The Visioning Process
Creating a Powerful Vision Statement
Imagine having a clear roadmap to guide you towards your ideal future.
That’s the power of a well-crafted vision statement.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the preparation process that will set you up for success and create a vision that ignites your passion and purpose.
In last week’s blog, we discussed the importance of having a vision to create a clear roadmap for your life and career journey.
I also introduced the concept of creating a vision statement and how it can change your life.
If you missed it, start there before you work through today’s blog.
Are you ready to define your vision?
Before sitting down to write a vision statement, it's important to do some preparation to ensure the statement is well-thought-out and aligned with your goals.
If you would like some help, I created a visioning exercise – the same one my coach did with me - that you can use to get started.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Ideal Future
Here are the steps to prepare and write your statement:
Set-Up: Schedule your visioning sessions when you’ll be at your most relaxed and creative, free of distractions, demands, or stress.
Work in a quiet, calming place, and have a process to take notes, such as a journal, blank paper, sticky notes, or your laptop.
My favorite time is early in the morning when my family isn’t up yet, and I haven’t opened any emails.
I’ve even done this while on vacation and have plenty of downtime to relax and reflect.
Self-reflection: Reflect on your personal values, passions, and aspirations.
Also think about what your strengths are and what you enjoy doing compared to those things you want to avoid.
Dream Big: This is the moment to be aspirational. If you had a magic wand and could do anything, what would you do and what is the impact you want to make?
The sky's the limit! If the voices of impostor syndrome or doubt (the “yeah, buts”) pop in here, let those voices go – set them aside.
We’re thinking big right now.
Inspiration: If you need some inspiration, think about people or organizations that you admire and would like to emulate.
What are the characteristics they have that you want to achieve?
Bring those traits into your own vision.
Another method is to collect photos that inspire you and put them together into a vision board.
Brainstorm: Jot down keywords, phrases, and ideas related to your vision.
Don't worry about perfecting them at this stage; the goal is to capture as many ideas as you can. You can refine later.
I use sticky notes and a picture window to write out as many thoughts as I can, and then I spend time reviewing and refining over time.
Say it out loud and get feedback: When you’re ready, share your initial ideas with trusted friends, family, or colleagues who know you and can provide support and feedback.
Saying it out loud to another person is a big step and takes courage, because you’re sharing hopes and dreams with another, which is a moment of vulnerability.
It also makes the planning more real because an idea has left your head and is now born into the world.
Bring it all together: Now that you’ve brainstormed, reflected, and have some feedback, it’s time to start shaping your vision statement and put it into sentences.
While you can make your vision statement anything you want, it’s helpful to have something concise and clear, and that you could repeat without having to read it.
What will you do?
Who will you be?
Where will you live?
Where will you work?
And for all of it, why?
What impact will you make?
So that’s step one in the visioning process.
I think it’s the most fun part, but what’s even better is turning the vision into action.
Once you’ve captured your vision, you’ll move to goal setting and action planning, which are critical steps to bringing your vision to life.
Follow me to the next blog, where we’ll take that next pivotal step.
