By Dylan J. England | Health, Fitness & Development Coach
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4 Minute Read
Why Writing a Vision Matters as a Busy Parent
Three years ago — before my daughter was born — I sat down and wrote out a vision for my life. It was simple but powerful. I pictured the kind of parent I wanted to be, the type of life I wanted to create for my family, and the memories I wanted us to share.
At the time, life was busy. Work, responsibilities, and the usual daily chaos didn’t leave much room for reflection. But I knew that if I didn’t intentionally design the life I wanted, I’d get swept up in just “going through the motions.”
Fast forward to today, and I can honestly say that vision helped shape one of my favorite memories as a dad.
Recently, I took the day off to join my daughter on her very first field trip. We started our morning slow — breakfast as a family, no rushing out the door. We went to the cider mill where she got her first tractor ride, saw pigs and goats, tasted fresh cider, and happily munched on a cinnamon donut.
Afterward, we headed to one of our favorite restaurants, Karl’s Cabin, for a slow lunch. She colored, enjoyed their freshly baked bread, and devoured her go-to mac and cheese with fruit. By the time we drove home, she had played so hard she fell asleep before we even pulled into the driveway.
It was exactly the kind of day I had envisioned years ago. A day of presence, connection, and joy.
Here’s Why Writing Your Vision Works:
Clarity Creates Action – Writing down your vision forces you to get specific about what matters most. When you know what you want, you notice opportunities to make it happen.
It Keeps You Grounded – Life gets busy. Work deadlines, school schedules, laundry piles — they all compete for our attention. A written vision acts like a compass, helping you stay aligned with what’s truly important.
It Builds Anticipation – Having a vision gives you something to look forward to. You’ll find yourself looking for ways to create those moments rather than just reacting to life as it comes.
It Makes the Ordinary Extraordinary – A simple field trip or lunch out becomes a memory to treasure because you’re living in alignment with your values and goals.
How to Write Your Own Vision:
You don’t need hours of quiet time or a complicated framework. Here’s a simple way to start:
Imagine Life Three Years from Now – Picture your family’s mornings, weekends, vacations. What does it look like when you feel proud and fulfilled?
Write in the Present Tense – Instead of “I want to…,” write “We have family breakfasts every Saturday.” Writing as if it’s already true helps your brain start believing it’s possible.
Focus on Feelings and Moments – Include how you want to feel and what experiences you want to have — not just outcomes like “make more money” or “buy a bigger house.”
Review and Adjust Often – Revisit your vision every few months. Life changes, and so should your vision.
Writing a vision isn’t just for CEOs or high-achievers. It’s one of the simplest tools for busy parents who want to feel more present, purposeful, and connected with their families.
If I hadn’t written mine, I may have missed the chance to take that day off, join that field trip, and create the memory I’ll now cherish forever.
But if you’re looking for proven effective methods to improving your health and wellness be sure to read past and future articles and don’t forget to listen to The Practical Edge Podcast.
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Ready for a coach who can help you sharpen these habits for life?
Check out my coaching program at www.dylanjengland.com. Let’s build the foundation for your best life—together.
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