As Proverbs 29:18 reminds us, “Without a vision, the people perish.”

As lawyers, it’s easy to stay heads-down—laser-focused on deadlines, clients, and obligations. But if we never pause to look up and ask:

• Where am I going—and why?
• Is this path leading where I truly want to go?

. . . we risk spending years climbing someone else’s ladder.

A clear, compelling career vision acts like a north star. It helps us:

• Take aligned, consistent action toward our goals
• Recognize and pursue the right opportunities
• Stay grounded during uncertainty or change

The most powerful visions are rooted in our ikigai—a Japanese concept that describes the intersection between:

• What we genuinely care about
• What benefits the world in some way
• What we are skilled at doing
• What we enjoy doing, and
• What we can be paid to do

If this sounds overwhelming, know that authentic career alignment is less of a destination and more of a challenging but life-giving journey.

And it begins with discovering our inner compass—our unique combination of strengths, interests, values, and needs as communicated through:

• Our bodily sensations
• Our bodily symptoms, including, at times, illness
• Our energy level, and
• Our emotions

Once we’re clear on these, it becomes easier to recognize what’s aligned and what’s not.

Not every opportunity is meant for us—and that’s okay. Just because we can get paid to do something doesn’t mean it’s aligned with our authentic self.

Saying “no” to misaligned work creates space for what’s right for us. It can also strengthen our relationships with colleagues if we refer opportunities that are not right for us to others. (I did this often as a lawyer and continue to do so as a coach.)