How To Write A Personal Vision Statement For Clarity, Focus And Motivation

There’s a lot of info on the internet about personal vision statements from people who have never actually written one before.

More importantly, they’ve never gone through all the leg work of knowing themselves deeply and exploring their imagination so they can understand what they really want in life.

How can you craft a vision without knowing the angels and demons that lie waiting in your psyche? 

How can you decide what you really want in life without having a process that makes your past, present and future congruent with one another.

More than that, what if your vision is only a temporary fix to a problem you have now in your life? What if you only need a small change? A vision statement can still help you with that!

Having had to go through several periods in my life where I knew a serious pivot needed to be made, but not having the compass to do so, here is exactly how I would show someone how to craft a crystal clear vision of their ideal future, even if that future changes…in the future.

I’ll also include some of the more formulaic methods for crafting personal vision statements, as well as some advice from experts that I’ve learned from.

Read these as well. They’ll help, I promise:

• Personal Vision Statement examples
• Self Discovery Exercises
• Visualization techniques for manifesting your life vision
• How To Evolve your Life Vision over a Lifetime

Let’s begin…

What is a personal vision statement? 

A personal vision statement is a concise declaration of your long-term aspirations, values, and life purpose. It offers clarity and direction in your life journey. When you write/use your vision statement you’ll experience an increased, enduring sense of purpose, motivation, and goal alignment. 

These statements are used to set and achieve meaningful life goals, make decisions that align with our values, and foster daily practices that reflect your desired future. A personal vision statement empowers us by helping us design a life that resonates with our deepest desires and beliefs.

Why are personal vision statements important? 

Vision statements are vital because they provide a sense of purpose and direction. Personal vision statements are a map for how you’ll live your life and what values will guide it. They serve as the basis for your mission in life, or the several missions you’ll decide to take on. Vision statements are why you do what you do  shortened into only a few sentences. 

In my personal experience, a vision statement is a good way to answer someone when they ask you what you do. Change up the language and add some variety to the conversation rather than just saying “I’m a writer”. 

Now sometimes I say “I curate personal development resources so that, when people want to change their lives, they have the resources to do so. I mainly have websites on the internet and YouTube Channels that offer info products.”

A personal vision statement brings clarity by forcing us to define our values, articulate our goals, and envision our ideal future. It’s basically a literary compass that helps us make intentional choices instead of living life randomly, and getting random results.

With a well-defined vision, we gain a clear sense of purpose and direction, making it easier to navigate the complexities of life with confidence and motivation.

Every expert on the planet, every person that you look at and think, “that person’s got their shit together” , those people have understood the power of vision. It just makes everything better to know where you stand with reality. 

My extensive experience with helping people develop vision is that, after uncovering their vision for life, they’re not as prone to being shaken when life decides to shake them.

How can a vision statement improve your life? 

• Provides clear direction and purpose.
• Ensures your alignment with your goals.
• Boosts motivation and enhances focus.
• Facilitates better decision-making.
• Encourages and nurtures personal growth.
• Promotes mindfulness and living in the present.
• Enhances the quality of relationships.
• Promotes personal accountability.
• Aids in reducing stress levels.
• Elevates life satisfaction.
• Fosters positive habits.
• Builds resilience.
• Influences career and education decisions.
• Assists in setting priorities.
• Enhances leadership skills and influence.
• Encourages the practice of self-reflection.
• Improves time management.
• Increases self-confidence.
• Supports adaptation to change.
• Encourages making a positive contribution to the world.

Clarity and Direction: A vision statement provides a clear sense of life purpose and direction, helping us make informed decisions.

Goal Alignment: It aligns short-term and long-term goals with our core values, ensuring they are in sync with our envisioned future.

Motivation and Focus: A vision statement serves as a daily source of motivation, helping individuals stay focused on their goals even in challenging times. Maybe you don’t remember what it’s like to have the back of your neck feel buzzy to wake up each day.

Enhanced Decision-Making: It aids in making decisions that align with our values and long-term objectives.

Personal Growth: Vision statements encourage personal growth by challenging us to reach our full potential. My favorite topic.

Mindfulness and Present Living: They promote mindfulness and the ability to live in the present while working toward future goals.

Improved Relationships: When we clarify our values we can lead to healthier, more fulfilling relationships. Knowing where we stand with others, and interacting with those who are aligned.

Accountability: Vision statements keep us accountable to ourselves. This leads to increased self trust and progress in general.

Stress Reduction: Knowing one’s purpose and goals can reduce stress by providing a sense of control and direction.

Life Satisfaction: Using a vision statement often leads to increased life satisfaction because we prioritize the things that really matter to us.

Positive Habits: You can’t make any serious progress in life without changing your habits – usually for the better. You transform yourself from the inside out.

Resilience: Having a sense of either individually designed, or predetermined purpose makes us tough. People are unbelievably resilient in the first place. Believing in something meaningful only pours gasoline on the fire.

Career and Education Choices: They guide career and educational choices that align with your vision. People often consider career changes and find themselves pleasantly surprised at how much they love their new job.

Prioritization: Self explanatory. Only things that matter, matter. Things that don’t matter, don’t matter. So don’t worry about them.

Leadership and Influence: You might find that you’re in a unique position to take a leading role in realizing this vision.

Reflective Practice: A vision statement will require daily introspection. 

Better Time Management: Same answer as “prioritization”.

Self-Confidence: Achieving goals + Acquiring new skills + overcoming setbacks and adversity = CONFIDENCE.

Adaptation to Change: Vision statements can guide individuals through serious, tumultuous, but mostly beneficial life changes.

Contribution to the World: They might make documentary about you! 🙂 it could happen!

Real-life examples of successful vision statements

Having a personal vision, quite pervasively, makes you superhuman. It takes you, your life, those influenced by you, and transforms the entire landscape into something that really only belongs in history or fiction. You become a hero in your own right.

Think, for a moment, about these personal vision statements and then notice who they belong to:

1. “My vision is of a democratic and free South Africa, where all its people live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.” – Nelson Mandela
2. “I dream of a world where science and knowledge advance for the betterment of humanity, promoting health and discovery.” – Marie Curie
3. “My vision is to explore the mysteries of the natural world through art and science, leaving a legacy of innovation and creativity.” – Leonardo da Vinci
4. “I dream of creating a place where families can experience joy, imagination, and wonder – Disneyland.” – Walt Disney
5. “I aspire to push the boundaries of aviation, to explore the skies, and inspire women to take on unconventional roles.” – Amelia Earhart
6. “My vision is to create art that expresses my emotions, evoking feeling and understanding in others.” – Vincent van Gogh
7. “I envision a world where segregation is eradicated, and every person is treated with respect, regardless of their race.” – Rosa Parks
8. “I envision exploring the untouched wilderness of Antarctica, leading daring expeditions, and ensuring the safety of my crew.” – Ernest Shackleton
9. “My vision is to encourage critical thinking, inspire philosophical inquiry, and foster wisdom in the pursuit of truth.” – Socrates

Personal Vision Statement VS. Personal Mission Statement

What is the difference between a vision statement and a mission statement? A personal vision statement is about the future and what you want to achieve, while a personal mission statement is about the present and how you live your life daily based on your core values and beliefs. Both statements work together to provide a complete framework for your life’s purpose and direction.

What is a Personal Vision Statement:

• A personal vision statement describes your long-term aspirations, values, and life purpose.
• It focuses on the future and provides a clear image of where you want to be.
• It is broad and paints a holistic picture of your desired life.
• It answers the question, “What do I want to achieve in life?”

What is a Personal Mission Statement:

• A personal mission statement outlines your core values, beliefs, and your role in the present.
• It deals with how you live your life daily, including your values and ethics.
• It is specific and action-oriented, guiding your daily decisions and actions.
• It answers the question, “What are we doing circumstantially to achieve the vision?”

Before Writing your Personal Vision Statement

Wait! Before you start to write your personal vision statement, I wanna make sure you know precisely what you’re getting into and orient yourself properly for what’s about to go down.

Self-Discovery

Self-discovery, simply put, is the journey of understanding oneself deeply. It’s non-negotiable when crafting a life vision because it helps you discover your values, passions, and purpose. 

Primary components of self discovery:

1. Self-Reflection: The process of examining your thoughts, emotions, experiences, and actions to gain a deeper understanding of oneself.
2. Self-Awareness: Recognizing and acknowledging your own emotions, strengths, weaknesses, values, and beliefs.
3. Exploration: Actively seeking new experiences, challenges, and opportunities to learn more about yourself and your preferences.
4. Values Clarification: Identifying and prioritizing your core values, principles, and beliefs that guide your decisions and actions.
5. Passion Identification (HUGE): Discovering your true interests, hobbies, and activities that ignite your enthusiasm and fulfillment.

Secondary Components of Self-Discovery:

• Personal Growth: Embracing change and continuous learning as you evolve and develop as an individual.
• Relationships: Exploring how your interactions with others contribute to your self-awareness and growth.
• Psychological Insight: Delving into your psychological makeup, including personality traits and cognitive patterns.
• Life Experiences: Extracting valuable lessons and insights from life’s challenges, successes, and failures.
• Goal Setting: Clarifying your short-term and long-term objectives, aligning them with your newfound self-awareness.
• Cultural and Societal Context: Recognizing how cultural, societal, and environmental factors influence your identity and self-concept.

Self Reflection

Self reflection is a process of looking at yourself holistically. Why are you the way you are? You are a large group of variables including: thoughts, feelings, ideas, values, behaviors, faith and conviction. Your life is an aggregate of those things. To reflect on yourself means to examine all those variables as though they’re connected to each other.

Psychotherapist, Mark Epstein, in his book Thoughts Without a Thinker: Psychotherapy from a Buddhist Perspective says that “Epstein emphasizes the importance of understanding the self and one’s thought processes for personal transformation and mental well-being.” Epstein’s work explores how self-reflection and self-awareness can lead to a deeper understanding of our mind, emotions, and behaviors.

The process of self reflection can mean deep meditation, or it can be as simple as you picking anything about yourself like “not liking it when people are mean to restaurant employees” (one of my personal pet peeves) and asking yourself why, over and over, until you come to a solid conclusion as to why you are that way.

If I were doing this, the process might look like this:

1. I cant stand it when people are rude to the server.
2. Why? Because it makes me feel bad and uncomfortable.
3. Why? Because its embarrassing and I don’t want to be seen with the person doing it?
4. Why? Because working in restaurants is hard, even when everyone is nice. These people have signed up to basically be our mothers. They take care of us.
5. I’ve concluded that I don’t like it when I see someone disrespecting someone else who takes care of them.

Here’s a list of self reflection prompts and questions that might help you:

1. What are my core values, and how do they influence my decisions and actions?
2. What are my biggest strengths, and how can I leverage them to achieve my goals?
3. What are my most significant weaknesses, and how can I work on improving them?
4. What have been the most meaningful experiences in my life, and what did I learn from them?
5. What are my short-term and long-term goals, and how do they align with my values?
6. What does success mean to me, and how do I measure it in different areas of my life?
7. How do I handle stress, and what coping mechanisms work best for me?
8. What are my top priorities in life, and how do I allocate my time and energy to them?
9. What regrets or mistakes from my past do I need to forgive myself for and move forward?
10. How have my beliefs and perspectives evolved over time, and how have they shaped who I am today?

Don’t under estimate the power of a notebook. Writing things down is powerful.

Understanding your values, passions, and purpose

Whether, you believe me when I say that living out your unique destiny is the way to go, or you believe someone else who says “fuck your passion, do something that makes money, be practical…not naive” understanding your passion values and purpose in life is essential.

That’s information you must know, regardless of how you choose to use it. Especially when writing a personal vision statement for yourself, they’re invaluable pieces of information.

I’ve actually done this before whenever I was at a crossroads and didn’t know what direction to take in life. I wanted to make money, but enjoy my work. I wanted to feel passionate each day, but intrinsically, not just because what I was doing was getting amazing results like money, prestige etc…

Understanding your values, passions, and purpose is the cornerstone of writing a meaningful personal mission statement. Values are the principles that shape your decisions and define what you hold dear. Passions are the activities and interests that fuel your enthusiasm and energy. 

Self-discovery in these areas empowers you to articulate a mission that resonates deeply with who you are.

Self-assessment tools and exercises

Self-assessment tools and exercises provide structured approaches to explore your values, passions, and purpose. Journaling is a powerful tool for self-reflection. Consider personality assessments like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or the VIA Character Strengths survey to gain insights into your traits and strengths. 

Most Respected and Popular Self-Assessment Exercises:

• Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI): Provides insights into personality preferences and how you relate to the world.
• StrengthsFinder: Helps identify and leverage your strengths for personal and professional development.
• DISC Assessment: Evaluates your behavior and communication style in different situations.
• Enneagram: Offers a deep exploration of your core personality type and its nuances.
• Big Five Personality Test: Measures five core personality traits: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.
• Self-Reflective Journaling: A simple but effective way to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences.
• Life Values Assessment: Helps identify and prioritize your core values and beliefs.
• 360-Degree Feedback: Gathers feedback from peers, colleagues, and mentors to gain a well-rounded view of yourself.
• Strengths and Weaknesses Analysis: Analyzes your strengths and areas needing improvement in various aspects of life.
• Mindfulness and Meditation: Techniques to enhance self-awareness, emotional regulation, and mental clarity.

Additional Self-Assessment Exercises:

• Self-Discovery Questionnaires: Various questionnaires can delve into specific aspects of your personality, such as self-compassion, empathy, or decision-making styles.
• Values Assessment Tools: These can help you identify your core values and align your life choices accordingly.
• Goal-Setting Exercises: These exercises assist in clarifying your short-term and long-term goals and the steps required to achieve them.
• Personality Tests: Beyond the popular ones, there are numerous other personality assessments designed to explore unique aspects of your character.
• Hobbies and Interests Exploration: Reflect on what hobbies and activities truly spark your enthusiasm and passion.
• Emotional Intelligence Assessment: Understand your emotional intelligence and how it impacts your relationships and decision-making.
• Health and Well-being Assessment: Evaluate your physical, mental, and emotional well-being to identify areas for improvement.
• Relationship Compatibility Tools: Explore your compatibility with potential partners or friends for healthier connections.
• Decision-Making Style Assessment: Identify your preferred approach to making decisions and how it influences your life choices.
• Feedback from Trusted Individuals: Seek input and insights from close friends, mentors, or counselors who know you well.

One of my favorite resources for this is business expert Brian Tracy’s The Power of Clarity. So check that out if you’re interested.

Using Mind Mapping for Your Personal Vision Statement:

Mind mapping is a brainstorming technique for visual learners and creative thinkers. It organizes thoughts and ideas around a central theme. To create a mind map, start with a central idea or topic in the center of the page. Branch out with related key points or subtopics, using lines and keywords. Add details, colors, and images to illustrate connections. It’s a visual tool for organizing thoughts and ideas.

This visual representation fosters clarity and creativity, aiding in the holistic development of your life vision.

1. Start with a Central Idea: Begin with a central topic or concept, often written in the center of the page.
2. Identify Key Themes: Identify the main themes or branches related to the central idea. These branches radiate outward like spokes on a wheel.
3. Use Keywords or Images: On each branch, use keywords or simple images to represent sub topics or ideas associated with the theme.
4. Add Subtopics: Extend the branches further by adding subtopics or specific details related to each keyword.
5. Connect and Cross-Link: Use lines or arrows to connect related ideas across different branches. This shows how concepts are interconnected.
6. Use Colors and Visuals: Utilize colors, icons, or symbols to make the mind map visually engaging and memorable.
7. Keep It Concise: Be concise in your wording and use short phrases to capture ideas.
8. Prioritize and Organize: Arrange branches and subtopics hierarchically, emphasizing the most important ideas.
9. Add Details: If needed, you can add additional information or notes to expand upon key points.
10. Review and Refine: Step back to review your mind map, ensuring it accurately represents your vision or concept.
11. Use Software or Apps: Consider using digital mind mapping tools for greater flexibility and easy editing.
12. Update as Needed: Mind maps are dynamic; update them as your vision or ideas evolve.

How does setting goals aid your personal vision?

Ever seen a successful person without goals? Me neither.

Goal setting is intricately linked to achieving your life vision. Goals act as stepping stones, breaking down your long-term vision into manageable, actionable tasks. They provide direction, motivation, and a structured path toward your desired future. By defining specific objectives, you create clarity and focus, ensuring that your daily efforts align with your overarching aspirations. 

Brian Tracy says that “things that can be measured, can be achieved.” Goals are a measurement tool, allowing you to track progress and make necessary adjustments as you move closer to your vision. In essence, they transform your dreams into a tangible, achievable reality, making your personal vision a roadmap for success.

• Alignment: Goals should align with your personal vision, as they are the steps you take to realize that vision.
• Clarity: Your personal vision provides the big-picture context for setting clear and meaningful goals.
• Motivation: A compelling vision energizes and motivates you to pursue your goals with enthusiasm.
• Direction: Goals provide a specific path for turning your vision into a tangible reality.
• Measurability: Goals allow you to measure progress toward your vision, helping you track your journey.
• Prioritization: Your personal vision guides the selection and prioritization of your goals.
• Adaptation: As your vision evolves, goals may need adjustment to stay in line with your changing aspirations.

Setting short-term and long-term goals

Setting short-term and long-term goals is integral to achieving your personal vision. Short-term goals provide immediate direction and milestones along the way. 

Long-term goals are the building blocks of your vision—they define the destination. Align your daily actions with short-term goals to ensure steady progress toward your long-term aspirations. 

So how do we do this?

Aligning your goals with your vision

Each goal you set should resonate with and support this vision, ensuring that your efforts are purposeful and meaningful. When your goals align with your vision, you gain clarity and motivation. 

1. Clarify Your Vision: Clearly define your long-term life vision, considering your values, aspirations, and passions.
2. Break It Down: Divide your vision into smaller, achievable goals that support your overarching purpose.
3. Prioritize Goals: Rank these goals based on their importance in realizing your vision.
4. Choose a method: There are many formulae for setting goals that have been developed by many different experts. Choose the one that’s best for you.
5. Create a Master plan: Develop detailed action plans for each goal, outlining steps, resources, and timelines.
6. Regular Review: Continuously assess your goals’ alignment with your vision and adjust as needed.
7. Stay Committed: Maintain focus, discipline, and resilience to persistently work toward your vision.
8. Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements along the way.
9. Seek Support: Collaborate with mentors, coaches, or like-minded individuals for guidance and motivation.
10. Adapt and Evolve: Be open to adapting your goals and vision as circumstances and aspirations change.

How to write your vision statement (5 steps)

What is the structure of a personal vision statement? It starts with a succinct, future-focused declaration that describes your aspirations. This core statement is often followed by details, including core values, impact on society, etc.. Your vision statement should also reflect positivity and inspiration, painting a vivid picture of your ideal future. 

Which makes it important that, in your vision statement, you focus on the greatness of your accomplishment, not the pain and suffering of the problem you’re trying to fix.

1. Start with a structured template, prioritizing clarity, brevity, and authenticity. 
2. Make your statement specific by focusing on key life areas. 
3. Create a vision board to visualize your goals, then turn them into actionable steps. 
4. To stay motivated, develop strategies and resilience for overcoming setbacks.
5. When writing, keep it clear and concise, avoiding jargon. 

Generally, I don’t recommend talking to anyone about your vision, unless you’re certain they’ll support you. Greatness makes people jealous, and when you decide to better yourself, their true colors will boil to the surface and you might not like what you find out about them.

Be clear and specific

A personal vision statement is your personal lighthouse. It shows you how to get to your destination when you feel lost. It needs to be powerful. If your vision statement is vague or general, its not much of a statement at all. Think of the phrase “to make a statement”. It means someone said something powerful. 

To make your vision statement more specific, consider the key areas of your life that align with your vision. These areas can include: 

• career
• relationships
• personal growth
• community involvement

If your vision revolves around a successful career, specify the industry, position, or impact you want to have. Specificity adds depth and direction to the vision, making it a practical guide for your journey in life.

Creating a Vision Board 

A vision board is a tangible tool that can help you visualize your goals and aspirations. It involves curating a collage of images, words, and symbols that represent your vision. Research suggests that visual aids stimulate motivation and goal attainment. By creating a vision board, you create a daily visual reminder of your goals, making them more attainable.

It also works to find images of your vision/dream/manifestation on the internet and create a vision board that way. 

1. Find images online and save them
2. Use a background remover like remove.bg to isolate the part of the image you’re interested in
3. Go to canva and put all those individual images into one image
4. Rearrange them how you want
5. Download that image and then print it off to put it wherever you want, or just make it your desktop background so you see it all the time.

I use this method all the time!

Visualizing your goals and aspirations

Visualization is a powerful technique that draws your vision in for several reasons. Taking in your future reality, daily, with focus and belief changes your biology, mind and intelligence. Suddenly you find yourself capable of feeling the way your future self feels. You get better at it over time and suddenly, you’re not even surprised that your life has changed because its become so normal for you to experience it each day.

Visualization influences performance in athletes.

It changes our emotional content and awareness.

And it makes you more likely to move toward your vision, knowing how amazing it feels to “be there” each time you visualize it.

In my own experience, visualization can become so powerful that you never want to leave. Don’t forget that you’re not teleporting yourself to a different reality, and that you have to come back and deal with the physical manifestation of literally taking action steps towards your goal.

Implementing Your Vision 

Crafting a vision statement is just the beginning. To bring your vision to life, you must transform it into actionable steps. Unless you can fly, or happen to be a genie, you will need to make steps to reach your destination. Goals are those steps. Enough said.

Effective goal setting is a science. You want to define clear objectives, set measurable targets, make sure they’re realistic, and MEET YOUR DEADLINES. A systematic approach helps bring your goal into reality, meaning realizing your vision is arriving shortly after.

I call this making a master plan. Remember when Abraham Lincoln said “if you asked me to cut down a tree in an hour, I’d spend 50 minutes sharpening my axe.”?

I don’t know if that’s the actual quote (I might be paraphrasing) but the idea is sound. Setting and crushing as many goals as I have in my life, 90 percent of the work is the master plan. 

After that, it’s just a matter of getting rid of what doesn’t work and pouring gasoline on what does. Add in some experimentation for more data and you’re golden.

I’ve never seen this method not work. Ever.

Staying Motivated

Some people say motivation is bullshit.

As a rebuttal, others say that “Some say motivation is bullshit because it doesn’t last. Neither does showering, that’s why we recommend you do it daily.”

Nobody has a one size fits all method that works for every individual on earth. Fact is, some are motivated by motivation exercises, and others aren’t. Regardless, you still MUST know what motivates you so you can think about those things each day.

Even if knowing what your motivations are only serves as a reminder of what you lose if you don’t succeed, you still want to know them.

Visualization, positive self-talk, and rewards are effective motivational tools. Visualize your success regularly to reinforce your commitment. Engage in positive self-talk to counter self-doubt and stay resilient. Reward yourself for achieving milestones, cultivating a sense of achievement and motivation.

Humans are motivated by several things, and you’ll have to understand where you are on this spectrum. In general, I think you can break all motivations down to money, prestige, freedom and security.

However, there are more “official” sounding terms for the types of things that motivate us. 

• Intrinsic Motivation: Internal drives, such as personal values, interests, and a sense of purpose, can be strong sources of motivation.
• Extrinsic Motivation: External rewards like money, recognition, or status can motivate individuals to achieve goals.
• Autonomy: Having a degree of control over their lives and work can be a powerful motivator.
• Relatedness: Connection, belonging, and positive relationships with others can drive motivation.
• Competence: A sense of mastery and the ability to tackle challenges can fuel motivation.
• Meaning and Purpose: Working towards a meaningful goal or contributing to a greater cause can be highly motivating.
• Curiosity: The desire to learn, explore, and solve problems drives motivation.
• Competition: Some people are motivated by the desire to outperform others.
• Fear or Avoidance: Avoiding negative outcomes or consequences can also be motivating.
• Personal Growth: The pursuit of self-improvement and development is a common motivator.
• Recognition and Rewards: Acknowledgment and tangible rewards for achievements can be motivating.
• Creativity: The opportunity to express creativity and innovation can drive motivation.
• Health and Well-being: The desire to maintain good health and well-being often motivates individuals.

Spend some time and figure out just why you want to do the things you want to do, and that will help you tremendously. When you feel weak, you can imagine losing out on the thing you’re motivated by.

Dealing with obstacles and setbacks

The world doesn’t revolve around you, and you’ll undoubtedly experience setbacks. The most successful among us choose to adapt our strategy rather than give up. 

When setbacks and obstacles show up in your life, you can either go through, around, below or above. Meaning, you can attack the obstacle head on, you can subvert it by digging a tunnel underneath, you can simply tell the obstacle that you’ll go the long way around and not deal with it at all, or you can rise above it by being better, or setting a higher standard.

Regardless, this is where you’ll have to switch up your strategy. Life tests us all, and if you can’t deal with setbacks without becoming too downtrodden, you’ll not receive anything you want. Reality needs warriors, and if you can’t pass its tests, you’ll get nothing that you want. Ever.

Obstacles are just an opportunity for you to upgrade yourself. Pass reality’s tests.

Writing Tips for a personal vision statement

The writing part should be self explanatory, having gone through everything we have so far in this post but, in case you’re skipping around, here are a few things to remember when writing your vision statement.

• Be Clear: Write in simple, straightforward language. Simple is better.
• Be Specific: Paint a clear picture of your future. Use details to make it tangible.
• Be Positive: Focus on what you want, not what you don’t want. Use positive language.
• Stay Concise: Keep it short and to the point. A few sentences can be powerful.
• Be Authentic: Write from the heart. Your vision should reflect your true desires.
• Use Present Tense: Write as if your vision is already happening.
• Include Values: Express your core values and principles.
• Stay Inspired: Your vision should inspire and excite you.
• Edit and Revise: Don’t rush. Revise your statement until it feels just right.
• Visualize: Imagine living your vision while you write. It adds depth.

Common roadblocks when writing a vision statement

Believe it or not, writing a vision statement will tell you a lot about yourself, including what you’re afraid of.

My experience is, when writing their statements people often set limits on what they can accomplish, and decide that one life is not for them because they’re a certain kind of person, rather than allowing themselves to dream up the life they really desire.

You wouldn’t think writing a few sentences would be so difficult, but it can be for some people.

Common challenges:

• Self-doubt
• Fear of failure
• Procrastination

Solutions:

• Self-doubt: Recognize it as a natural feeling. Combat it with positive self-talk and visualization. Remind yourself of your abilities and past successes.
• Fear of failure: Understand that failure is often a stepping stone to success. Embrace it as a learning opportunity and don’t let it deter you from pursuing your vision.
• Procrastination: Break your vision into manageable steps or goals. Focus on tackling one step at a time to prevent feeling overwhelmed. Use time management techniques and establish a clear plan to avoid procrastination.

Balancing Multiple Visions

What if you have more than one vision, or are participating in shared visions with someone else? What if you have to balance the vision of your employer, company, organization etc… and your own personal agenda for life?

How to manage and prioritize if you have multiple visions 

1. Clarify Your Visions
2. Establish Priorities
3. Set SMART Goals
4. Create a Vision Hierarchy
5. Time Management
6. Balance and Integration
7. Review and Adjust
8. Delegate or Seek Support
9. Practice Self-Care
10. Stay Focused
11. Learn to Say No
12. Seek Feedback and Accountability
13. Celebrate Milestones

Clarify Your Visions: Clearly define and understand each of your visions, whether they are related to your career, personal life, or other aspects. What do you want to achieve in each area, and why is it important to you?

Establish Priorities: Identify the most critical visions or goals. Determine which visions have the highest significance, urgency, or alignment with your values.

Set SMART Goals: Create SMART goals for each vision. This makes them more manageable and easier to track.

Create a “Vision Hierarchy”: Rank your visions in order of importance. Some visions may be short-term and require immediate attention, while others may be long-term and can be pursued gradually.

Time Management: Allocate time for each vision. Create a schedule that allows you to work on each vision consistently. Time blocking can be a helpful strategy. Time blocking can go overboard though. When you schedule your day out 5 minutes at a time, thats a bit too much in my opinion.

Balance and Integration: Look for opportunities to integrate or balance your visions. Sometimes, personal and professional goals can complement each other. 

Make Adjustments: Regularly review your progress and adjust your priorities as needed. Life circumstances and your own growth may change your goals over time.

Delegate: Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks or seek support from others, assuming you’re in a position to do so. You don’t have to do everything on your own, and collaboration can help you achieve your visions more efficiently.

Burning out sucks: Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is crucial. Avoid burnout by ensuring you have time for relaxation, exercise, and personal enjoyment. This is the one I struggle with the most. If you’re like me and go all in on things…I guess just go all in and burnout. I haven’t figured this one out yet honestly. 🙂

Stay Focused: There’s an awesome book all about the Superman Complex you can read to quickly get into a flow state and stay there. There are also productivity hacks and techniques like the Pomodoro technique if you’re so inclined. I prefer to just have the discipline to sit in one spot and focus until the job is done.

Learn to Say No: You’re allowed to have boundaries. Make sure you have a good reason for saying no in case an altercation arises afterward.

Ethics and morals when writing a vision statement

Life isn’t just about you and, even though your life is primarily for you first, the best personal vision statements are going to show you how you can make a mark on the world. This means, living a unique destiny means showing others a path that’s just as good for them as well.

Without others in mind, you might end up being evil and, if that’s your path, who am I to judge, but i will say, it never ends up well for the evil folks. The side of good is a slow route, but always ends up better. Ask any wise person, or watch any movie that’s ever been made…ever.

Life is alive. If you screw others, it will screw you. Ideally, you’ll choose the path of good because that’s where you are in life, rather than just choosing it to avoid punishment. Regardless, your choices are yours to make.

Your ethical standard belongs to you, but nobody gets away with anything. It’s not a spiritual thing, it’s mathematics. All natural math in the universe is an equation, and equations must balance themselves out on both sides. I have no idea how things that go around eventually come around (or however that works) but I know that they do.

Make wise decisions and if something doesn’t feel right to you, it might be prudent to examine things a bit more closely.

Examples of How to Write a Vision Statement

“To be a compassionate leader who empowers others to reach their full potential, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment that promotes innovation and meaningful impact, while maintaining a balanced and harmonious life.”

This personal vision statement is well-structured and embodies several key elements:

• Clarity: The statement is clear and concise, expressing a specific and well-defined vision. It articulates the desire to be a compassionate leader and outlines the intended impact.
• Specificity: The vision statement is specific in terms of the desired qualities and actions. It mentions empowerment, fostering a positive work environment, promoting innovation, and achieving meaningful impact. Specificity adds depth and direction to the vision.
• Alignment with Values: It reflects the individual’s core values, emphasizing compassion, empowerment, inclusivity, and work-life balance. Aligning your vision with your values ensures authenticity.
• Balanced Focus: The statement balances professional aspirations (being a compassionate leader) with personal well-being (maintaining a balanced and harmonious life). This balance demonstrates a holistic approach to life’s vision.
• Positive Language: The use of positive language, such as “compassionate leader,” “empowers,” and “positive and inclusive work environment,” infuses the vision with optimism and inspiration.
• Long-Term Perspective: The vision statement is future-oriented, describing a long-term aspiration rather than short-term goals. It provides a roadmap for continuous personal and professional growth.
• Harmony: The statement acknowledges the importance of a harmonious life, suggesting that personal and professional goals can coexist harmoniously. This reflects a well-rounded and holistic approach to life.

The perfect example of a personal vision statement is crafted with clarity, specificity, and alignment with one’s values. It combines both professional and personal aspirations into a cohesive and inspiring vision for the future. Such a statement serves as a guiding light, providing direction and motivation for personal and professional growth.

Using Your Personal Vision Statement

Anybody else is tired of hearing people say “live as if…”. 

Just me?

How in the world do you even do that?!

I have a serious amount of practice about making life transitions, and showing others how to do so. So listen closely.

You have to find the sweet spot between living your desired reality, accomplishment etc… and not being a charlatan.

Mostly, it’s a feeling. You think as if, you see as if, you feel as if, and when your shortcomings of not literally being “there” come out, you deal with them and change how you see  that setback.

For example: If your vision is to be a person who heals others, you might decide to become a therapist, or a reiki master. You are essentially pretending, and transforming yourself into the person who lives that reality. 

However, when someone genuinely needs healing and asks whether or not you can help, if you can’t…then don’t

Being as if, doesn’t mean lying to people about your qualifications or station in life. But, instead of saying, thinking and feeling “I’m not living my desired reality yet” you could reword it to “I’m still learning to acquire skills and expertise I need to help certain people”. Or, you could say, they needed help with something I don’t know yet, I’ll go learn more and simply get better.

That’s way different than denying yourself the capacity to live in your desired reality (vision) right now.

Sounds wishy washy, and it sort of is, but it’s also very effective. I use it less and less the more qualified I get life coaching and personal growth, but it can be very powerful for you if you’re just starting out with creating a personal vision for yourself.

Morning Routine Affirmation: Start each day by reciting your vision statement as an affirmation. Tony Robbins calls this priming. 

This sets a positive tone for the day and reinforces your long-term goals. This ritual not only reminds you of your long-term goals but also boosts your motivation and self-confidence.

Goal Alignment: To ensure your daily activities contribute to your vision, it’s vital to revisit your short-term and long-term goals regularly. By aligning your daily tasks with these goals, you create a seamless connection between your daily life and your vision.

Prioritization: Use your vision statement as a guide for prioritizing tasks and projects. Focus on activities that contribute to your vision, ensuring that your daily efforts are aligned with your long-term goals.

Visual Reminders: Visual reinforcement can be a powerful tool for keeping your vision statement at the forefront of your mind. Creating a vision board, a collage of images and words representing your vision, can serve as a constant visual reminder. Place your vision board in a visible spot in your living or work area. Whenever you look at it, you’ll be reminded of your long-term aspirations.

I still do this to this day. Some people have some weird hang-up with the law of attraction. They think it makes them froo-froo or hippies. Many are afraid to tell others that it’s something they “believe in”.

The fact that isn’t debatable, is that we always move closer toward what we focus on. So what do you think happens when you’re constantly paying attention to manifesting your vision and using a vision board as a tool?

Do you go further toward it, or away from it? Self explanatory. 

Mindfulness and Reflection: Practicing mindfulness, which involves staying present in the moment, can be a valuable daily practice for those with a vision statement. By being mindful, you can regularly reflect on how your daily choices contribute to your vision. This reflection helps you stay on track and make intentional decisions in alignment with your vision.

The Role of your Vision Statement in Decision-Making 

Present Decision-Making: When facing immediate decisions, consult your vision statement. Ask yourself if the choice aligns with your values and long-term goals. It acts as a guiding compass for making decisions that resonate with your vision.

Future Decision-Making: Your vision statement is the foundation for setting future goals. When contemplating significant life decisions, consider whether they support or conflict with your vision. It can help you make choices that align with your desired future.

Dr. John P. Kotter, a renowned leadership expert, emphasizes the importance of integrating your vision into your daily work. 

A vision statement is not an end in itself. It is a powerful tool to integrate your daily work with a higher-level purpose.” – Dr. John Kotter (Leadership Expert)

Kotter’s insights highlight that a vision statement should not remain a mere declaration but should be woven into your daily life.

According to research published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, people who consider their long-term goals when making decisions tend to make choices that are more aligned with their desired future. This study underscores the significance of incorporating your vision into decision-making.

What about the past, you say?

Ever heard of leaving the past in the past? That works with many things, but not when, where and how you guide your life path. When we decide to change your lives, even in small ways, it really helps to understand why we are the way we are.

Why do we have the habits we do?

Why do we gravitate toward certain thought patterns, behaviors and convictions?

What happened in my past to shape the person I am right now?

Knowing these things about yourself will work wonders for you when trying to release things that no longer fit the new you. It can be difficult, but it must be done. Consider these ways of knowing the previous you.

• Self-Reflection: Periodically review past decisions and actions to assess their alignment with your vision statement. Reflect on how your choices have contributed to or deviated from your vision.
• Learning from Mistakes: If you find that certain decisions didn’t align with your vision, don’t consider them as failures. Instead, view them as opportunities for learning and growth. Identify the lessons from these experiences.
• Course Correction: If your review reveals that certain past decisions deviated from your vision, it’s not a setback but an opportunity for course correction. Your vision statement remains a flexible guide for making changes that align your actions with your long-term goals.
• Setting New Goals: Based on your review, set new goals and priorities to bring your life in closer alignment with your vision. Be proactive in making changes to achieve your desired future.

Personalizing Your Vision Statement

This statement represents a new phase in your life. I would suggest making it uniquely you. 

Here’s how to make it truly one-of-a-kind:

• What Are Your Core Values: Values, values values! I’ve used this word 1000 times already, and for good reason. Start by identifying your core values, the principles that matter most to you. Put these values into your vision statement to ensure it’s a genuine representation of what’s important to you.
• Express Your Passions: Consider what truly excites and motivates you. Your passions are a key part of your individuality. Include elements of your passions in your vision statement to make it more unique.
• Highlight Your Strengths: Reflect on your strengths and talents. Your vision statement can be an ideal place to showcase your unique abilities and how they contribute to your aspirations.
• Embrace Your Uniqueness: Don’t shy away from expressing what makes you unique. Whether it’s a specific life philosophy, an unconventional perspective, or an extraordinary dream, these aspects of your individuality should shine through in your vision statement.

Try this formula out to include all of the above: I (who you help) (what you help them with) so that they can (what you help them achieve) because (why you think what you do is important).

If you help military veterans transition into a civilian lifestyle, because you think anyone that selfless deserves it. You help them raise money for their own dreams in life after military service.

Your vision could be something like: “I see a world where veterans are not only respected, but supported in society…”

Then you could throw in something poetic to spice things up like “because they already sacrificed their lives once, they don’t need to do it again by not having any support when their service is over.”

Personal Vision Statements: Advanced Level

A personal vision statement is not a static document; it’s a dynamic reflection of your life’s purpose. Here’s how your personal vision will evolve over time and what to do about it.

Evolving Your Vision

• Adapting to Changing Circumstances: Embrace the unpredictability of life and be open to revising your vision when unforeseen events occur, ensuring it aligns with your evolving reality.
• Revising and Updating: Regularly revisit and update your vision statement to reflect your growth, achievements, new insights, and shifting priorities.

Achieving Long-Term Success

• Sustaining Success: Develop strategies to maintain success over a lifetime, using your vision statement as a guide throughout your life journey to ensure your accomplishments align with long-term goals.
• Balancing Personal and Professional Aspirations: Recognize that success encompasses both personal and professional aspects of life, and ensure your vision reflects this balance.

Leadership and Vision

• Using Your Vision as a Leader: Explore how a personal vision statement can guide your leadership approach and inspire teams and organizations to follow a shared vision.

Measuring Progress

• Tracking Progress: Stay on course by setting measurable goals and regularly reviewing your achievements to stay motivated and on track.
• Celebrating Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments and milestones to reinforce your commitment to your vision.

Mentoring and Coaching

• Becoming a Mentor: Learn how to share your experiences and guide others in creating their visions, fostering personal development in those you mentor.

Real-Life Success Stories

• Success Profiles: Read about individuals who have achieved their visions, gaining valuable lessons and insights to inspire your own journey.

Using Technology

• Digital Tools: Discover tools and apps that can aid in vision statement development and learn how to effectively use technology in crafting and tracking your vision.

Incorporating Your Vision in Daily Life

• Daily Integration: Explore strategies for making your vision a natural part of your daily routine, including mindfulness practices and goal-setting techniques.

Giving Back and Legacy

• Positive Impact: Understand how your vision can make a positive impact on the world, leaving a meaningful legacy that aligns with your vision.

Overcoming Common Challenges

• Identifying Challenges: Recognize common obstacles faced when writing personal vision statements, such as writer’s block or uncertainty.
• Practical Solutions: Provide practical advice and strategies to overcome these challenges, empowering readers to make progress in creating and pursuing their visions.