43: Before You Build It, You Must See It (+ A 15-minute Exercise that Could Change Your Life)

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Welcome to the With Intention weekly newsletter where I share ideas & learnings to help you live & lead with intention

At a glance:

• Essay: The underrated power of vision & how you can use it to your advantage
• Quote: Building your vision creates legacy
• Visual: Building your vision builds belief

The underrated power of vision & how you can use it to your advantage

Before I wrote With Intention, I saw it.

Literally.

I printed out a fake book cover—designed it to look like the real thing—and wrapped it around a copy of Atomic Habits. I kept that book on my desk while I was writing mine.

Every single day.

That small, weird, almost silly move?
It changed everything.

Because I wasn’t just hoping anymore.
I was anchoring the vision.

I was creating clarity, not just waiting for inspiration to strike.

Quick story...a couple years ago, I worked with a founder who was already doing well—leading a team, growing a business—but he knew he was playing too small.

In 2021, he wrote his 10-year vision.

He didn’t just think about it.
He wrote it down.
Detailed. Bold. Scary...in the best way ; )

Fast forward to today—roughly 80% of that vision has already happened.
Including a multi-million dollar private equity deal he had written into his vision word for word.

That’s the power of clarity.

Vision work isn’t fluffy.
It’s foundational.

But it is uncomfortable.
Why? It forces you to slow down.
It demands honesty—with yourself, your habits, and what you truly want.

And it might feel awkward or “extra” to write a 10-year vision… but the truth?

If you don’t decide where you’re going, life will decide for you.

Here’s a simple exercise you can do this weekend to get started:

The Future Headline Exercise

Imagine it’s 3–5 years from now.
Your work, your life, your impact has reached a new level.

Now write the headline.
You made the front page.
What does it say?

Example:
“Former Exec Builds 7-Figure Coaching Brand Helping Leaders Grow With Intention”

That’s it.
No perfect template. No magic script.
Just clarity on what you’re moving toward.

The truth is, your vision won’t play out exactly how you picture it. But it will guide you. It’ll shape your actions.

And it’ll keep you focused when distractions and fear try to throw you off.

Like a race car driver—Look at the wall, you’ll hit the wall. Focus on the road, you’ll fly.

If you haven’t written your vision down in a while, now’s your moment.
Even 15 minutes can change your trajectory. 

Fortune favors the bold. Bet on yourself. Craft your vision. Lean in.

Let me know what comes up if you try the Future Headline exercise—I’d love to hear it.

Here’s to leading with clarity and building what matters!

 Jon

P.S. I published a quick reel last week that talks about how I visualized With Intention before I wrote it - I hope it inspires you to create yours!

Building your vision builds belief

source: (4) Janis Ozolins (@OzolinsJanis) / X

Until next week, stay courageous & intentional!

Jon Giganti Author. Speaker. Leader.

Attention requires a focused head.
Intention requires a focused heart.

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