Your personal vision is the difference between leading a life by design and leading a life by default.
And, there are only two simple steps to creating a motivating and powerful personal vision!
What is a Personal Vision
Your personal vision describes your life’s destination, your purpose, and your why. It serves as an internal compass or your north star. A clear vision is like a rudder on a ship — it is the tool that guides the ship.
Your vision is not a goal. Your vision is where you are going and who are you becoming, while goals are specific and measurable milestones on the path to realizing your vision.
How to Develop Your Personal Vision
First, identify 5-7 roles in your life that matter most to you. Some common examples might include personal, parent, spouse/significant other, professional, school, charity/church, community, investor, etc.
Second, use your vision and goals template (if you don’t have a BYB planner where templates can be included, here is a free template) to write down each of your roles. Write a short and concise statement of what your “best” looks like for each role. Be sure to physically write this down.
If you’re not sure what your vision is for each role, here are some questions to help you define and articulate your thoughts:
- In 5-10 years, what are some things you want to do or have accomplished?
- In 10 years from now, how do you want to look back on the previous 10 years?
- How do you hope others will remember and describe you?
- What traits and characteristics do you most admire in others?
Use the answers to these questions to articulate a concise and meaningful vision statement for each of your life roles. It doesn’t have to be perfect! It can evolve, change, and become more clear with time, but be sure to put something down and have a starting vision statement. The art is in the start!
What If I Already Have a Written Vision?
Take time to review your vision (1) as part of your pre-week planning and (2) annually as you set goals and start the new year. Don’t be afraid to make updates and tweaks to keep it current and motivating. Your life and roles and ambitions will change over time. Once you have your personal vision, review it regularly (pre-week planning) so that it guides your weekly and daily actions. That is how you lead a life by design!
Wrapping Up
If you don’t have a personal vision, take time now or schedule time this week to write it down. Once you have it written down, review it as part of your pre-week planning and let it guide your weekly and daily actions. You will then live intentionally, purposefully, and do what matters most. That is becoming your best!
“The vision that you glorify in your mind, the ideal that you enthrone in your heart, this you will build your life by, and this you will become.” – James Allen
Want to see other articles and posts by Becoming Your Best? Go here.
Want to learn more about our training solutions?
Leadership Development: The 12 Principles of Highly Successful Leaders
Do What Matters Most: The #1 Time-Management and Productivity Solution
The Six-Step Process: Six-Steps to Solve Your Biggest Challenges
Free Resources