Why Having a Clear Vision and Goals Changes Everything

Ever heard the saying, “Failing to plan is planning to fail”? It might sound cliché, but it’s true. No one wakes up one morning and magically lands their dream career. Success—whether in the arts, film, theatre, or any creative industry—doesn’t just happen. It takes vision, goals, and a solid plan to get there. Otherwise, you’re just drifting, hoping things will work out on their own. Spoiler alert: they probably won’t.

Having a clear vision means knowing where you want to go. It doesn’t have to be perfect, and it might change over time, but having a direction keeps you from wasting time on things that don’t serve your growth. Think of it like a road trip—without a destination in mind, you’ll just be driving in circles. But with a plan, you know when to turn, when to stop, and how to adjust if you hit a roadblock. Goals help turn that vision into reality, breaking the big picture into smaller, achievable steps.

Planning isn’t about restricting creativity—it gives you more freedom. When you have a plan, you’re not constantly worrying about what to do next. You can focus on developing your craft, networking, or learning new skills because you’ve already set the foundation. It’s like building a stage before the performance—you need a solid structure to bring the magic to life. And let’s be honest, winging it only works for so long before things start falling apart.

One of the best things about having goals is the sense of progress they bring. There’s nothing more frustrating than feeling stuck, uncertain of the future. But when you set clear, realistic targets—whether it’s mastering a new skill, landing a role, or starting a project—you give yourself something to work towards. And when you hit those milestones? That feeling of accomplishment is unbeatable.

So, if you’re serious about your career, start mapping things out. Set goals, make plans, and be intentional about where you put your energy. Sure, things won’t always go as planned, and you’ll have to adapt along the way. But a vision keeps you forging ahead, no matter what. The future isn’t something that just happens to you—it’s something you create. So, what’s your plan?