Many people go a lifetime without being fulfilled because they get caught in their day-to-day responsibilities and don’t examine what is truly important to them. Imagine getting to the end of a long life and then being disappointed you didn’t do more. Building a personal vision can be the north star for the life you want to create for yourself. Now that the country is experiencing a slowdown, you have the opportunity to spend some time thinking about your personal vision and creating the life you want.
Oprah’s vision
Some of the most successful people in the world have a vision and let it be the beacon when they make decisions in their life. Oprah Winfrey had a vision of her work representing a force for good. She was able to realize her vision through her own show. Around 1990, Oprah changed the direction of her show to be in line with her vision—to represent a force for good. She wouldn’t accept show concepts that didn’t have that intention. Once she started down this path, her shows became more meaningful and fulfilling for her. She was able to fill that vision and move on to a broader one of helping people connect to ideas that inspire and magnify their vision of who they can be. (Now, I don’t know Oprah personally, but she’s been clear this is her guiding principle.)
Creating your own personal vision
Let me start out by saying that you will not be creating your personal vision in one day. It takes time to reflect and think of the possibilities and beyond. Dare to dream and dream big. Pushing all other concerns aside, think about what would give you amazing satisfaction and joy as you were achieving it and a tremendous sense of accomplishment once you reached your aspirations. Think beyond your wildest dreams.
Questions to ask yourself
- What brings me joy?
- What are my values)?
- After I leave this world, what aspects of my life do I want people to talk about?
- What do I wish for this world?
- What can I contribute?
- What is unique about me? (Everyone has a uniqueness that makes them special.)
- In what parts of my life do I need to grow?
Begin writing
Consider the above questions and write down your answers. Ponder them. Make changes to accurately reflect what is in your heart and what resonates with you. If you’ve never taken the time to identify your values, read my blog on how to define them. Values are beliefs and principles most important to us, what motivates us and guides decisions we make. Don’t rush to define your values. Take the time to get them right. You will be using them throughout your life on a day-to-day basis and to help you make major decisions about what feels and is right for you.
Once you feel good about your values and answers to the above questions, start writing your vision statement. For example, my vision statement is to have all people experience their personal purpose in peace and balance with the ability to learn and reflect knowing that there is a higher being.
Write in the first person about what is most important to you, what you want to be, do and feel. Make sure you incorporate your values like I did above. Again, don’t worry about it being perfect. You will fine tune it. I tweaked my vision to have more of an impact on society when I realized I could do and be more than I was. Our values and vision evolve over time because of our experiences and opportunities.
Use your vision every day
Now that you have your vision, use it to guide how you live your life daily. In my case, one question I ask daily is how my life can be more peaceful and in better balance. Consider your vision statement when you’re making decisions on how you will volunteer in your community. When you get a new job offer, make sure that it sits right with your vision. Does it enable you to live out what is important? If not, no matter how much money you may be offered you won’t likely be happy. Your vision can help you live a happy and fulfilled life.
Most importantly, keep your vision and your values within view every day to remind yourself when you’re off track.
If you have questions you would like me to answer, contact me.
Susan O’Connor is owner of Paradise Workplace Solutions and coaches clients on communication and balancing their personal values and passions with their business goals.