rather take a vacation to recharge or push through burnout because there’s too much to do? Reflection: Are you honoring your need for rest, or are you running yourself into the ground?
- Would you rather continue in a job or role that feels “safe,” or take a leap into something that excites you but feels uncertain? Reflection: Are you prioritizing security over fulfillment, or are you making bold moves toward your vision?
- Would you rather keep pushing through on a project that isn’t working or quit and pivot to something new? Reflection: Are you holding on to something out of obligation, or are you ready to let go of what’s no longer serving you?
- Would you rather keep pushing through on a project that isn’t working or quit and pivot to something new? Reflection: Are you holding on to something out of obligation, or are you ready to let go of what’s no longer serving you?
Step 2: Write Your Vision
Now that you’ve answered the Would You Rather questions, it’s time to get clear on your vision. What do you truly want for your life, career, and relationships? Your vision is your North Star—it’s what guides your decisions and keeps you moving in the right direction.
Take a few minutes to write down your vision. Picture your life 3 to 5 years from now. Think about your career, family, finances, health, and passions. What does your ideal day-to-day life look like? What accomplishments are you proud of? Write it all down in as much detail as possible.
If you need help getting started, here are some prompts:
- What does your future self look like in 3 to 5 years?
- What do you want to be known for in your career or personal life?
- What kind of relationships do you want to cultivate?
- How do you want to feel in your daily routine?
Step 3: Compare Your Vision with Your Answers
Now comes the fun part. Look at your Would You Rather answers and compare them with your vision. Are they aligned? Is the person who made those decisions the same person living out your future vision? Or do some of your answers suggest a need for change?
Here’s where the “70/20/10 Rule” comes in:
- 70% of your decisions should be aligned with your vision. This is your foundation—the sweet spot where most of your choices are on point and pushing you in the right direction.
- 20% of your decisions might need tweaking. These are the areas that could use improvement to help you reach your vision faster. It could be a shift in priorities, better time management, or a mindset adjustment.
- 10% of your decisions are what I call the “new hires and fires.” This is where you need to let go of old habits, commitments, or ways of thinking that no longer serve your vision. By quitting what doesn’t work, you make room for new ideas, opportunities, and growth.
For example, if your vision involves more family time but your Would You Rather answers show that you’re consistently choosing work over quality time, this might fall into the 20% that needs tweaking. Or, if you’re holding onto a project or job that no longer excites you, that might belong in the 10% you need to quit.
Step 4: Pivot or Quit?
The goal here is to bring awareness to how aligned your decisions are with your ultimate vision. Are there areas where you need to pivot—making slight adjustments to keep things moving toward your goals? Or are there decisions you need to quit altogether to clear space for better opportunities?
The beauty of this exercise is that it empowers you to make intentional decisions. Whether you’re a busy mom, an executive, an entrepreneur, or a student, aligning your daily choices with your long-term goals is how you create the life you truly want.
Why It’s Important to Keep This in Mind
No matter what stage of life or career you’re in, the decisions you make today have a profound impact on your future. And while it’s tempting to focus on the big decisions—like changing jobs, starting a business, or making a major life change—it’s often the smaller, everyday decisions that determine whether you move closer to or further away from your vision.
The truth is, every choice either reinforces your vision or derails it. By taking the time to reflect on your decision-making process, you’re empowering yourself to live in alignment with the future you want. Whether you’re a mom trying to balance it all, an employee seeking career growth, or an entrepreneur aiming to scale, the power to pivot—or quit—lies in your hands.
Tips for Keeping Your Vision Front and Center
Now that you’ve got a clearer understanding of where you stand, let’s talk about how to keep that vision alive when you’re making decisions. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and lose sight of the bigger picture. But with the right tools, you can make sure your decisions always reflect your ultimate goals. Here’s how:
01. Create a Vision Board: If you haven’t already, create a vision board that visually represents your goals. Place it somewhere you’ll see it every day. Seeing your goals in front of you can be a powerful reminder when making decisions.
02. Daily Check-Ins: Every morning (or at the start of your workday), take five minutes to reconnect with your vision. Ask yourself, “What can I do today that aligns with my future goals?” This keeps your long-term vision at the forefront of your daily actions.
03. Ask the Right Questions: Before making a decision, pause and ask yourself: “Does this move me closer to my vision, or is it a distraction?” This one question can help you weed out unnecessary tasks and opportunities.
04. Prioritize Joy: A crucial part of decision-making is asking yourself, “Does this bring me joy?” This doesn’t mean every moment of work will be a party, but your overall journey should light you up. If a decision is taking you further away from what you love, it might not be the right one.
05. Set Boundaries: Learning to say “no” is a superpower. Not every opportunity or task will bring you closer to your goals. Protect your time, energy, and vision by setting boundaries that keep distractions at bay.
06. Lean on Your Future Self: Whenever you feel uncertain, imagine your future self—the version of you who has already achieved your vision. What advice would they give you about this decision? Let that guide your next step.
07. Delegate & Outsource: If your answers to the game showed a tendency to take on too much, it might be time to delegate. Focus on the 70% that truly aligns with your strengths and vision, and let go of tasks that others can handle for you.
08. Regularly Review Your Vision: Your goals and vision can evolve, and that’s okay! Set aside time each month to review and update your vision. Ensure it’s still what you want and that your decisions reflect any shifts.
By now, you’ve likely had some “aha” moments about where you’re aligned with your vision—and where you’re not. The beauty of this process is that it’s an ongoing journey. You’ll continue to refine your decisions, sharpen your focus, and get closer to that big, beautiful vision you’ve written down.
So, here’s the real question: Is it time to pivot some of your decision-making, or are there decisions you’ve been making that it’s time to quit? Whether you’re an entrepreneur, corporate powerhouse, or a woman balancing life and career, aligning your decisions with your vision is the key to unlocking your best future.
So, the next time you’re faced with a decision, ask yourself: Is it time to pivot some of your decision-making, or are there choices you’ve been making where it’s time to quit?
Your hustle is only as strong as your vision. Own it, align it, and make it count.
Wendy Watson
www.tbrspiritualhealth.com
www.wendywatsonspeaks.com
