Vision
What is your vision? For yourself, for your organization and for the world? I get many clients who want to
work on their vision, purpose and mission statements. This series of articles will address the why and how
of articulating these important inter-related statements.
Why is articulating a vision important? Because a vision is what pulls you forward into the future you’ve
decided to create. Going through life without a vision pushes you into a future of other people’s creation.
A compelling vision can move not only you, but galvanize others. A powerful enough vision can change
the world.
Gandhi’s vision was a positive one, and it moved two nations and captured the attention of much of the
world. It’s what allowed him to continuously take action that might have otherwise seemed meaningless
and hopeless.
The events of September 11 in New York and Washington must also have been inspired by a powerful
vision. A vision that was despicable to Americans and much of the world, but clearly was compelling
enough to inspire human suicide and attract lots of money to pull it off. Who would have thought that the
United States could be attacked in such an audacious way, and that our economy would be crippled by such
an act? Who would have thought that the way of life for millions of Americans could be changed in an
hour? Who would have thought that we could be inspired to war in an instant, by acts that were clearly
meant to push us to that place? Clearly someone thought this impossible vision was possible. That’s the
power of articulating a vision.
That’s the why – to inspire you to act in a cohesive way to achieve things beyond what’s possible right now.
What’s our vision for our country right now? A nation at war? Airports guarded with M-16’s? Living in
fear? Or could we be a country that responds in a bigger way to the mean acts that have been perpetrated?
Are compassion and justice diametrically opposed, or could it be possible for us to achieve both? In a world
where even bottles of water are “sealed for your protection,” what have we been envisioning? If we stay in
a place of fear, whose vision are we embracing?
How do you go about finding and expressing your vision? Clients sometimes feel daunted by this work, as it
seems so big and important, they don’t want to “get it wrong.” But it’s work like any other work. You start, go
through a process, and then declare it done for the time being. It doesn’t have to be perfect, and it doesn’t have
to be a long and agonizing process. It just has to work for you. If you then live your life inspired and in
congruence with your vision, it will also impact others.
How do you start? Choose a medium for expressing yourself that’s comfortable. I like to either write at my
computer, or with a pen and journal. Other possibilities include brainstorming with a friend or a coach,
drawing, painting, mind mapping – whatever gets your creative juices flowing toward possibility. Then…..just
start. Don’t worry about it being right, you can do as many drafts as you like. The important thing is to start.
Express your vision in the present tense, i.e., “I have,” “we are,” etc. The questions below may help stimulate
your thinking:
- What do I wish existed in the world that doesn’t exist today?
- What would I like to see eliminated?
- What do I want for myself? (career, health, relationships)
- What does my organization ideally look like?
A vision should be bigger than you, and much bigger than today’s picture. You’re delineating a gap between
what exists and what you truly want in your heart. Should a vision be “realistic?” In my opinion, being
“realistic” can place limits on a statement of possibility. Realism will make its mark on its own; let your vision
be about possibility.
How long should your vision statement be? When you’re crafting it, write as much as you’d like. Then start
boiling it down. Being concise will force you to get very clear about what exactly it is that you are visualizing.
Your finished product should be short enough that you know it by heart. For some people, that’s a few
sentences; for others, a few paragraphs. Look at it often. When you’re faced with difficult decisions, or time
management conundrums, ask yourself “what will bring me closer to my vision, sooner?” If you have a
discouraging day or event, go over your vision and recommit to making it happen. When you have a win,
celebrate that you are moving closer to your vision.
Create your vision this month. If you already have one you’ve been working with, revisit it! How can you
make it stronger? Has anything changed? Create your story, and live it with courage.
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Reach Me: Telephone: (970) 259-4847; Fax: (970) 259-4874
E-mail: ginger@magellangj.com
Web: www.magellangj.com
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