You have to pick the destination before you can have the directions!

Life is like a road trip—before you can map the route, you need to set the destination. In this blog, we dive into how goal-setting and vision planning (just like using your GPS) can help you stay on track, navigate detours, and actually reach your dreams. Whether you're mapping out your next big move in business, life, or personal growth, this post is packed with relatable insights, a little humor, and practical tips for staying focused—even when life throws unexpected roadblocks your way. Read now to start turning your vision into reality!

We all rely on navigation to get us where we’re going—whether it’s Google Maps, Waze, or just following that one friend who swears they know a “shortcut” (which always takes longer, let’s be real). But before you can get turn-by-turn directions, you have to do one simple thing first: enter the destination.

You can’t just hop in the car and expect Siri to say, “Okay, Cheryl, let’s go!” without first telling her where you’re actually trying to end up. That’s not how it works. And guess what? That’s not how life works either.

This is exactly why we’re focusing on vision setting in InspireHER Collective. Last month, we did our Vision to Reality seminar, where everyone got crystal clear on where they wanted to go. Today, we’re getting into the nitty-gritty—breaking down the big, dreamy visions into actual goals and daily, weekly, and monthly tasks that will get us there. We’re not just sitting in the car hoping the road will magically appear. We’re mapping out the route.

But here’s the kicker: Even with the best-laid plans, roadblocks happen. The freeway exit is closed, there’s unexpected traffic, or—worst case scenario—you miss your turn because you were too busy refereeing the backseat brawl between your kids. (Let’s be honest, it happens to the best of us.)

That’s why having guardrails is key. Our trusted friend and coach Susie Adamson is all about setting up guardrails and has made it her life’s work to help people set theirs up!!! What systems, habits, and accountability can you put in place to make sure you don’t accidentally veer off the road and end up in a metaphorical ditch? Or worse, drive right past the dream house without even realizing it?

And then there’s the unexpected detours. You had a plan, but guess what? Life had other ideas. Maybe your destination changed. Maybe the route you planned is no longer an option. That doesn’t mean you give up on the trip—it means you reroute. You adapt. You figure out a new way to get there.

This is where my husband and I sometimes hit a roadblock (see what I did there?). He wants to know every single step of the journey before we even decide where we’re going. And I’m over here saying, “Babe, we just need to pick the destination first. The ‘how’ is a problem for a different time.” Because if we don’t even commit to where we’re going, how can we possibly know the route?

So here’s the takeaway: Life is a road trip. Pick your destination first. Then map it out. Expect detours, prepare for distractions, and put up guardrails to keep you on track. But most importantly, keep going—because the only way to guarantee you won’t get there is if you stop trying.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some real-life navigation to do… and probably a few wrong turns to make along the way.

Where are you headed this year? Let’s set that vision and start driving!