Crafting a personal vision isn’t just about dreaming of the day you leave the business behind to live out your retirement on some tropical beach. Sure, possessing a clear target of where you want to be in five years or even two decades from now is important, but personal vision is also very much about the life you are living now and the business decisions you are making all along your business ownership journey.
Think of your personal vision as a forward-looking compass that helps guide you to your life’s destination. As you hold that metaphorical compass in your hand, ask yourself some key questions. Where do you want to be? What do you truly desire? Do you envision retirement or semi-retirement? And when would that be? How much money do you need, and what experiences do you seek? Now vividly visualize what this looks like. Soak in all the sights, sounds, and sensations that surround you.
Personal Vision Connects Your Life and Your Business
Consider your personal vision as a roadmap for your life, charting your course to fulfillment and success.
For those business owners who already possess a clear and meaningful personal vision, congratulations! You’re already on the path to self-realization and achievement. But if you haven’t, it’s never too late to embark on this transformative journey.
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Speaking from Experience
When I was younger, I thought I knew what I wanted in my life. I was relentless in my climb up the corporate ladder. I was driven to work hard, be tenacious, and achieve, achieve, achieve. Which, let’s be honest, is great until it’s not. Wanting success and working hard are just not the same as possessing a personal vision. I didn’t quite fully understand the difference until a profound experience shattered my perspective. My battle for career success was replaced by a much more personal fight when I was diagnosed with cancer. It was during this health nightmare that I discovered that my previous vision had been shallow and misguided. My goals and dreams had always been a prosperous career, financial security, and societal validation—only to realize that these markers related very little to genuine fulfillment.
Needless to say, my journey through a scary diagnosis compelled me to reassess my priorities and, for the first time, craft a deeply personal vision. The process was a daunting one, fraught with heavy introspection and soul-searching. But as I continued to delve deeper, I gained a clarity that changed the details of my personal vision and ultimately led me to a deeply fulfilling life.
Today, my vision transcends societal expectations and familial obligations. It encompasses not only financial stability and career milestones but also health, relationships, emotional well-being, and spiritual growth. It paints a vivid picture of the life I aspire to lead—one filled with purpose, passion, and profound contentment.
“Chase the vision, not the money. The money will end up following you.” – Tony Hsieh
Creating Your Personal Vision: A Step-by-Step Guide
Every business owner’s personal vision is unique, as is their journey to identifying it. But the following are great steps to get you moving in the right direction.
1. Consider Your Values: Identify your core principles that guide your decision-making and define your character. Ask yourself what matters most to you in life and what values you want to honor.
2. Define Your Priorities: Reflect on what matters most in your life, including career, family, relationships, personal development, health, and downtime. List them from most to least important.
3. Set Your Goals: Break down your vision into actionable goals that align with your values and priorities. Make sure these goals are SMART—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
4. Envision What Success Looks Like: Imagine yourself achieving your goals and living out your personal vision. Picture the details vividly and experience the emotions associated with your success.
5. Take Action Now: Start taking small steps towards your goals, and consistently review and adjust your actions to stay aligned with your vision. Remember, progress is often incremental, but each step brings you closer to your desired destination.
Embracing Your Personal Vision
“The greatest leaders are those with the clearest vision and the boldest actions.” – Simon Sinek
By identifying and honoring your personal vision, you provide yourself with a foundational springboard for nearly every decision you make throughout your business. Your personal vision empowers you to be the captain of your destiny and the CEO of your life. It’s a journey that augments business success with personal purpose, fulfillment, and genuine happiness. So, embrace the power of your vision, and let it guide you towards the extraordinary life you deserve.
Blair Koch is the CEO of TAB Denver West, a TAB CEO Advisory Board Facilitator, a Business Ownership Lifecycle Coach, and a Keynote Speaker. Blair has spent most of her career helping small business owners achieve their personal and professional goals.