Steve Jobs had a vision when he started building computers in his garage. His vision was a computer in every home, making technology easily accessible to all people.
Martin Luther King had a vision when he was still an obscure pastor. His vision was a word of equal opportunity without discrimination or racial barriers.
Both men turned their respective visions into a reality that revolutionized the world.
The first step in your journey to greatness starts with having a vision.
- What is your life goal?
- What is it that you are most passionate to achieve?
- What is the legacy you would like to leave behind you?
- Have you ever really sat down and thought about it?
Vision Versus Goals
The first thing you need to do is to distinguish between your vision and your goals. Think of your vision as the destination that you want to arrive at. Goals are the “stations” along the way that slowly but surely bring you closer to your vision.
Having a clear vision is your foundation. It allows you to decide on the steps you need to take to achieve it, to plan structure and to gear your life towards reaching the destination.
Once you have identified your vision, you will start to set the short- term and long-term goals that you need to achieve.
For example, if your vision is to become a pediatrician, your first long-term goal would be to finish medical school. Short term goals would be to study and pass exams. The next long-term goal would be an internship, with short term goals being to learn all the practical skills you need.
The culmination of all these goals will fulfill your vision, which is a successful practice where you can help and heal sick children.
Now that you know the difference between a vision and a goal, take some time to sit down and think it through. Write down your vision and the goals you need to make to get you there. Set a target date for achieving each goal. Goals can be daily, weekly, monthly and yearly or all four.
The Three Elements Of Vision
1. Purpose. A compelling vision is one that has a purpose. It’s knowing why you were put in this world and what you need to do to leave it a better place. Without a strong purpose, you will lose your motivation.
2. Seeing the bigger picture.
This means envisioning –closing your eyes and seeing what your future will look like when you have reached your ultimate life goal. Picture what your life will look like in 10 or 15 years when you are running a successful and reputable business.
Visualize the great service or product you are offering your customers that adds so much value to their lives. Bask in the feeling that this picture gives you. Do this as often to keep your purpose string.
3. Values. A good vision is one based on good ethics and values rather than greed, self-indulgence or empty fame. Good values should be your guiding principle in daily life as you move towards achieving your vision. Reaching the top unethically is not the quality of great people
Use Your Vision As A Tool
Great people have a unique way of making their visions a reality. They use them as a tool to motivate and propel them. This can be done by regularly picturing the result to always keep it top of mind.
The bottom line: Great people can see the future. They can articulate their vision in descriptive and specific terms. They can visualize the result with clarity. This crystal-clear articulation and positive self-talk keep the vision alive. It enables you to set relevant goals and harness your determination and resolve to attain them.