what does “vision and goals” mean, anyway?

how V&G came to be at lululemon

As a former competitive athlete, Chip has always been a big believer in setting goals. Prior to creating lululemon in 1998, Chip became very interested in the practice of goal setting and creating a vision - how we as people define and create what we want in our lives. When he saw the power these principles had in his life, he incorporated the practice of vision and goal setting with his team at lululemon. It has been a part of our culture ever since.

why we are sharing this with you

We have seen the power of setting a vision and goals all around us – triathlons, languages learned, health goals achieved, houses bought, job changes (both coming and going from the company)…we’ve seen magical things accomplished that once seemed impossible, or at the very least improbable! We are so passionate about this practice that we want to share it with the world.

the practice of vision and goals

Like yoga, creating vision and goals for your life is a constant practice. Being intentional about how you approach this process will help you get clear about what you want – and how you are going to make it happen.

1.     get connected to your vision.

Find a place you find relaxing and get yourself settled in (think tea, a candle…maybe even sweatpants). Next, close your eyes and think about what your ideal life would be in 10 years if anything was possible. Don’t get caught up in tactics – i.e. “but how would I pay for that” or “that seems unrealistic.” Focus in and think about what this life would look like without caveats.

Pssst....we created worksheets especially for this exercise. Get down on it!

Attention à nos amis francos! Veuillez télécharger les feuilles de travail ici.

2.     determine what your ten-year goals are from this vision (we suggest three areas of your life to begin: personal, health and career).

In order to begin the path to the ideal life you just imagined, we begin by setting ten-year goals. What does this mean? Take a look at your vision. Do you want to sail around the Mediterranean? A few things will need to happen: money for purchase and upkeep, skill…what else?  And what order do these things need to go in for you to be successful?

example:

ten-year goal: I sail the Mediterranean captaining my new sailboat by June 1st, 2023

3.     do the same with five- and one-year goals.

Okay, so here’s the reason we set goals backwards: your five- and one-year goals should support you in attaining your ten-year goals, consequently helping you to your vision. Let’s use our sailboat analogy again.

examples:

five-year goal: I take lessons from the skipper of an America’s Cup vessel by August 1st, 2018

one-year goal: I put $400/month into a high-interest savings boat fund

4.     what can you do right now?

Goals can seem lofty or even unattainable. 50% of the goals on your worksheet should scare you a little – it is when we set these audacious goals that we tap into the life we really desire. This can be both exciting and a little daunting, too.

So what can you do right now? Well, look at your goals. Do you need to be physically fit or have some money set aside to achieve them? Are you accomplishing them by yourself or do you need to enroll other people? Begin planning and executing the things you need to do today in order to get the ball rolling.

vision and goals worksheets

Having a dedicated worksheet or book devoted to your vision and goals practice is key. We have created worksheets to help you brainstorm and ideate on what your vision for your ideal life is, and then also included pages designed to help you create a framework for your goals going forward. Think of this booklet as your vision and goals “hub,” a place for ideas to begin and then take off on their chosen path.

What are your vision & goals and how are you getting there? Share them on Instagram and Twitter with the hashtag #readysetgoals - we can’t wait to see and hear what you've got cookin'!

Max on a weekend excursion up to Whistler

what is a goal you’ve achieved that you’re proud of?

In my previous career I was a graphic designer and got a taste of the garment biz at one of my many jobs. When it was time to move on, I knew that I wanted to stay in this business and lululemon was the only company aligned with my lifestyle, values and goals. Through sheer persistence and determination I managed to get an interview, but there was nothing here for me. I then met with Chip... again...nothing. Discouraged, I reluctantly went back to design work. Almost a year passed and I realized that I needed to make something happen fast. So at 30 years old, I took a part-time educator position at Oakridge mall. I shared my head office goals with everyone, and within 6 weeks was hired as the Trims and Notions Developer. Seeing a path for myself within the company, I set my next goal to become a Sourcing Manager. Again, I put it out there, wrote it in my goals and worked my butt off to get both trained in the business and IN business (by doing my MBA... which was a massive goal in itself). Three years later, I achieved my goal and was offered the position of Sourcing Operations Manager for Accessories.

Max possibly making an inspirational speech about achieving goals…

what is your favourite way to sweat?

I'm a bike nut! Mainly I'm a roadie guy who likes to dress up in bright coloured spandex and go really really fast. Lately though I've been playing a lot of bike polo (look it up!). Apart from fitness, my bike is my main mode of transport and takes me wherever I need to go. When I'm not on my bike, you can find me doing the occasional yoga class or cursing at Rob during our twice weekly circuit training class.

Max considering a donut mid bike race!

where would you love to go?

I am completely infatuated with Sweden. It's liberal, progressive and beautiful. Plus it’s a major cultural hub churning out amazing art, music and fashion (all things I love). Watch out Stockholm... I'm coming!

Max on a previous adventure to Costa Rica !

why do you love working at lululemon athletica?

I love the concept of setting goals. Everything of note that I have ever achieved in my life was due to setting a goal and going for it. I feel completely supported by my coworkers and management and am given the freedom to be an entrepreneur in my role. I am free to make mistakes and am encouraged to learn from them when I actually do mess up. I get to travel, work with inspiring people, take on interesting new projects and be surrounded by hundreds of beautiful women!

how does your role elevate lululemon?

In my new role, I will be elevating lululemon by sourcing best-in-the-world accessories suppliers and aligning them with our quality and vision. These suppliers will be able to provide all of our accessories product needs all while working towards sustainability in their business practices. One of my main goals will be to streamline our internal process flows to reduce both physical and operational waste and create an environment where accessories sets the bar for sustainability and efficiency within lululemon.

Check out our continually evolving and expanding set of possibilities on the lululemon careers page.