This is why so many people miss their goals, no matter how many vision boards they make. You visualize the dream every day… and instead of moving forward, you feel drained and stuck.
Research by Kappes & Oettingen (2011) found that when people indulged in positive fantasies about their future, they actually took less action.
Why? Because the brain interprets those vivid daydreams as progress. Energy drops. Motivation fades.
Your brain also notices the huge gap between where you are and where you want to be, and whispers: “Not possible.”
The Power of Subordinate Goals
That’s where subordinate goals come in. The small, believable milestones shrink the gap and signal to your brain: “This is doable.”
Each step restores energy and builds momentum.
👉 The takeaway: vision boards aren’t bad, they’re just not enough on their own. Pair your big goals with small, achievable steps — that’s how you turn fantasy into forward motion.
Have you ever felt your vision board inspire you at first… but then slowly drain your energy instead?