How to Create an Inspiring Vision and Mission for Your Life’s Work
Knowing and believing in your own Vision and Mission gives you a clear purpose and direction. You focus on what you want and where you want to go, rather than on what everyone else is doing.
Having a vision and mission for your life and business, no matter how small, can provide inspiration to fuel your greatest actions, and conviction to make it through even the toughest times.
And in my work as a brand strategist and business coach for entrepreneurial people, there’s a whole host of frameworks and tools I use to help my clients uncover the heart of their brand. Together, we clarify the purpose and core values of their company so they can prepare to grow their business in revenue, in impact and in integrity. And most importantly, we define their vision - the ultimate objective, the raison d’être - to act as their guiding North Star.
These tools and the time my clients commit to working through them with me can be life-changing. Witnessing the breakthroughs, the sense of purpose that’s unlocked and the emotional high that comes with it is what I live for.
Ever wondered am I living a life that’s true to myself?
Give yourself the gift of clarity.
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It’s made me reflect deeply on how we plan and live our lives. And I’ve been asking myself lately: why on earth aren’t we using these frameworks in our lives as individuals? We feel very comfortable investing time and money to define visions and values for companies, yet if you asked someone on the street, I doubt they could tell you their vision and values for life.
I want to change this. Starting with you.
We all have dreams. But between dreams and reality is vision.
So here is my framework for defining a Vision and a Mission for yourself, your life, and your future.
What’s a Vision?
Your vision is your ultimate objective, your life’s work, the ‘why’ behind your actions and therefore - if you have one - your business. Your vision is what you believe the world needs more of. Your vision should make you proud, excited and a little bit scared.
In my view, your vision doesn’t need to be profound or grandiose, but it should be a good vision for everyone involved: you, your loved ones, your community, your collaborators, society-at-large and the environment.
Some people’s vision is so big, they will need to join up with many other like-minded people in their lifetime to make it happen. Some people’s vision is small but impactful. Some people know they have a big vision in them, but it's not ready to come out yet. So they choose a modest one to start.
Here’s one thing a Vision is not: a competition.
What’s a Mission?
A mission is what you’re doing right now to on the journey to lead you to your vision. Your mission will likely change over time, as you get more clarity on ‘how’ you can continue to move towards the vision. A mission keeps you grounded to what’s truly important in your life and work. Being clear on your mission prevents you from constantly chasing new, shiny objects and instead keeps you focused on reaching the vision.
To summarize:
Vision: The audacious long-term goal, your ‘life’s work’.
Mission: What you’re focusing on right now to move towards your vision.
How to Uncover Your Own Vision and Mission
To uncover your own vision and mission, you must slow down and get quiet within yourself to be able to tap into that deeper voice of wisdom within you.
Do what you need to do to physically relax. Turn of your phone, meditate, do a calming ritual - whatever helps you to focus and be present.
Here are some thought starters to help you uncover your vision. Ask yourself…
What are you doing when you truly come alive?
What do you know that others don’t that will change their lives?
What can you do that others can’t?
What do you do that others don’t?
Do you believe in a world in which (something you care deeply about) could be fairer, easier, cheaper, accepted, celebrated, adopted by all?
If you are to leave your tiny corner of the universe a little bit better than you found it, what will you do?
Answer these questions, then go on a long walk and stew them over.
If you’re doing this for the first time, expect uncovering your vision to be a process. We often have to do a great deal of de-conditioning work to rid ourselves of thoughts, ideas of success and beliefs that are not our own. It can take time. But once the clouds part at last, your own vision will shine as clear and bright as the North Star.
Examples of Vision and Mission Statements
Here are my own Vision and Mission statements.
Vision: To contribute to a world in which ordinary people can reap extraordinary rewards when they live and work from a place of purpose, self-awareness and intention.
Mission: To help entrepreneurial spirits build a successful and sustainable business around their unique gifts, design a life they love, and work less to earn more.
Ultimately, knowing and believing in your own Vision and Mission gives you a clear purpose and direction. You focus on what you want and where you want to go, rather than on what everyone else is doing.
In the words of writer Jamie Varon, “Be so fiercely committed to the things you care about and the vision of the life you want that you don’t have the time, energy or need to compare yourself to other people.”
The answers are inside you. It’s time to listen to them, and turn those dreams into reality.
THIS ARTICLE ORIGINALLY APPEARED ON INSIDE/OUT WOMEN
I’m Imogen, and as a Strategy Coach, I help entrepreneurial people design and pursue their own unique vision of success so they can become unstoppable in life and business.
Take a look at my 1:1 goal-setting and career coaching programmes, or book a free introductory call with me today.
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