Find Your Vision
Many individuals live by the day; if you ask them what they have achieved and wish to achieve, you will be surprised to know they have no specific answer.
Having a vision connects you to your higher purpose, builds accountability, and provides inertia to achieve the desired aspirations.
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Visioning provides the organization or an individual with a clear sense of direction and a robust selection of power. It gives an individual the sense of being empowered in something essential (Goodstein et al., 1993)
A study conducted in 2016 highlights that individuals with clearly defined vision are 84% more successful than those who live life by the day.
Let’s understand the five specific benefits that come from having a personal vision statement:
It becomes easier to make decisions.
It provides you with a sense of direction.
It helps you determine your long-term and short-term goals.
It will motivate you when you are at the crossroads of your life (do check out my book: At the Crossroads of Life)
It will help you live a balanced life.
A personal vision statement is a statement that describes your values, your strengths, and your goals. It can be focused on life or professional goals, and it is intended to orient you toward your long-term dreams. It is a tool to help guide your actions when important decisions have to be made or in particular transition moments.
Successful people frequently review their personal vision statement to get a sense of direction, and fulfillment and to live their days more joyfully.
A personal vision statement should contain:
Your interests
Your skills
Your values
What the world needs, how can you make the difference
Your goal
Japanese philosophy addresses having your purpose as Ikigai, a long-term goal aligned to all the areas above. Your Ikigai can provide you with a sense of purpose and direction. Some people call it life’s purpose.
How do you create a vision that truly drives you?
Start with a purpose:
What is the ultimate goal you want to achieve?
What motivates you or your organization to do what you do?
Be specific: A vision should be clear and concise. It should define what you want to achieve, how you will achieve it, and the timeline for achieving it.
Involve stakeholders: A shared vision is more likely to be embraced by all members of an organization. Involve your team, customers, and other stakeholders in the visioning process to create a sense of ownership and commitment.
Communicate and reinforce: Once you have a vision, communicate it consistently and regularly to keep it top of mind. Use it as a guide for decision-making, and celebrate the progress made towards achieving it.
