The Change Formula: Why Vision Beats Willpower for Lasting Transformation

Here's something I see on the regular: smart, capable people who know what they need to change but are afraid to make meaningful moves in that direction.

They'll say things like: "I know I need better boundaries," or "I should get out of the weeds, be more strategic," or "I think it's time for a career change." They've read the books, tried the strategies, maybe even hired coaches. But doubts and fears plague them, keeping them stuck in the same patterns.

As competent, logical leaders they (ok, we) often think the solution is more willpower or the right strategy.  But often, that’s not what’s really missing.  

The key piece is: a vision compelling enough to pull them through the inevitable resistance.

The Change Formula That Actually Works

I really like the way the Conscious Leadership Group has framed up sustainable change with this formula:

(Vision × Dissatisfaction) + First Steps > Resistance = Change

Vision and dissatisfaction multiply each other. This means that moderate dissatisfaction combined with a clear, compelling vision creates far more motivation than high dissatisfaction with little vision. It's why some people can make dramatic changes with relatively little suffering—they have such a vivid picture of where they're going that even mild frustration becomes powerful fuel.

But here's the catch most people miss: there's a sweet spot with dissatisfaction. Too little, and you stay comfortable in the status quo. Too much—when you're overwhelmed by stress, burnout, or crisis—and it actually blocks your ability to envision anything better. The suffering becomes so loud it drowns out possibility.

Think about it: when you're in full reactive mode, scrambling to put out fires, can you really imagine your ideal Tuesday? Your dream relationship dynamic? The leadership presence you want to cultivate? Of course not. You're just trying to survive.

A note on suffering: I’m describing dissatisfaction as intense here but I’ll add that you may not feel this as persistent pain.  Sometimes dissatisfaction with the way things are triggers resignation, sleepiness, a low and slow turning off of our energy.  

I’ve experienced both “styles” - a relatively fast and dramatic burnt out unhappiness as well as the at-first subtle tuning out and away from life.  They both are painful in their own way and vision has always been a powerful tool to bring me back.

Why Vision Is Your Secret Weapon

Most change approaches focus on what's wrong (creating dissatisfaction) or jump straight to tactics (first steps). But vision multiplies these efforts.  .

When you can clearly see and feel what you're moving toward—not just think about it, but actually experience it in your body—everything shifts. Neuroscience backs this up: 

• Your brain starts noticing opportunities that were always there. 

• Conversations happen differently. 

• You make decisions from possibility instead of fear.

Think about someone you know who stays stuck in a pretty bad job—not terrible enough to force them out, but draining their soul daily. They have plenty of dissatisfaction (maybe 60 points) but can't clearly see what better options exist (maybe 1 point of vision). 60 × 1 = 60. Not enough to overcome the resistance to change.

Now think about someone else who had a perfectly good job but made a seemingly risky leap into something 10x more exciting. They might have had only moderate dissatisfaction (10 points) but could vividly see the potential of an inspiring opportunity (15 points of vision). 10 × 15 = 150. More than enough motivation to leap.

Your vision pulls you forward. Problems just push you around.

Creating Vision That Works

Your vision can't be generic or borrowed from someone else's life. It needs to be specific, sensory-rich, and emotionally resonant to you.

Instead of "I want to be a better leader," try "I can feel the calm confidence in my body during difficult conversations. I see my team's faces when they know I truly have their back. I hear the quality of silence in the room when people feel genuinely heard."

This kind of vision lives in your nervous system, not just your head. And that's when change becomes inevitable instead of effortful.

If you're ready to move from vague hopes to clear intentions, I'm hosting an in-person Vision Board Workshop on Saturday, August 23rd at Knox Farm in East Aurora. We'll spend the day creating visual representations of your next chapter that are grounded in both practical strategy and genuine inspiration.

Details: Summer 2025 Vision Board Workshop

The bottom line: You have more power to create change than you realize. The key is learning to lead with vision instead of just managing problems.

What's one area where you've been trying to change by force instead of being drawn by vision? Leave a comment —I read every response.

Curious and connected,

Marijke Ocean