We often plan our careers, finances, and businesses with precision—setting goals, mapping out strategies, and anticipating challenges. But what if we applied that same level of intention and foresight to our mental and relational health?
In Vivid Vision, Cameron Herold encourages business leaders to imagine their ideal future three years ahead. Instead of getting lost in daily struggles, he suggests looking at the bigger picture—crafting a clear, detailed vision of what success looks like.
What if we did the same for our emotional well-being? What if we planned our mental health and relationships with the same clarity and intensity that we give to business goals?
For many, this idea is a radical shift. We tend to react to stress, relationship issues, and burnout instead of proactively shaping the emotional life we want. But neuroscience tells us that our brains respond to the stories we tell ourselves—whether positive or negative. This means that setting a vision for emotional and relational health can actually shape the way our brains work toward those goals.
From Burnout to Purposeful Living
For years, John prided himself on his work ethic. As a young entrepreneur, he built a successful business from the ground up, working 70-hour weeks, constantly networking, and pushing himself to the limit. His achievements were impressive, but they came at a cost—his personal relationships suffered, his stress levels skyrocketed, and he rarely felt present in his own life.
He often told himself, “Once I reach this next milestone, I’ll slow down. I’ll start taking care of myself later.” But “later” never came. Instead, exhaustion and frustration set in, leading to irritability at work, strained friendships, and a general feeling of disconnection.
Eventually, John hit a breaking point. A close friend suggested therapy, and reluctantly, he gave it a try. One of the first things his therapist asked was, “What do you want your life to look like three years from now?”
John had never thought about his future in this way—beyond business goals. The question forced him to consider:
- What kind of person did he want to be?
- How did he want to feel on a daily basis?
- What kind of relationships did he want to cultivate?
At first, his answers were vague. But over time, through guided reflection and exercises, he started to create a mental health vision. He realized that his definition of success had been too narrow—focused only on financial and career milestones. Through therapy, he developed a more holistic vision:
- He wanted more peace in his daily life.
- He wanted to be present with his family.
- He wanted to pursue success in a way that was sustainable, rather than burning out.
With this vision in mind, John started making small but meaningful changes. He implemented mindfulness practices, created better work-life boundaries, and redefined his approach to success. Over time, he found himself feeling more energized, connected, and in control of his future.
Shifting from Short-Term Coping to Long-Term Mental Health Planning
Many people approach mental health reactively, dealing with stress, anxiety, or relational issues only when they become overwhelming. But just as businesses thrive on proactive planning, so do our minds and relationships.
Instead of just asking, “How do I get through today?” imagine asking:
- What do I want my emotional and mental well-being to look like in three years?
- How do I want to show up in my relationships—romantic, family, friendships?
- What kind of habits and mindset will help me get there?
This shift moves us from survival mode to intentional growth.
The Neuroscience of Vision: Your Brain Works Toward the Stories You Tell It
Our prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for decision-making, planning, and problem-solving, plays a critical role in shaping our future. Neuroscientists have found that when we create a clear vision of the future, our brains start working—often subconsciously—to make it a reality.
- When we tell ourselves positive, empowering stories, our brain starts identifying opportunities and behaviors that align with that vision.
- When we focus on negative, limiting beliefs, the brain reinforces those patterns, making it harder to break free from stress and self-doubt.
This is why intentional vision-setting matters—not just for business success, but for emotional resilience.
Building a Three-Year Vision for Mental and Relational Health
1. Envision Your Emotional Well-Being
Imagine yourself three years from now. If your emotional health was thriving, what would that look like?
- Do you have more peace and confidence?
- Have you developed healthier coping mechanisms for stress?
- Are you less reactive and more intentional in how you respond to challenges?
Write down your answers. Make them vivid. Your brain will start aligning your habits and choices with that vision.
2. Plan for Relational Health
Just as businesses invest in team culture, we need to invest in the health of our relationships. Ask:
- How do I want my family relationships to look in three years?
- What kind of partner, parent, or friend do I want to be?
- What small habits—listening better, expressing appreciation, setting boundaries—will help me build that vision?
3. Take Small Steps Daily
A clear vision is powerful, but action is what turns it into reality.
- Daily emotional check-ins: Where am I emotionally today? How can I support myself?
- Mindful communication: How can I show up better in my relationships today?
- Personal growth habits: What’s one thing I can do to align with my future vision? Therapy, reading, or journaling?
Applying Vision to Leadership, Relationships, and Sobriety
At The Pursuit Counseling, we’ve explored how having a clear vision impacts many aspects of life:
- Leadership: Business leaders who engage in personal growth often see their organizations change as well. Investing in mental well-being isn’t just about self-care—it transforms the way we lead and interact with others.
- Relationships: We’ve written about The Pursuit of Bold Connection, encouraging people to embrace deeper emotional intimacy instead of settling for surface-level changes. A three-year vision can redefine how we approach love, family, and friendships.
- Sobriety and Recovery: We’ve discussed the idea that the opposite of addiction is connection. Having a long-term vision for sobriety—beyond just staying sober day by day—helps individuals build a life that supports their recovery.
No matter where you are in your journey, setting a clear, vivid vision can transform your approach to mental health, relationships, and personal growth.
The Takeaway: You Can Design Your Mental Health Future
Instead of only reacting to stress, imagine building a vision for where you want to be emotionally and relationally. Your brain will work toward that vision—if you create it with clarity and intention.
John’s story isn’t unique—many people are learning that success isn’t just about pushing harder, but about pursuing the right things with purpose. Therapy, self-reflection, and mindful planning can help us move from burnout to a fulfilling life.
So, what does your mental health look like three years from now? And what small steps can you take today to get there?
Next Steps
At The Pursuit, we believe in empowering you to live your best life. Located in Fayetteville, GA near Town at Trilith and Trilith Studios, our team of skilled therapists is dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized counseling services. Whether you’re seeking support for life transitions, anxiety, trauma, or personal growth, we prioritize evidence-based strategies, compassion, and tailored treatment plans to meet your unique needs.
Your journey toward a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life begins here. Ready to take the first step? Click “Book Now” to start your Pursuit of meaningful change and personal growth.
Continue reading to explore how The Pursuit can help you navigate life’s challenges with confidence and clarity.
