What's Your Personal Vision Statement?

We all think about the big things we'd like to accomplish in life. But most of us never write them down.

Talk to successful people, and they'll tell you that they write down their values, goals, and vision for what they want in life. Then they use it as a compass to make it come true.

Some people use "vision," "purpose," and "mission" interchangeably. Others think they describe different things. There is no consensus. We use vision (See Mission Statement).

A personal vision statement describes how you see yourself in the future. It describes your hopes and dreams and evokes a sense of achievement and fulfillment.

Writing Your Vision Statement

A vision statement integrates various aspects of your life and what you know about yourself. Here's one way to write a vision statement.

On a piece of paper list:

• Things that bring you happiness and inspire you.
• Things you do best and enjoy doing.
• Things you've always wanted to do.

When you complete your list, put the ideas about your future into one or more paragraphs. Your vision statement could be 20 words or 200 words. Length doesn't matter. Make sure to write it in the present tense, imagining yourself already achieving what you want.

Two examples of personal vision statements:

"I walk up to the podium and am awarded the Olympic Gold Medal for the 100 meter dash. The huge crowd cheers. I watch proudly as my national anthem is played and my country's flag rises slowly above me."

"I am physically empowered; have graduated from college; have four satisfying interpersonal relationships that bring me joy, a soulful connection with God, lots of friends, am having fun everyday and making at least $75,000 a year doing work helping other people."

Benefits of A Vision Statement

• Makes it easier to define the actions and goals that will help you achieve your vision.

• Acts as a yardstick against which you can measure your current reality and your progress.

• Allows you to evaluate your values. If, for example, one of your values is honesty, you know if you're compromising your vision by being dishonest.

If you want to start living into your desired future, take the time to write a vision statement. Then put it where you can read it on a regular basis to stay inspired.

Remember: The things you think about the most become your reality!

Source: http://www.best-of-time-management.com