If you don’t know where you’re going…
A quote I use often when talking about having a clear vision is: "If you don't know where you're going, how do you know when you get there?"
And the reason I use it is because it's rare to begin working with a person or program that genuinely knows what they want. It's more common for people to understand what they don't like.
Yet, when talking about personal leadership, having a vision for what you want is critical.
And not just any vision but a truly compelling one.
A vision so strong that you think of it often. In the morning, when you wake up. And at night, as you fall asleep.
A vision so incredible that it motivates you and keeps you going when (not if) you're tired, frustrated or ready to give up.
And yes, this is easier said than done. Which is why you want your vision to not only be compelling but to also be 100% about you, your desires, your aspirations, and your unique path.
I know you would think that since it's your vision, it will be about you. Yet, often, our vision comes from others. Society, our families, expectations we put on ourselves. You name it. And here's what we know… when pursuing a vision that is not ours, one day we wake up questioning who we are and what we are doing.
So, I encourage you to start working on your personal vision now, as it is never too late. The sooner you start, the sooner you can start living a life that truly aligns with your vision.
And if you're not sure where to start, try the "7 Whys" exercise. Basically, it involves you asking yourself what you want and writing down your answer. From there, keep asking yourself why you want it – (it being whatever you wrote down). By the time you finish, you will have a pretty good idea of what you want and why you want it.
And if you still need more time or need additional help, remember that you're not alone. Reach out to me at deidre.harris@teamageements.com. I'm here to support you on your journey to personal leadership and a compelling vision!