Why is vision such a big deal? (Vision Part 1 of 6)
Over the years my clients have asked me over and over in various different ways about vision. In fact, one of my newer associates recently asked me “What’s so important about vision anyway?”
As a business coach I’m often shocked at how many business leaders and business development specialists take this topic for granted. I mean some people don’t even consider having a well articulated vision and mission statement a priority. What they don’t know is that their lack of a clearly defined vision is just as powerful as having one in the first place. In fact, if you don’t know where you are going, you are likely to get there faster. Where is that you ask? Well nowhere of course! You can’t create something from nothing unless you have an idea.
Vision is the absolute most important creative force in the known universe. It’s the beginning of everything. It clarifies our decision making, helps people to understand where we are going and defines the very purpose of every major initiative. Vision helps us to not only understand the destination of others, of companies and organizations but it aligns people with the motivation needed to be of assistance toward the fulfillment of mission with a sense of purpose and passion.
As I say, most of us take vision for granted and let others define how, why and what we do instead of taking the time to do it for ourselves. Our employers define professionalism for us. Our professional organizations define our existence in the organization with the “code of ethics”. Our parents may have molded us into the “good son or daughter” and helped to cast our sights on the “type” of parents we would be. It’s important to understand that everything that you do and everything you are is driven by and requires vision. Everything from your self-concept to how you will perform within each roles of life is dominated by vision all of the time.
As I pontificate this idea, I realize that the question can only be answered from many different perspectives and there are simply too many ideas to bring out in one setting if hope to do myself or you the reader any kind of justice. So, I’ve decided to share these ideas with you over the next few weeks with several different posts that will highlight the very essence of the vision idea hopefully in an illuminating and refreshing way. We’ll cover the topic in this order:
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Vision sets and determines destination
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Vision helps others to buy-in and create true understanding
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Vision clarifies decision making
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Vision creates and sustains motivation
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Vision defines purpose
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Vision is the essence of creativity
Vision sets and determines destination
Ok, let’s discuss this first topic. One of the greatest characteristics of vision is its unique and distinct advantage of providing a sense of destination or destiny if you will. When you absolutely know where you want to go in life there is a peace that is almost infectious. Imagine not having to ask “what is this all about?” or “why am I doing this?” When your vision is clear not only do you know where you are going but why you are going there. You are in tune and in touched with a deeper sense of self with more meaningful insight into your particular contribution in life.
There is no lack of direction or focus. There’s only increasing clarity as you pursue your idea with passion and complete integrity. I use the word integrity because your vision actually defines the most authentic you that there is. Way before Shakespere asked “to be or not to be” the ancient civilizations posed questions like “who am I?” and “what is?” Vision brings answers to the greatest questions of all time. The answers are yours and they yours personally. When it’s right, it’s whole and complete and that’s exactly how you feel. When your vision is correct, you no longer wander the earth to quote the great Zig Zigler “wandering generality” instead you become a “meaningful specific”.
Yes, vision sets you and your company on solid ground. Corporate and organizational leaders use vision so that both clients and employees alike know where they are going. This helps everyone begin to have solid and firm definitions of their place in the organization. Remember the biblical phrase “without a vision people perish”. This is even true today.
Here are some useful exercises to try.
Write a list of everything that you know that you are good at? Think about the sets of skills that you’ve had to master in order to accomplish all that you’ve achieved in life so far. What did you have to do to get your spouse to say yes? What did you do to get your last promotion or position in the community?
No take a hard look at your skills. What do they tell you about you? Which skills do you enjoy using the most? What could you do all day every day without getting tired or being bored? How can you leverage these skills to propel your future?
Next time we’ll get into topic number two: “Vision helps others to buy-in and create true understanding“
Welcome to the revolution!
I couldn’t agree more that vision is the destination. What will you need to do, pack, prepare, or take with you on the journey? Summer clothes have a purpose but they won’t be very useful in Alaska in February. Likewise, your actions in work and life may be productive for the moment but are they really contributing to your vision or destination? Hard to tell if you don’t know where or what that is.
The clarity of one’s vision is crucial and I’ve seen those who know exactly what their vision is enjoy a serenity that appears so worth striving for! I, for one, struggle with that clarity. It’s hard work to clearly define your vision but I can SEE it’s worth it when I meet those who have it. The future looks bright and positive but for me, clarifying the vision in that blinding light or brightness is a process I’m currently working through.
“The tragedy in life doesn’t lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach” – Benjamin Mays I agree that vision can give one clarification – it can also be inspiring, elevate your enthusiasm, and most importantly your self-esteem. However, having vision does not necessarily mean success and it only needs to be important to you – but in a succesful relationship and especially in a succesful marriage, shared vision is essential.
Reading this article reminded me of the Harvard University study done where the graduating class was surveyed and only 3% of the students had written goals. The 3% with written goals were twice as successful as the other students. I’ve always believed it was because they could clearly see where they wanted to be (vision) where they wanted to be in life.
I know that I follow leadership with clear vision – even if I don’t agree with the vision before I’ll follow leadership with no vision. And if we want to be leaders within our business and have the people working with us actually work in our organizations for more than a paycheck, then we must not only have vision but also be able to articulate that vision to our team members.
The vision of a vision … such a lovely sight! Thanks for talking about this topic, Coach, as it is essential to life. Gets to the very core of so many issues people are having today. I am actually excited by the “economic downturn” that we have agreed to create together. For if nothing else it is forcing people to look at their lives, really look, and be clear about who they are, where they are going, and why they are going there. While not often willing to do this for personal aspects of life, the amount of new people seeing self-employment as the smart option now are being forced to get clear that the only way their business – and therefore they themselves – can survive and thrive is with a clear vision and clear mission. Onward to the top we go. Vision giving us the pull, the mountain peak we are headed to.
Reading this in conjunction with listening to a CD by Stephen Covey on the topic of Focus reminds me of an example that he uses to bring clarity to the importance of defining our own personal Vision. Covey uses the illustration of an individual reaching the top of a success ladder only to find out that he/she has put the ladder against the wrong wall! Clear vision not only produces a successful outcome but it also ensures that we climb the right wall!
When I read this blog I thought “Wow” this was an eye opener for me. I have gone thru my life never defining a true vision. I know have done very well in my profession, however somehow I have always felt like something was missing. I truly get a great fulfillment with working working, developing, and encouraging people. Friends and co workers always would say “Jeannie you have it” and I would just smile and say thank you and walk away and wondering what is “It” … Everyone else around me could see a vision over my life…So when I read this blog on Vision and Why its such a big deal – Well it is a big deal because if I would had sat down years ago and defined my vision I would be that much closer to reaching my goals in my life/personal and professional career.
Like Jeannie, I have never defined a vision for myself. As I was reading the article, it became increasingly clear to me what has been missing in terms of satisfaction. I have allowed others to define what direction to go and what to do. My career choices have only been strategic in the sense of what was supposed to come next, not necessarily what I wanted to do or even planned to do. Now I really know why when people ask me what is next, I clam up, I’m completely stumped. Clearly, I have no roadmap. I’ve always admired people who have that clear vision of where they are going and what is next. They are focused and they make better decisions about their lives. Looking forward to the next article.
I recently read something on vision and planning. It said that we spend more time planning our vacations than on planning our lives or our businesses. It’s very true and I’m among the guilty. I put hours and hours into planning my last vacation and was very clear on its purpose (relaxation and family enjoyment). My vision for the vacation was well defined and achieved.
I can’t say the same, however, for my business. I’ve repeatedly set goals and repeatedly failed to reach them. I have a vision in my head that is neither well defined or written. I’m looking forward to this process and to developing my vision, mission and plan. I think that documenting my vision will give my business planning and goal setting direction
I love Connie’s citation on how people spend more time planning their vacation than on their vision. This is so true. As a businesswoman and executive coach, I know how important having a clear and compelling vision is for people to reach their goals and attain the fulfilling life they dream of living. I coach my clients on this subject and creating a vision and determining values is the first thing we work on.
For me personally, I have spent much time crafting specific goals and visionary goals of where I want my life to be in one year, five years, and beyond (ultimate goals). However, one area I am lacking is a vision statement for my life. I am now challenged to work on this! I believe a compelling vision statement will be something I can put in front of me that will inspire and motivate me.
Thank you Marvin, for this wonderful and timely “kick in the pants!”
It is clear that I have gone through life so far as an apparent example of Zig Ziglar’s wandering generality, but now is the time to become a meaningful specific. I did what I was raised (told) to….got a good education, had a great job, saw the world, saved for my retirement, etc… but unfortunately one morning I woke up and realized that I was bored and really didn’t enjoy what I was doing. And it likely showed. While I had been following the course that had been charted for me, I hadn’t been the one charting that course!
Or maybe I had and it was no longer working for me. Regardless….
Now is the time for ME to determine my life’s vision and direction. I have been blessed with the opportunity to ‘recreate’ myself and set my OWN course for the next half of my life, do what I want to do and not follow the guidelines and expectations of others. But before I can determine my vision, I need to identify the talents that I bring to the table, the skills that I have developed. One of the difficult things is just that, recognizing those skills, the ones that I take for granted but that others see in me.
While it may be scary to realize that I am in the driver’s seat, it is exhilarating at the same time! It’s time to determine the end so that the next steps may be set and I can begin moving towards my new, challenging, and wonderful life!
OK, guilty! I am in a business where much of it is predefined and I didn’t think I needed a personal “vision”. Sure, I have goals – they are very clear, but I admit I’m not 100% sure how to get there. It is a wonderful experience when you hear a message from different perspectives and they come together to give you a serious “wake up” call. I hear you and appreciate the reminder to keep me (my skills, my interests) alive in my vision. And I “hear” Christine Kloser in “The Freedom Formula – How to Put Soul in Your Business and Money in Your Bank” when she stresses that one of the keys for your Vision is to know your values. As I work/play to develop my vision for my business & personal life, I must honor the unique me that is at the center. Then I can move forward in authenticity.
Over the years, my husband & I were building our business. I was working fulltime, he was working fulltime on the biz. We both tried very hard to instill in ourselves the vision to really move it forward. We did it through networking & just plain working hard. All along, we both knew that I needed to be planted fulltime in OUR business – not someone elses. So, in 2007 – the universe answered a vision… whether we were prepared to go in that direction or not…. I was put on part time. That shook both of us because we were not prepared – or were we??? I mention the future visioning statement because that’s what’s been driving me… well us! In 2008 – the part time became no time & that finally gave me/us the time to vision where we wanted to go & what we want to do.
I play this game with my husband all the time… “what do we want to do with our lives?” “What do you want to be when you “grow up?”"… the future is all the things we have in our hands & creatively we’re finding our purpose & passion! We’re both creative individuals and everyday I find myself working on my vision goals… for business, for personal, for satisfaction. Like Melissa – this conversation is good to get the juices going, and I think (know) that this conversation will get me thinking… where do I want to take our business & how far? What are our talents, what is our target market, what are our challenges, and most of all – what are the fears that I WILL LET GO!
I think I’m almost there – I have so many ideas in my head & talents that I want to bring to the table, it’s just a matter of duck-taping myself to a chair & a pad of paper (Word will do) & just write down anything & everything that pops in my head….. this conversation will help me emensely…. thanks
In response to your first item in the list, it is interesting that you should mention that vision sets and defines direction. Since I am working through your network planning session for 2009, direction is the #1 thing that I am looking for in the new year. I know that I want to see my business head towards being 100% online for various reasons. It seems that establishing a strong vision is going to be the only way to get there.
Based on the exercises in this thread I think that I will be well suited towards being good at this task because I like hanging out online and have become quite skilled with internet technology and several internet marketing strategies. It is just fun toying around with the stuff, so when I get serious about making it happen…. wow…. I am looking forward to the end result. My main challenge is going to be forcing myself to stick with this plan of attack.
God Bless,
-Dan
Vision is essential for companies because it answers the “Why” question. When I coach budding entrepreneurs I tell them that money cannot be the sole driving force for your company if you want to be in business for the long term. There must be a inspiring vision for your business that will sustain you through the inevitable ups and downs in the business cycle.
Hmmmm.
So how do I align my vision to the universe that I am in? At first glance, my vision has always been in conflict with ‘my’ reality. At what point might I wish to ‘negotiate’ my declaration so as to accommodate others in my life?
It has been noted earlier that there is a certain serenity that comes with defining, and following ones’ vision. To me, it has a double edge. At what price do I follow my vision?
It seems that I run hard down one path to achieve the necessary tools to turn and run as far as I can down the other path of my choosing. My vision path, if you will. But since travel here is not self-sustaining, I must eventually return to the previous engagement.
The two paths do not necessarily run parallel. An obvious goal would be to have them run together. I like the analogy of working 50 weeks a year at your desk job so you can go enjoy two weeks in the islands. Very few people have been able to bring their other 50 weeks into their paradise.
To this end I will strive.
All the best,
Michael
I find myself at a crossroads in my life. I have been toodling along, doing essentially the same thing year after year. For the most part, it’s been “comfortable”. Even better, I have felt good about myself and have taken pride in my work and accomplishments.
Yet I am pretty much at the top of my game in that field now. I am… well, nearly stuck there. Not much room for advancement, nor do I have any idea what else I could do there. Certainly my payscale, especially in the company I’m at, doesn’t have much room for growth. Is this all I am?
Vision. I have been looking at, and even took a foray into, a completely new field of work. It is exciting and VERY different for me. With the encouragement of friends and family, I tried it. And was successful! What exhileration! But I am not in a position to make a complete jump right away. I need to ease into it while working my ‘day job’.
This, I’m finding, is very difficult. With a new boss who I *like* now, I find myself settling into “comfort” mode again. I will get nowhere if I sink into that.
What I need, in a HUGE way, is a vision. This cannot come at a better time for me. I need to examine my dreams and come up with a vision that I can COMMIT to. That, I hope, will spur me on and motivate me to make the changes (and sacrifices) that I need to make in order to make a change. (Did I mention I’m not fond of change? Oh well.)
“Vision sets and determinates destination.” Yes. That’s why I’m here.
Being a person who sincerely enjoys change”¦ thrives in it”¦ I find that my “vision”, or what I had previously defined as my vision, changes every time I explored a new avenue. I find something new, become totally passionate about that field, and decide that is where I want to focus my career. Until, that is, I get bored. One thing I took from this blog is that I lacked a REAL personal vision. I believe I was getting bored because I either accomplished what I had set out to accomplish, wasn’t doing something that was in line with my vision, or I simply wasn’t looking far enough ahead in what I was doing to take the next step. And so I would stray off course, and declare a new vision. What I considered my vision was actually, in the big picture, a mini goal that was too focused on what I was doing at the time. Looking back, these statements were not a true representation of a vision, and did not answer any of the “why” questions. Thank you for this new perspective.
Vision is the foundation for a successful business. It is the essence of why the business was started. It provides clarity for the decisions the owner will make and helps provide a map for his employees in terms of where the business is going. Without a good vision statement, the employees may not “buy” into the direction of the company which can lead to confusion and low morale. A consultant cannot tell the owner why they went into business nor can he create a vision statement. The vision must come from the owner to ensure his passion is emulated through his vision. No consultant can effectively create this feeling. I speak from a personal experience.
You have to have vision in order to know where you are going and what you want to accomplish. It’s like going on a vacation and driving there. You know the destination you want to reach, you find a map and map out the best course to follow in order to get there. You might have to make adjustments for unforeseen obstacles and/or occurrences, but always stay on course or get back on course if you’ve strayed.
And it is good to always go over your vision statement regularly to keep it fresh in your mind.
I agree that having a vision is a prerequisite to success. The challenge is developing a vision statement that is at once comprehensive yet can be reinforced everyday in my business. I feel like I am writing my first resume–so much has to be included yet it needs to be succinct and include all the things I want my company to become.
I agree that your vision very important and it speaks to where you going, how you are going to get there and what you plan to do once you are there. During a recent discussion vision was the topic and basically it was addressed as what do I stand for and how is it projected in my organization. I am revisiting our vision and the statement to ensuring the message reflects the integrity of our passion.
Wow…I have never looked at having a VISION from this perspective before. After working in corporate life for 22 years (and following the “vision” of the company I worked for) and faced with making a decision to either continue working for someone else or fulfill my own dreams; I decided to choose the later. What I did not do was develop a Vision for myself and my business. Being very good at setting goals and reaching them does not constitue having that true vision to strive for. This blog has given me a desire to truly reflect and work on this thing called “vision”. However, it may be necessary to overcome the need for instant gratification, as “realizing your vision”, appears to take some time and strategy….hhhmmmm…something to really meditate on.
Without a vision/destination, how will you know you have arrived where you want to be? I would imagine you just decide you are there without a real idea of where you are. Having your own vision, instead of simply following another, has to be the way to go.
Most people let life happen to them and don’t plan. Who wants to do that? Vision is a evolutionary endeavor that is best shared with your “significant other”. That sharing makes the vision more real and achievable.
I see that Vision is the starting point for every big achievement. Without a clear, well thought out Vision, one would not know where to start and what to achieve. It like saying in vague terms that “I want to be successful” without a clear definiton of what Success means to you.
I guess that means I need to write down a Vision of what I want to accomplish. It sounds so simple, yet it is probably one of the most difficult things to write down, but lets make a start !
On a business level, for years companies fell all over themselves coming up with ‘mission statements’ which were to describe what they were all about. Then it gravitated to ‘goals’ which was supposed to show where they wanted to be. Now with ‘vision’ it makes more sense to me as that is , at least in my mind, the ‘end point’ of where I want to see my company.
Personnally, ‘vision’ will help me see where I want to be as well as where I want the people in my company (and people around me) to be.
When I think of vision, I end up with an image of looking to the horizon. I can see what appears to be a defined point on horizon, but it always seems that if I attempt to get to that point the perspective changes and the horizon moves. Trying to reach what you THINK you see becomes a bit hopeless in that instance. Reading your definition of vision flips that image. If I have a clear vision, I know that I will get where I’m going regardless of how often the landscape seems to change around me. My goal does not change, but the direction I take to get there may. And I can work around that.
Vision is such a big deal because it helps us plan. It allows us to determine what steps are needed so that we can achieve the goals we have set forth for ourselves.
Throughout my life I have had many visions which seem to turn into goals towards my next vision, my next phase. Vision gives purpose to each and every day, to each and every task.
Over the years, I have always thought the vision and goals were the same thing…somewhere/something you wanted to achieve. Now as I’m reading, I see how the two are different, yet the same. This is going to be a whole new way of thinking…
A vision for the future is crucial to finding out where the team at work, the relationships at home, and the individual is heading. All very different paths hopefully leading to a great destination.
Over the last several years my vision has been to work hard to keep my job and to be sucessful selling office furniture. My personal vision is a little fuzzy.
Much like the previous commenter my vision for our company is still fuzzy. I guess this is mainly because I’m still discovering new ways to make our business more competitive each day. With every new angle I see, there derives a new operational procedure, person or resource needed to create that competitive edge. I use to envision working out of a large office, but have come to see the benefit of meeting real estate borrowers onsite at the property and seeing their investment vision first hand – something my competitors don’t do. So for now my vision is simply this, creating a business where one day I can overhear a conversation about our company along the lines of “Hey, I use that company too, I love working with them”.
I now understand that I have been confusing goals in both my career and life as a vision. I always thought that they were one in the same. Now I believe that without a clear vision, it is that much more difficult to reach your goals.
I don’t remember which wise person said “You can build your vision, or someone else will build it for you.” Maybe it was Jim Rohn.
I have had times when I’ve built my vision, other times when someone built it for me and others where it was a combination.
Vision to me is the picture for our future, but is only the very beginning of attaining it.The real point is that it gives the starting point and the direction.
So having a vision gives a sense of destiny; dreams and desires do they do the same thing? For me clarification is necessary. I desire to accomplish a goal and I have an awesome dream to fulfill, is this vision? If I understand the article, I must develop the ability to articulate the vision before I can satisfy the dream, is that right? I need to understand the difference; do I need to follow a predetermined process? When I discuss my desire, dream, and goal am I describing part of my vision? How will having the ability to articulate a vision make me more in tune and in touch with a deeper sense of self, and provide more meaningful insight? How does that work? I am not sure what change if any I will immediately experience when or if I am able to describe my vision. Perhaps, I have articulated my vision and I am calling it something else?
The Vision provides the parameter used to make decisions for the direction, focus and integrity of my business and personal life. Therefore, the decisions I make will ultimately be consistent with the vision, and will allow me and my company to remain on solid ground, amazing! Since decision making is a by product of ones vision I now understand the importance of having a clear and articulated vision.
Coach, this is a very important topic, and I never start working with a client before I sit down with them and clearly understand their vision. When we are clear in our own vision or when we understand what is your clients vision it is so much easier to work together towards the same goal. I love to colaborate with clients to help them accomplish their vision and most importantly I like to write it out, so it is very easy to check back to see if we are in the right direction.
I have to admit, this is indeed something I am guilty of and that is not having a well defined vision statement. However when I do take the time to write something down as far as my plans are concerned, I find that I’m so much more focused and driven to complete the task at hand. Sure it does take more time to put together a vision statement, however having a well defined vision statement will definitely set you apart from everyone else in any under-taking. And you as well as others will notice that difference.
Well said! I especially value that you speak of the connection between vision and passion and integrity. For one’s vision to be powerful and authentic, it must emerge from what is most important to us, at the heart and soul level.
I really love this stuff!