Crafting Your Vision
“It’s a terrible thing to see and have no vision”— Helen Keller
In every thread of human progress, there are common factors that support excellence—among the most important is vision.
We hear this word so often that it can be fatiguing—if it weren’t so central to our personal navigation towards our future alignment.
In the last article we discussed the three documents that every person should write and rewrite throughout their lives. These include Mission(s), Vision, and Legacy. Each serves a fundamental purpose yet each works in synergy with the other to create an inspiring life architecture. In summary:
- Mission(s) Statements: are grand objectives that look to the future
- Vision Statements: tell the story of these objectives in the present
- Legacy Statements: celebrate the story looking backward
We started painting with broad-brush strokes by looking at your large objectives. Today we are going to expand on these, writing in the present, with exceptional detail.
If you were successful creating a short-list of missions that you would like to move towards (professional, family, spiritual, social, etc.) you are in a good place to expand on these and create mini visions for each. That is our task for today.
In building a more comprehensive Vision, there are a few simple principles that can help you draft a compelling and motivating Vision Statement:
- Write in the present tense
- Use as much sensory detail as possible
- Create a mini-vision using each mission by stitching them together
- Remember, this is not a complex task, but one that takes much thought and care. The richer the storyline the more compelling the vision. Let’s look at a few examples:
Starting with Professional Mission (from the last article’s example):
- To make a difference in the world with my career
- To find meaning and joy in my career
- To make enough money so my family wants for nothing
- To make a completely unique contribution in my field
- To enjoy the process of work and always stick with my passions and talents
Converting these missions into a Professional Vision one might consider the present-tense story:
“I have taken my work seriously throughout my life and I am now reaching the top of my game. The work that I have done is making a difference in the organization I am working in, but even more compelling is that it’s having an influence in my industry as a whole, and the people in it. This work gives me meaning and I see it changing lives. I’m told often that I’m making a difference and this brings me joy. I feel satisfied that I am moving in the right direction and my work pushes me every-day.
I’m making a six-figure income because of the value I bring to the market place and also because of the young leaders that I am helping to develop. My family wants for nothing and I have a significant nest egg for the future. My kid’s college funds are well endowed and they can choose any school they like. I feel content and satisfied.
I’m attending conferences and presenting on “cutting edge” ideas that are gaining the attention of influencers in my profession. But even though I’m finding success, I’m challenging myself further. I’m keeping it interesting. I love my work and I am seeking to improve it every day. I have found my niche and new opportunities are showing up on a regular basis. I will continue to learn and grow each day, serving those in my professional arena. I know what it feels like to be striving yet content, expert yet curious, selfless yet fully satisfied. This is my work today and I love it!”
Now consider similar present-tense stories in each of your missions. That is your goal this week: to build an internally rich and meaningful narrative that truly paints a picture today of what you want to manifest tomorrow. These are the seeds of greatness! Let’s put some water and sunshine on them.
Write and rewrite until you get it just the way you want it. Use as many senses as you can and be as graphic as possible. The more real the better. In our next article we will take a third perspective—looking back on a life well lived.
See you soon.