What is Your Vision?
No, I’m not asking about your eyesight or whether you have 20/20 vision. I’m asking: What is your vision for your practice, your team, and for yourself? Yes, we’re already into the second month of the New Year, but it’s never too late to reflect and set clear goals.
I’ve read many business management books, and they all highlight one key takeaway: the most successful people in any field have one thing in common—they write down their goals. When you put your vision on paper and display it where you’ll see it regularly, you create a constant reminder of what you want to achieve. This daily reminder can serve as powerful motivation, prompting you to take the necessary actions to reach your goals.
Sometimes, it can be difficult to identify your goals. Whether you’re an Owner, Associate OD, Technician, Optician, or Receptionist, consider asking yourself the following questions:
- What would make me truly happy?
- Where do I want to be by the end of this year?
- What do I envision for two years from now?
- Where do I see myself in five years?
- How can I improve my practice to make my teammates’ days better?
- How can I enhance the patient experience?
- What role can I play in improving the industry as a whole?
- Are we maximizing opportunities for better education?
- What kind of reward system or bonus structure would improve our practice?
- Do I want to make more money?
- Are the benefits we offer to our team sufficient?
- How can I improve our workplace culture?
- How can we increase staff retention?
- How can I be a better family member?
- Should I take more time off to recharge?
- When was the last time I took a retreat?
- Should I commit to reading more books?
- When do I want to retire?
- Do I have a plan for bringing on an associate OD?
- Do I understand the ROI of such an investment?
Each of you will have different goals, and the path to achieving them may vary. Some goals may be short-term, while others require planning for the years ahead. It’s already February, and reflecting on where you’ve been over the past few years—compared to where you are today—will help you clearly envision where you want to be by the end of 2025, 2027, or even 2029. Taking time to reflect and set these goals will be invaluable for your peace of mind and long-term success.
Time is a constant, and it moves quickly. As Ferris Bueller, the great philosopher of the 1980s, once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
So, write your goals down. Share them with people who will support and help you achieve them. Some goals may be personal and private—there’s nothing wrong with that. But make sure to write them out and keep them visible, so you are continually reminded of your vision.
Take it a step further by writing a motivational letter to yourself with your vision for the year ahead. Start the letter with:
“Hello [Your Name],
I’m writing this letter to you to open in 11 months. These are my goals and aspirations for 2025, and this is where I hope to be by December 31st, 2025. Let’s see how I did.”
Be honest. Be detailed. Be specific. Describe your vision and goals, and make it fun! Don’t type it out on a computer—take the time to hand write it on a piece of paper with your favorite pen. Once you’ve finished, fold the letter, place it in an envelope, and seal it. Write “Do Not Open Until January 1, 2026” on the front, and sign your name.
Then, store it in a safe place—somewhere special, where you’ll know exactly where to find it when the time comes.
Let 2025 be your best year yet—both personally and professionally. Surround yourself with positive people who support your goals and help you stay on track.
Be empowered to be the best version of yourself for your practice and for your team!
Here’s to a successful 2025 for us all.
Thank you.
Rick Guinotte
CEO Acquios Advisors and Alliance
