What is a vision statement? A vision statement is an aspirational statement made by a company that outlines long-term goals. A successful vision statement inspires employees and steers an organization’s efforts, clarifying your business’s meaning and purpose for stakeholders. Building what you want requires a vision or a picture of your projected outcome—what you want to see happen. It is a blueprint leading to the complete picture you envisioned. Mission statements and vision statements are constructive in many aspects of life. Although primarily used in corporate settings, having dreams and aspirations laid out and a plan to take action to achieve those goals is helpful in everyday life too. Take a look at some of these creative ideas to teach you what is a vision statement and a guide to follow to manifest your long-term goals.
Do you know the most essential piece to a puzzle? The picture on the front of the box!
1. Draw your picture.
To find your company’s mission, you must first envision your success. Galileo Galilee noted, “All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them.” Draw your picture. Yes, elementary as it may sound, very few people have recorded the picture they want to create, whether it be for your personal life, your career, or your family. Have you scripted your vision? Probably not! So now is your best hour. Ask yourself this question to help create your picture: “What do I want to see happen in my life?” Or “What is my ultimate goal?” Write it down. Capture it on paper. Vision boards have been used for decades. If you wanted to build a house and employ an interior designer, you would need to arrange a color palette, organize the vision, and brainstorm what you want your home to look like. Vision boards serve as a template and a roadmap for you and others to refer back to throughout the decision-making process. The same goes for a business plan. Are you looking to become an entrepreneur? If so, what is the long-term future goal? Don’t envision yourself only as a small business. To reach your full potential, you must dream big, draw big, and lay out an inspiring vision statement. This clear vision must be a motivating resource to drive your dream and bring you all you can ever hope for. What do you think Elon Musk used to sell his big dream of Tesla, the amazing electric car providing sustainable energy to the world? It must have been quite the company vision statement! The company culture he manifested is impressive, and now he is one of the wealthiest men alive.
“A picture is an intermediate something between a thought and a thing.”
2. Discover what you don’t like.
It’s okay to discover what you don’t like; the key is to avoid focusing on what you don’t like! There is a difference. Create the contrast. It helps to create a comparison or juxtaposition of what you do and don’t like. Understanding what and why you dislike something helps narrow your focus. Can you imagine the dismay of Jeff Bezos’ friends and family when he quit his job and decided to start selling books out of the garage of his rented home in Bellvue, Washington, with a few of his buddies? Who would have known that on July 16, 1995, Jeff’s dream would become Amazon, earth’s most customer-centric company? It all started with one action. He did not like his job and took action to make his dream come true. His journey proves that strategic planning is essential for achieving your company’s goals. After all, what is a vision statement worth if you are too scared to take on the challenge? Making that plan something that everyone will benefit from is even better. Ask other people their opinion when you are faced with ideas and initiatives that you may not enjoy. Your company’s future depends on you getting this right, and your business strategy has to make sense to everyone. There is an unlimited amount of things you can focus on, but what is the most important thing you need to intend to do? Philosopher Rene Descartes remarked, “It is not enough to have a good mind. The main thing is to use it well.” Be aware of your surroundings while focusing on what matters most to you!
“If I had to live my life over again, I’d dare to make more mistakes next time.”
3. Engage in a siesta to help you create your vision.
Get out. Take a vacation. One day or several, the ability to get away from the hustle and bustle of life to reflect on what is most important in your life can be revealing. Everyone’s idea of relaxation is different. For some, a simple trip to Patagonia and Ikea with a Starbucks latte in their hand is all they need to reboot their mind and begin their day fresh and renewed. For others, Disney is the holy grail of childhood magic. Whatever you choose to do to regroup your day-to-day struggles, the point is to relax and let your mind dream. The constant barrage of television or the expectations of others have of you can cloud the mind. The norms of society and cultural outlooks on what you should do can blind you. If a vacation is too cumbersome, then take an hour, a half-day, or a day or two to get in touch with what is most important to you. Life’s responsibilities can quickly tell you that you don’t have time to get away. Ignore that message since it is your limited self trying to scare you into a comfortable life of mediocrities flanked by self-imposed external pressures. The point is to step back to clear your mind.
“Cherish the visions and dreams as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate achievements.”
4. Define, in writing, your code of conduct.
What would it take to achieve your vision? What values and actions require your focus? What is a vision statement that defines exactly what you love, who you are, and what specific company core values matter most to you? Think of this statement as your north star guiding your journey toward success. Is it life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness? How about freedom, family, and financial independence? What about adventure, wisdom, or endless enthusiasm? How about prioritizing your health care both mentally and physically? Perhaps you want to dedicate focused time to your spiritual strength or donate your time to a non-profit. With a good vision statement clearly laid before you, you will find focus and that focus is what it takes to improve your life. Don’t be discouraged if it takes time. You may and should revise multiple vision statement examples. If you struggle with writing down exactly what you want, try writing more often about other topics. Keep a journal and dare to dream in it. Once you get into practicing physically writing things down, your senses will start to connect the written word both visually and physically. There is a reason that writing is one of the oldest forms of communication. It is a mighty gift if you remember to use it.
5. Nourish your mental picture by developing your vision team.
You deserve a high-quality life, and the only way to achieve it is by putting your focus in the right direction. If the ideas are there but you cannot find your motivation, seek a mentor or a professional coach to edit the weakest points within your personal and professional self. Strategic business planning doesn’t just assist you in your professional life, it motivates you from within, and that will trickle into every aspect of who you are. Persons who can achieve a vision alone have chosen a concept that is not big enough. Who can help you manifest your vision? Many people are willing to help you if you only open your eyes. The key is to find the right kind of people who can help. The best ones are those that share your vision. Make a list and recruit the best.
Each of us has the capacity to have a vision for our future. No one can do this for you. Use this God-given talent to create a life you know you are capable of living. Have the courage to see it happen before it happens.
Remember, what is a vision statement worth if you aren’t taking steps to visualize your future?
Best of success to you!