What Exactly is YOUR Vision?
© 2006 - 2009 Kendall SummerHawk
Great success stories start with a clear, dynamic, compelling vision that pulls you forward, even on those days when you would rather sleep in (or when taking action just feels too darn difficult).
But what exactly IS that vision?
Too many business owners float along, believing they do have a vision, when in reality, they don't. For example: "I want to make a difference for people in their lives" is not a vision. In fact, it's nothing more than a nice, altruistic vague idea. Sorry for the tough talk on this but if you REALLY do want to make a difference in peoples' lives then your vision must be sharp, clear and galvanizing!
Another example I often hear sounds like this, "I want to get more people on my newsletter list." Again, this is nothing more than a vaguely expressed minor goal.
Here are 6 steps to get your vision into
focus and into your heart:
Note: this is an excerpt from my propriety Vivid Vision™ NLP
process I designed and have used exclusively for my HorseWise Brilliance
Unbridled and upcoming Platinum Inner Circle clients.
Vivid Vision™ Step #1 Clearly explain your
"what"
Your Vivid Vision MUST clearly state WHAT you are motivated to achieve.
So instead of the fluffy "I want to make a difference" statement,
think in terms of something definitive and with a specific time frame
attached to it.
President Kennedy's brilliant and bold vision was to "put a man on the moon and bring him home again before the decade was out." Voiced in 1961, his vision was achieved a full year earlier than predicted, in 1969.
If you're struggling with what to make as your vision, let me ask you this, "What is it that you are absolutely, positively passionate about achieving as if you're life depended on it and failure was not an option?" Don't think too hard—your first thought is probably your best thought!
Vivid Vision™ Step #2 Feel a passionate "why"
To do its job of pulling you forward your Vivid Vision™ must
have a passionate, compelling "why" behind it. Why is it
so important to you? Without a compelling "why" it's likely
you won't stay motivated and in action when the going gets a bit tough.
Your "why" is strongest if it's linked to something in your personal life you value highly. For example, for a long time I thought my Vivid Vision™ was to make a million dollars a year. Now I realize that is my goal, not my Vivid Vision™.
What tipped me off to this was seeing that what I value most isn't money (although I love—and am very good at—making it!). I had been experiencing a disconnect between what I thought was the Vivid Vision™ I was "supposed" to have, and what I valued most. Naturally, that disconnect created a conflict of interest.
Now I have a Vivid Vision™ that is perfectly in alignment with my deepest values. My goal of making one million a year is one way of telling me if I'm on track with my Vivid Vision™. The results since making this shift have been amazing! My income is up by 40% in less than one year and headed towards an even higher number before the year is out.
Vivid Vision™ Step #3 Get a clear strategy
Think of your strategy as deciding your overall approach to seeing
your Vivid Vision fulfilled. Your strategy is not the detailed action
plan or steps you'll take. It's a higher level look at the basic direction
you plan on heading in.
Creating a clear strategy is where a lot of business owners let their Vivid Vision™ slip through their fingers. Please, don't make this complicated or expect to know in advance that what you choose is the "right" way. There is no right way; there is only a way. Choose 2-3 ways (strategies) to achieve your Vivid Vision™. Then you're ready to...
Vivid Vision™ Step #4 Get into action
With your strategies clearly defined you're ready to start taking
action. Now, there will be days where your progress feels puny, obstacles
appear to be larger than life and you may be ready to chuck the whole
thing. Don't. Those are the days where staying focused and connected
with your Vivid Vision will inspire you to put one foot in front of
the other. And the days in between? Simple...do the same thing!
Vivid Vision™ Step #5 Let the Law of Attraction
deliver the "how"
Uh-oh...now we get to the sticky part. This is the part where most
folks want to start figuring out how to make their Vivid Vision™
happen, but don't know how it's all going to work out, so they get
stuck, totally stalled in their tracks.
It's tempting, I admit, to want to start figuring out the "how." My coaching request here is...don't. Every time you feel yourself stuck, not in action or feeling confused here is what you do: read your Vivid Vision™ out loud. Look at your vision board (more about that in a moment). Read your strategies out loud. Then ask yourself, "What do I need to do to keep moving?" Don't worry, if you're in action, so too, will the Universe be in action on your behalf!
Vivid Vision™ Step #6 Create a vision board
My husband, Richard, and I are planning on purchasing a bigger piece
of property and building a house and large horse facilities. We've
made an incredibly beautiful vision board that represents everything
we want, even down to the style of windows and doors!
If I feel discouraged about finding just the right piece of land all I do is look at our vision board (it's hanging right in front of my computer) and I immediately feel inspired, on track and positive the right property is coming our way. Plus, creating our vision board allowed us to get very specific and clear about what we're looking for so we are in harmony with our vision (an important point when you're co-creating with someone!).
You can use these six tips as your Vivid Vision™ checklist. Be sure you have ALL six steps clear and written down, then enjoy having something that pulls you forward to success!
About the author:
Kendall SummerHawk, the "Horse Whisperer for Business" delivers smart, savvy ways entrepreneurs can turn their hectic business into a smooth-running, fun, 6-figure money-making dream. To learn more about her book, Brilliance Unbridled, and sign up for more FREE tips like these, visit her site at http://www.kendallsummerhawk.com
NOTE: You are welcome to “reprint” this article online as long as it remains complete and unaltered (including the “about the author” info at the end). I would also appreciate a copy of your reprint sent to kendall@kendallsummerhawk.com