SPARK Insights by Coach Reg - Issue #0006
It’s remarkable how quickly the environment can shift. Just days ago, I was basking in the warmth and wonder of Maui, only to find myself back in Illinois, bracing against the cold and preparing for the Eskimo Open.

The conditions couldn’t have been more different. Maui’s soft sands and gentle breezes were replaced by frozen fairways and a biting chill. Golfing in these conditions meant adapting my approach entirely. The ground was like concrete, and shots that would usually land softly now bounced unpredictably.
On the second hole, I hit what felt like a perfect approach—a shot that landed squarely in the center of the green from 120 yards. But instead of settling, the ball bounded high into the air and rolled another 50 yards off the back of the green.
It was frustrating, but it also forced me to adjust. I realized I’d need to land my shots 30 yards short and let them run up, almost like playing links golf in Scotland. By taking the feedback, I shifted my strategy—and the game improved.
Life often demands the same. When the environment or parameters change, the ability to adjust your approach is what determines whether you thrive or struggle
In This Issue
Resilience in Real Time: Lessons from the Ongoing Los Angeles Fires
Adapting to change isn’t just a lesson for the golf course—it’s a principle that applies to life’s most challenging moments.
Right now, as I write this, the fires in Los Angeles are raging, and the situation is still not fully under control. The news is filled with images of destruction, and my heart goes out to all those affected. Homes are being lost, communities are being displaced, and the air is thick with uncertainty.
This brings back vivid memories of 2023 when Arlene and I spent significant time in Lahaina just a week before devastating fires demolished that city. Seeing these eerily similar scenes being replayed on our screens is heartbreaking—the loss of life and property is immense.
Yet, amidst the tragedy, stories of heroism and community will emerge.
Looking back to August of 2023, when the Maui fires broke out, our friends at Trilogy, the sailing company we’ve come to know and love, became real-life heroes. The owner and captains took their boats into Lahaina harbor to rescue people who had fled to the ocean for safety. Some had been in the water for 8-12 hours. Over half of their crew became instantly homeless, yet they rallied to support each other and their community.
We felt compelled to donate quickly and generously, knowing how deeply connected we were to these incredible people. On our recent trip, we were grateful to reconnect with them and witness firsthand how they are healing and rebuilding.
As the fires continue in Los Angeles, I’m reminded that even in the midst of chaos and loss, we have the power to choose how we respond. The planet is shifting, and while these events are devastating, they also call forth the best in humanity—compassion, resilience, and unity.
These moments show how, even in the face of devastation, a clear vision can guide us toward meaningful action. When we align with what matters most—community, courage, and care—our path forward becomes clear, even amidst the chaos.
Vision vs. Goals: A New Way to See the Path
We’re in the season where many people are setting goals, yet I often hear from clients and colleagues, “I find it so hard to set goals.”
If that resonates with you, you’re not alone. For some, the idea of a firm destination feels constrictive or unattainable. That’s where casting a vision can make all the difference.
What’s the Difference Between Vision and Goals?
Goals are fixed destinations. They’re specific and measurable, like a revenue target, weight loss number, or number of date nights in a month.
Vision, on the other hand, is a direction. It’s a guiding force that provides clarity and focus without boxing you into a rigid outcome.
For example:
In business, a goal might be “Generate $500,000 in revenue this year,” while a vision could be “Create meaningful connections with clients and consistently deliver exceptional results.”
In health, a goal could be “Lose 20 pounds,” but a vision might be “Feel strong, energized, and confident in my body.”
In relationships, a goal might be “Have three date nights a month,” while a vision could be “Deepen the emotional connection and intimacy with my partner.”
Both are valid approaches, and they often work best in tandem. But if you struggle with setting traditional goals, starting with a vision can help you find direction without feeling overwhelmed.
My Personal Approach: Process Over Outcome
I’ve come to realize that I’m about 80% process and 20% outcome. While I don’t typically set firm targets—like a specific score in golf or a revenue number in business—I still find myself obsessing over outcomes.
On the course, I often scrutinize the scorecard, even though I never set a specific score goal. In business, I keep a sharp eye on revenue, despite not liking to set revenue targets. Yet, I never seem to feel fully satisfied.
That’s why I’ve shifted many of my “goals” to focus on feelings, approach, and decisions rather than fixed outcomes. Instead of chasing a number, I evaluate:
Did I stay present and engaged in the process?
Did I make decisions aligned with my values and vision?
Did I enjoy the journey, even if the outcome wasn’t perfect?
For me, this shift has been transformative. Measuring my approach rather than my results allows me to stay motivated, flexible, and fulfilled—even when the outcomes aren’t exactly what I expected.
Taking Action: Start with a Vision
If setting goals feels difficult, start by casting a vision. Here’s how:
Imagine Your Ideal Direction
Close your eyes and picture what you want your life to feel like in the areas of business, health, and relationships. Don’t worry about specifics—focus on the overarching themes that matter to you.
Ask Reflective Questions
What excites me about the future?
What values do I want to prioritize in my decisions?
Who do I want to become through this process?
Pair Vision with Small Goals
Once you’ve cast a vision, break it into small, actionable steps that move you toward that direction.
Adjust as Needed
Remember the lesson from the Eskimo Open: circumstances change, and so must your approach. Use feedback to refine your actions while staying true to your vision.
When Is the Right Time To Work With a Coach?
Last week I made mention of the “when-then” curse, where you believe that you must do X before Y and often that’s not the case.
I’d love to share an experience I had with a client during her SPARK Session yesterday.
At first reluctant to schedule, she took a chance and booked a session with me to talk about her limiting beliefs in regards to her next career move.
She initially thought she needed to work with a business coach on strategy and tactics and didn’t sign up for a SPARK Session. However she did, and as our conversation progressed, she realized more and more that the most important work was on her limiting beliefs. She said, "I get in my own way, and I'm the one that's limiting when I'm in my head. I'm limiting so many opportunities." I helped her see that she already had a lot of valuable experience and knowledge to offer, but her own self-doubt was holding her back.
She acknowledged and reflected on the experience inside the session, "I have allowed myself to be stuck. You listening to me and allowing me to speak and then pause and then mirror what you heard and reflect that back to me. This is so beneficial Bob, I just I'm so grateful."
Notice that I didn’t give her advice - I simply reflected back to her what I observed and it helped her realize the power of her own voice and capabilities.
It became clear the true work (and very first step) is the need to work on dissolving limiting beliefs. Remembering the mantra, “If you want to change the fruits, you gotta address the roots.”
Your ego will tell you everything is fine, just keep taking action.
When you grasp that the sponsoring beliefs behind your actions will continually and predictably produce the same result over and over and over and consciously deciding that it’s time to break the cycle, then and only then, can you dissolve and change the sponsoring beliefs, take new actions that lead to different results.
We laughed together when she said, “This session was so much more important than me working with a business coach about my resume”
Looking Ahead: A Call to Design Your Vision
As I reflect on these moments—from Maui to the Eskimo Open, from Lahaina to Los Angeles, and in recent SPARK Sessions—I’m reminded that life is full of transitions. How we respond to them defines who we become.
On February 6, I’ll be hosting a SPARK Vision Experience (a greatly expanded version of a SPARK Session) in St. Pete Clearwater. If you’ve been feeling uncertain, stuck, or ready for a shift, this is your opportunity to create clarity, direction, and alignment.
This isn’t about following someone else’s blueprint. It’s about discovering your own.
Imagine taking the time to:
Cast a vision for your life that aligns with who you are and who you want to become.
Explore whether you’re more process-oriented, outcome-driven, or somewhere in between—and learn how to work with that.
Set intentional next steps that bring your vision to life.
This isn’t just a workshop—it’s a chance to step out of the noise for 2 days, tune into your inner compass, and leave with a sense of purpose and empowerment.
If this resonates, I’d love to see you there. This could be the moment that shifts everything for you. I have ONE spot to offer.
Closing Reflections
Life isn’t about achieving perfection; it’s about finding direction. Whether you’re a process person, an outcome person, or somewhere in between, casting a vision gives you the flexibility to adapt and thrive.
As we navigate these uncertain times, from personal challenges to global events, remember that you always have a choice in how you respond. A clear vision can be your compass, guiding you through the storms and helping you adjust your sails when the winds change.
I’d love to hear your thoughts. What’s your vision for this season? How are you adapting to the changes around you?
Here’s to a season of clarity, resilience, and purpose.
Light and Love,
Bob Regnerus

