what are the benefits of a personal vision?

Author: Beverley Powell

Website: readytolead.uk ​​

The organisational vision
There are many global companies with a set of values and a carefully chosen vision which many of us know and love and therefore use their services. Examples of global brands are: BBC, British Airways, Pepsi, Apple, NHS England,Coca-cola and Pepsi. Many of us may work for a company or an organisation which has a set of values and a vision. In many companies to day, having a set of values and an overarching vision is very important in helping set the standard and direction of travel. A vision may have been developed in conjunction with employees and users of that service. The end product is a simple vision, firmly embedded into the fabric of an organisation and help to focus employees and provide a strong corporate brand which the customer will expect.

Your personal vision
But what about your vision? What are your values? Does it really matter? Having a personal vision can act as your own unique personal blue print or a road map. It can act as a reminder of how you wish to lead a fulfilling life both personally and professionally and can enable you to re focus if you feel lacking in direction. Having a vision can also act as a compass when considering a change in career or looking to work for a different organisation.

“The first step toward creating an improved future is developing the ability to envision it. VISION will ignite the fire of passion that fuels our commitment to do WHATEVER IT TAKES to achieve excellence. Only VISION allows us to transform dreams of greatness into the reality of achievement through human action. VISION has no boundaries and knows no limits. Our VISION is what we become in life. ”
Tony Dungy

Image by Stuart Miles

There are many ways of creating your personal statement. Here are a couple questions to consider asking yourself and in doing so, help create your very own vision statement.

• What do you want to do with your life?
• What are you inspired to do?
• What do you love to do?
• What would you like to be known for?
• What kind of impact would you like to leave on your community?
• What current brands do you enjoy?
• How do your friends and family view you as a brand?

Image courtesy of Vlado

Personal Mission Statement
This can be a general statement which would include what you'd like to accomplish personally or professionally.

Personal Vision Statement
This is a more specific statement which will indicate very clearly what you'd like to do in life personally or professionally.

Creating your own vision
Your personal vision should be short and succinct and inspire you.Your personal values will underpin your personal vision and in doing so, create a very clear and unique picture of what you stand for personally and professionally. This can also help act as your moral compass. Developing your personal vision can be done in a number of ways as not everyone is creative. Here are a few pointers to help steer you on your way:

Key principals of a vision

• A personal vision is a declaration of a purpose.
• A vision creates self discipline.
• A vision helps to set direction.

Image courtesy of Iosphere

Different Vision Boards
Theme Board
This can be developed for a significant event for example, planning a wedding, holiday, decorating a room, planning a significant birthday, developing a New year resolution.

Journal book
Collecting a variety of different information in a journal is another way to kick start your very own vision. Having a portable journal to log down your unique vision ideas, inspirational quotes, statements, references from books and images. Try setting yourself a time limit to focus your intentions and get a finished product.

​As life changes, so too can your values. Remember values and visions can change.

All images courtesy of FreeDigitalphotos.net

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Beverley Powell is a UK certified Life Coach and Educator and national award winner by the Health Service Journal (HSJ) 2014 as a BME Pioneer for her work around strategic inclusion within the National Health Service(NHS), and also by NHS Employers 2014 for work on strategically embedding Diversity through the workforce.