A Vision Board Epiphany
Drive, fear, and seaviews.
Ah, January—the month of fresh starts, vision boards, and resolutions. We dream big, set lofty goals, and lean into what we hope will be our BEST YEAR YET.
I do bloody love it if i'm being honest. January has that fresh-start energy that speaks to my version of perfectionism. It’s optimistic, exciting, and limitless—it’s that “new notebook” vibe. All the things that get me fired up.
And of course, it wouldn’t be January without writing about goals, vision, and alignment. But instead of the usual tripe that makes us feel bad about ourselves, I want to talk about those self-doubts that rear their heads as we enter a new year (and a not-so-new version of ourselves).
I’m not one for traditional goal-setting, but I do find a vision board helps me take stock of whether my day-to-day choices are bringing me closer to that luxury villa with a stunning sea view (your invite is in the post).
Also, I’m a big fan of scissors and Pritt Stick, so you won’t catch me making a digital vision board anytime soon.
As I collage away, getting glue in my eyebrows, I’ve noticed that some of the images I’ve chosen—while positively framed—actually reflect what I’m avoiding, not what I’m aspiring to. And that got me thinking…
How much Is fear driving me? Is it the need to be seen as competent, capable, and frickin’ awesome that fuels my ambition? Am I allowed to admit that?
I was brought right back to a recent conversation that actually stemmed from a previous newsletter (you know who you are) and whether it was okay to be driven by fear if, at the very least, we could recognise that.
I know, like you do, that I’m supposed to be motivated by intrinsic rewards—the satisfaction of making a difference, growing, and contributing to something bigger than myself, climbing the Maslow hierarchy to self-actualization 🙄
But in REAL LIFE…things aren’t quite that textbook.
For many of us, fear of failure is a powerful motivator and the problem is, that fear often gets painted as “bad.” The ultimate syn of the modern woman.
But, if i'm honest with myself: fear has driven many late nights, extra effort, passion projects, and even some big wins (if I do say so myself). It’s like switching to “sports mode” rather than cruising in eco-mode, and with that, comes a dash of danger.
So I suppose the big question is: Who are we when we let go of the fear? Who or what’s left behind if we’re not driven by doubt and the need to prove?
I don’t mind admitting that I’m not sure who I am without a little fear. It’s part of my psyche because…
For the love of god, don’t let anyone see you F*CK UP.
The Fear-Driven Operating System and Why It’s Not the Enemy
The upshot of my reflection is that fear often masquerades as ambition but the notion that this is a BAD BAD BAD thing only makes us feel, well, BAD. People often call me ambitious. It’s been used as a compliment and as toxic positivity. But the thing is, my ambition is somewhat driven by fear and I think that's okay to some extent. It IS about proving myself. It IS about how others perceive me. It IS about a desire to be ‘“successful” in the eyes of others.
A dash of fear, a little concern about what others think—it’s part of being human. It’s definitely part of my female experience as I suspect it is for most of us.
But we like to box things into “good” or “bad.” We like to tell women that they should not be distracted by what others think and rely on fear to fuel our ambitions. We like to tell women, ironically, they are failing in some way by needing this validation. We're back to lose lose. An invitation to feel shitty about ourselves regardless.
In reality, there’s no right or wrong, just messy human stuff we’re quick to judge and hide. And making us feel bad about it just drives the conversation further underground. The big secret we’re hiding.
That said, I should admit here that fear-driven success has sometimes left me burnt out, disconnected, and twitching. So I’m not saying it’s always healthy way to survive this rollercoaster we call life, but that it’s okay to admit that, without a bit of fear, we’re not entirely sure what it is that motivates us.
I strive for the kind of self leadership that doesn’t give a damn about what others think but I’m not ashamed to admit that a little external fear is an important part of the puzzle for me.
So what’s the answer?
Well, in theory, it’s about embracing the fear without letting it control you. Part of that is about seeing it, recognising it and giving it a little wink rather than hiding it in your closet.
There is no shame in being driven by external validation.
In an ideal world, we’d all be fully motivated by an intrinsic pull, surrounded by self-love, knowing we’re enough, and striving for our goals regardless of what the world thinks.
But back here in the real world, I invite you to step into 2025 with boldness, joy, and unapologetic authenticity—even if that means admitting that some of your drive comes from the ‘shoulds’, the need for appreciation, and the validation of others.
Sure, it’s not the 'perfect' state, but for many of us, it’s reality and beating ourselves up even more for it being there is only bringing us further away from what we're trying to achieve.
What’s driving you in 2025? I’d love to hear your thoughts or see your vision boards! Share yours, and I’ll share mine! 😉
Talk soon,
Claire