Connecting All the Dots

The Work Behind the Vision

There’s a particular kind of joy that comes from seeing things line up—one moment at a time, one piece at a time. For me, that feeling goes all the way back to childhood. I used to love those workbook-style coloring books where you’d connect the dots with a pencil and slowly, delightfully, the image would emerge. Before there were apps or tablets to hold our attention, this was it—pencil in hand, focus on the page, revealing a picture that was hidden until the very last connection was made.

It felt magical. And honestly? It still does.

These days, the dots look a little different. They’re not numbered in sequence, and there’s no cartoon waiting at the end. Now it’s a dashboard here, a workflow there, a new process, a revised system, a step-by-step build to make something that not only works—but works well, even when I’m not watching.

And as we round out the second year of building this business, I can tell you with full honesty: I feel so proud of how many dots we’ve connected.

In the Work Beneath the Vision

In the first year of entrepreneurship, it’s easy to stay heads-down. There’s so much to set up. So many moments where you think, I could just do this one thing manually… because building the system feels like a mountain. And in truth, it is. But I knew I didn’t want to stay a solo consultant. I had a bigger vision.

I wanted to build a team. I wanted to bring the most talented speakers, trainers, and leaders I know along for the ride—and we’ve done exactly that. Now, we’re a team that collaborates beautifully, and every single one of us brings something powerful to the table. But it doesn’t happen by accident. It happens by system.

That’s where the deep satisfaction kicks in. It’s not just the client-facing side that’s flowing—it’s what’s happening underneath. It’s when an onboarding email sends itself. When a new client drops into our CRM and gets exactly the right welcome. When every member of the team knows how to deliver the brand promise without needing to ask a dozen questions. That’s when I feel that same childhood thrill of seeing something come together.

The dots are connected.

The Balance You Can’t Skip

Here’s the thing: doing the work is one kind of leadership. But doing the work with strategy? That’s a whole other level.

I’ve learned the hard way that too much of one without the other doesn’t work. If your head’s always down in the details, you can lose your way entirely—drifting off the path you meant to walk. But if you’re always up in the clouds, vision boarding your heart out, but never grounding it in execution… well, the dream stays a dream. It doesn’t get built.

Leadership means toggling between the two. It means pausing to ask: What’s still working? What needs to evolve? What systems need a checkup? That’s why I recommend a quarterly strategic review—and, at the very least, an annual visioning session. Why wouldn’t you write it down and map it out at least that often?

It doesn’t just clarify the work. It clarifies you—your energy, your intention, and the kind of results you’re truly seeking.

Draw Your Way Forward

When I think about connecting the dots, I picture a field full of potential. But here’s what I’ve learned: it’s not enough to know the dots are out there. You have to know which ones matter. And you have to know why.

Some dots are legacy patterns. Some are future strategies. Some are habits you built without even realizing it. If you don’t stop to look at the full picture—if you don’t zoom out—you might keep stringing together dots that aren’t actually helping you move forward.

But when you pause… when you really look… you can start to draw a picture that looks like your life. Your work. Your purpose.

For me, the joy isn’t just in connecting things. It’s in watching the image take shape. That’s the payoff. That’s what makes the daily effort feel worthwhile. That’s the difference between surviving your schedule and leading your life.

OK, Let’s Play
Strategic thinking doesn't have to feel heavy—it can be energizing when you treat it like a game.

Ready: Zoom out for a moment. You might be further than you think.

Set: Pick an area of your business (or life!) where things feel scattered. Don't judge—just notice.

Go:

• List 5 “dots” in that area: things, actions, or relationships that are currently in motion
• Draw a quick sketch (literally or mentally) of how they relate
• Ask yourself: Is this moving me forward—or just keeping me busy?
• Choose one dot to remove, re-route, or realign to get closer to your goal

Final Rallying Cry: Draw Your Way Forward

At the end of the day, leadership is about momentum—but it’s also about meaning. And meaning comes from making thoughtful connections.

If you’re building something that matters—whether it’s a business, a team, or your personal brand—you don’t have to go it alone, and you don’t have to wing it. You can sketch a plan. You can look at the big picture. And you can move forward one intentional dot at a time.

Here’s what I believe: the systems you build today shape the life you lead tomorrow. So take the time to design something that aligns with who you are.

Because when all the dots connect, that’s when the magic happens.
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Hey there! I’m Blair Bloomston, author of UPLIFTED WEEKLY and your friendly consultant, facilitator, and game-based educator on-call, bringing a passion and penchant for all things play (I’m also alliteratively all-in). As the founder of Leaders Uplifted, I help leaders like you tap into creativity, connection, and confidence to make work feel less like a grind and more like a game. Keep reading with me— I’m here to be your business best friend. Let's go!