A vision statement is a powerful tool for creating a clear and compelling picture of your desired future. Visioning is the process of imagining and articulating your ideal life, career, or business. By creating a vision statement, you can clarify your goals, values, and purpose, and use this clarity to guide your decisions and actions. In this guide, we'll explore the benefits of visioning, provide examples of personal vision statements, and offer tips for creating your own vision statement.
The reason so many people feel “stuck in life”, is because they have not yet clarified where they want their life to go.
We move from moment to moment, routine to routine, day after day.
Wondering why we feel stuck….
Why we feel like something is missing.
I was spiraling in this space for years.
And it was not until I got clarity on what I wanted my life to look like, that I finally stopped spinning and started making incredible traction in my life.
In this Life Visioning Guide I am going to give you all the ins and outs about why creating a vision for your life is IMPERATIVE if you want to banish burnout and create balanced, fulfilling lives.
What is Life Visioning?
Life visioning is the process of being intentional in mapping out what your dream life looks like.
Just as you map out where you want to do on vacation… you find the destination, highlight the main attractions you want to see and then make a plan to get there - it is the same principle for life visioning.
Life visioning is a process of creating a written + visual image of what you want your life to look like in the future.
Life visioning is an essential process that can help you identify your purpose, passion, and direction in life.
A Personal Vision Statement is your North Star or your Compass/ GPS guidance system for your life.
And if you have not mapped out your life vision, then you my friend are in the perfect spot!
Why?
Because everyone who has had an incredible impact on our world or achieved personal success has had a life vision.
Before we jump in, I want to explain two components of life visioning.
- Creating a LIFE VISION for yourself
- Writing your own Personal Mission Statement (or personal vision statement - these terms are used interchangeably)
Life Vision + Life Mission Statement
What is a life vision? What is a personal vision or mission statement? Is there a Difference?
Before we begin I wanted to clarify the difference between a personal mission statement (or personal vision statement - these terms are used interchangeably) and a life vision.
They are different, yet intertwined.
The difference only being that your personal life vision statement is a condensed version of your life vision.
So let's clarify so you know off the hop what I am referring to:
A Personal Vision Statement or a Life Mission Statement:
Is a short phrase that describes who you want to be and how you want to live. It often includes your personal core values and long term goals. It is a concise and written expression of your life vision. It is a declaration of goals, values, and aspirations, and it articulates how you see yourself in the future. A life vision statement is usually a few sentences or paragraphs long, and it should be clear, inspiring, and meaningful to the individual who created it.
Whereas, your
Life vision:
Is your Overall life vision for the big areas of your life and can be a lot longer and described in much more detail. A life vision refers to a clear and compelling picture of the future that you want to create for yourself. It is an overall idea or concept that guides your life and helps you to stay focused on your goals and aspirations. A life vision can encompass various aspects of your life, such as career, relationships, personal growth, spirituality, and more.
In other words: a life vision is a broad concept or idea that guides one's life, while a life vision statement or life mission statement is a written expression of that vision that is clear, concise, and inspiring.
Does that make sense?
For example, go to any major company's website and you will find their vision statement. It is a short description of what they stand for and where they strive to be at. It is like the “elevator” version that they can say in a minute or two if someone asks about their company’s vision statement. Whereas, the life vision is more like the company’s detailed internal vision statement of what they want and where they are headed.
Personal Live Vision Statement = short and condensed phrase
Life Vision = the exact, detailed way in which you would like your life to look.
Just as Big organizations create their vision based on their strengths and the change they want to make in the world, you will do the same with your personal life vision using your core values, your strengths, your ambition and your vision for your dream life as your GPS.
So first thing is first, in order to create our personal vision statement,you must first create our Life Vision and have a bigger picture in our mind.
So let’s start there.
IMPORTANCE OF CREATING YOUR PERSONAL LIFE VISION
Creating a life vision for yourself is a MUST in personal development.
So many of us are told how we “should” live our lives….
….We ‘should’ get the job
… We ‘should’ get the house
… We ‘should’ get the family
… We ‘should’ get the pension
… We ‘should’ get the paycheck
… We ‘should’ be like everyone else
… We ‘should’ work harder and harder and save for retirement
Yet, if you are here reading this, I bet you have done a lot of the ‘should’s in your life but are still feeling a void of some sort….
I know this feeling all too well. Having done all my ‘shoulds’ - climbing the corporate ladder, getting the dream career and having all the pretty little boxes checked off - I was still feeling a void and I could not figure out why. (read more about my story here)
I would sit in traffic to go to work each day to only be extremely stressed all day. Then I would sit in traffic again, come home to a house I was barely in (as I was always in traffic going to a job I hated) and be in a terrible mood. I would numb out on social media or Netflix, and then do it all over the next day.
….and I was only 30 years old. My parents praised me for the job I had and told me how lucky I was to have the benefits I did, the pension I did. And I do not disagree. I was super fortunate for all of these things and incredibly grateful.
However the thought of living this mundane, auto-pilot - “work to live” life for the next 30 years gave me serious anxiety.
I was not happy.
I became annoyed, frustrated and resentful.
I lived life on autopilot
Day in and day out.
Until I decided there was no freaking way I was doing this for the next 30 years and something had got to change.
At this point in time, I knew I had to start creating the path I wanted to take. To start creating something to strive for, so that all those days in the office, had a purpose as I knew I was striving for something different.
If you can relate, then I PROMISE you, creating a life vision, and taking these first steps, is HUGE!!!
So what is a Life Vision?
- A life Vision is the big picture of where you want to go in life
- A life vision gives you a direction to move in
- A life vision helps to remind you of what you are striving for each day, making all your short term goals very intentional and in alignment with where ACTUALLY want to go, not where someone said you “should” go.
Why Is Writing A Life Vision Important?
As mentioned above, a Life Vision is a way to think about your future that helps you plan for success in all areas of your life. It's also a tool to help you stay focused on your goals and avoid distractions.
1. Clarifies your purpose in life
The process of life visioning helps you identify your purpose in life. It allows you to reflect on your values, beliefs, and priorities and identify the things that matter most to you. This clarity of purpose helps you make decisions and take actions that are aligned with your values and goals, giving you a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.
2. Provides direction and focus
When you have a clear vision for your life, it becomes easier to set goals and make decisions. You know where you want to go, and you can develop a roadmap to get there. This roadmap helps you stay focused and motivated, even when you encounter obstacles or setbacks.
3. Increases motivation and productivity
A clear and compelling life vision can inspire and motivate us to take action towards our goals. It gives us a reason to get out of bed every day and work towards our dreams. When we have a sense of purpose and direction, we are more likely to stay committed to our goals and persist through the challenges that come our way.
4. It fosters personal growth and development
Having a life vision can challenge us to step outside of our comfort zones and grow as individuals. When we have a clear picture of what we want to achieve, we can identify the skills and knowledge we need to develop to get there. Pursuing our goals can also expose us to new experiences, people, and perspectives, which can broaden our horizons and help us grow as individuals.
5. Boosts confidence and self-esteem
Having a clear vision for your life can also boost your confidence and self-esteem. You know what you want to achieve and have a plan to get there. This sense of control and direction can give you a greater sense of confidence in your abilities and increase your self-esteem.
6. It enables us to measure progress and success
A life vision provides a benchmark against which we can measure our progress and success. By tracking our progress towards our goals, we can identify areas where we need to improve and celebrate our successes along the way. This sense of progress and achievement can be highly motivating and can help us stay committed to our goals over the long term.
7. Creates a sense of fulfillment and happiness
Ultimately, life visioning can help you create a sense of fulfillment and happiness in your life. When you have a clear purpose and direction, and you are taking steps towards achieving your goals, you feel a sense of satisfaction and joy. You are living a life that is aligned with your values and priorities, and this brings a sense of fulfillment and happiness.
Are you sold yet?
Having a life vision is crucial for personal growth and success.
And it is FUN! Seriously!
Try it.
Need direction and help with this? Grab my signature step-by-step Life Design System here!
And for a limited time use the code LIFEVISION for 40% off
How to Write A Vision Statement
Your Life Vision is uniquely yours…. Which means you need to find it for yourself, no one else can do this work for you!
Writing your personal life vision involves reflecting on your values, goals, and aspirations for the future. Here are some steps to help you get started:
Set aside time for reflection
Find a quiet and comfortable place where you can reflect on your life and what you want to achieve. Be gentle with yourself and really give yourself the time to think about it. You can ponder over this for a few days if need be…. But be intentional about really putting some thought into it.
Ask yourself some key questions
What is most important to you in life? What are your strengths and passions? What are your biggest dreams and aspirations? What legacy do you want to leave behind?
Brainstorm and Write it down in a Journal
Once you have some clarity on what you want your life to look like, start writing it down. Use positive language and focus on what you want to achieve, rather than what you don't want. Make a list of all the stuff that is important and you want in life. Keep a running list that you can come back to and add to as you continue to discover more.
Here is a step-by-step process to help you get started:
- STEP 1: Create the foundation and define your core personal values….Figure out what is important to you in life. What do you believe in? What do you want to see changed in the world? Don't know your personal core values? THIS IS STEP #1 - YOU MUST KNOW THESE - If, you don't; start by checking out this Core Values Blog post and grab your FREE CORE VALUES WORKSHEET.
- STEP 2: Allow yourself to dream big. Remember people overestimate what they can get done in a day, but underestimate what they can get done in a year. You are the artist and your life is the canvas. You see the end picture in your mind, and are creating your own epic life journey on how you are going to get there! Listen to your heart. Think outside the box. If you need help with this
- Step 3: Ask yourself:
- What do I really want?
- What does my best life look like?
Remember: Think about what you want, not on what you don’t want. And remember to let go of the should’s… focus on what you want, not what you feel others expect of you.
The question of “what do I want” sounds deceptively simple, however it can be difficult to answer. Allowing yourself to explore and admit what you want in life can be frightening, especially if it is different from what others may expect of you.
But remember, if you don't create your life vision who will? You have to do the work… a life of alignment does not usually happen by chance, but by design.
—even a few years into the future will give you a place to start.
“Your best life vision aligns with your core personal values. It is created from your dreams, your passions and aspirations. It will create energy and enthusiasm to help you continue to take intentional steps towards the life you really want. “
- STEP 4: Take the time to write out your ideal dream life in detail.
- Writing down your dreams is a powerful tool in creating your life vision. Create a vivid picture of your dream life and focus on how your best life would feel. If you are struggling to look down to 20 or 30 years from now, then start your life vision for the next 5 years.
- Do you want to be graduated school?
- Have your business generating consistent income?
- Becoming a parent
- Landing your dream career?
- Traveling the world?
Extra Tips after you have created your life vision:
Create a vision board
If you are a visual person, create a vision board that represents your goals and aspirations. Use images, words, and colors that inspire you and reflect your vision for the future. New to vision boards - check out my visioning board 101 guide here.
Review and revise
Your personal life vision is not set in stone, and it is important to review and revise it regularly as your goals and aspirations change over time. Set aside time every few months to reflect on your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your vision.
Remember, your personal life vision should be a reflection of your unique values and aspirations. Don't worry about what others think or what society expects of you. Focus on what is truly important to you, and use your vision to guide your decisions and actions towards a more fulfilling life.
If you want to go deeper and get my step-by-step method for creating a powerful vision for your life check out my signature course below.
Your Life By Design System
Get now for 40% off - use the code "LifeVision"
Create Your Life Vision Today
PERSONAL LIFE VISION EXAMPLE
If you are like me you like, examples always help to get your creative juices flowing. Even if your life vision is totally different and you want different things, I find seeing other people’s life visions a powerful way to help get your creative juices flowing. So being vulnerable here… I will share an example of my life vision.
* Side note - this is a condensed ‘brainstorm version of my life vision.
- CEO of my online business where I create valuable and transformative content that lights me up and helps other to live more intentional and happier lives - utilizing their unique talent and skills, so they can ditch the burned-out auto-pilot way of living and create the life they desire.
- Make a consistent, primarily passive income in my online business so I am able to walk my girls to and from school each day and create the hours that work for my creative mind and my family’s lifestyle.
- Live near the ocean in a house I love, with a big garden so I can immerse myself and my children in nature + live a sustainable lifestyle.
- Live my best life with my Life Partner by my side in a respectful, passionate and joyful relationship.
If you want to go deeper into creating your life vision and want a guide to help you along the way check out my self-paced online learning course here and use the code “LIFEVISIONING” for 40% off.
Okay, so now that you have an idea of your overall life vision and what you really want your life to look like…. Let’s dive into creating that sweet personal life vision statement.
How to write a vision statement
Remember, your life vision is the long form of your dream life. Whereas, your personal life vision statement is is a short phrase that describes who you are and where you're going. You can use it as a guidepost to help you make decisions throughout your life.
Step 1: go back to your core values. If you do not know your core values then check out this post here and download my free printable on defining your core values. Honestly this is the foundational work. You must know your core values inside and out… Your core values define your identity and how you choose to show up each day.
Step 2: Review your overall life vision and pick out the top 3-5 things that you really desire in your life and are aligned with your core values. Focus on What you want in life - how do you want to be living? What type of lifestyle? What unique skills and talents do you want to be utilizing in your life?
Step 3: Put it together for your life vision statement.
Here is a sample you can use to pull from
Examples of personal vision statements / examples of Personal Mission Statements
Okay so here is how I cam up with my personal mission statement:
First I defined my core values
Core values: Family, Integrity, Intentionality and Curiosity
Next I outlined my Life vision (as shared above)
Life Vision:
- Live near the ocean in a house I love, with a big garden so I can immerse myself and my children in nature + live a sustainable lifestyle.
- Live with my Life Partner in a respectful, passionate and joyful relationship.
- Have the time freedom to spend quality time with my Girls and work a balanced workweek in a career that lights me up.
- Make a consistent, primarily passive income in my online business so I am able to walk my girls to and from school each day and create the hours that work for my creative mind and my family’s lifestyle.
From That I shaped out my Personal Life Vision Statement:
I am an Intentional and conscious Woman, Mother, Wife and Entrepreneur who lives life from a place of integrity and curiosity. I infuse my passion for helping others in a career that lights me up and provides me time, location and financial freedom.
Want more examples to get your creative juices flowing? Here is a list of examples of personal vision statements. I recommend pulling form some of these shorter ones and infusing it with your own core values and dreams.
- "To live a life of adventure, constantly exploring new places and experiences, while making a positive impact on the world."
- "To be a beacon of hope and inspiration to those around me, empowering others to reach their full potential and achieve their dreams."
- "To cultivate a life of abundance, gratitude, and joy, always striving to learn and grow while leaving a lasting legacy for future generations."
- "To live a life of purpose and meaning, driven by my passions and guided by my values, and to inspire others to do the same."
- "To create a life filled with creativity, beauty, and self-expression, while using my talents and skills to make a positive impact on the world."
- "To lead a life of authenticity and integrity, always staying true to myself and my beliefs, and using my voice to promote justice and equality."
- "To build a life of connection and community, fostering deep and meaningful relationships with those around me and using my resources to help others thrive."
- To make a positive impact on the world by helping others and contributing to society.
- To become a successful entrepreneur and create a business that positively impacts people's lives.
- To live a simple and sustainable life, surrounded by nature, and focusing on personal growth and well-being.
- To become an influential leader and make a significant impact in one's field of work or community.
- To travel the world and experience different cultures, while also learning new skills and gaining knowledge.
- To build a strong and loving family, and to prioritize relationships and connections with loved ones.
- To pursue artistic or creative passions and create something that inspires others.
- To achieve financial freedom and security, and to use this to support oneself and loved ones, and give back to the community.
- To make a positive impact on the environment, through sustainable practices, conservation efforts, or activism.
- To pursue a life of spiritual growth and connection, and to explore the deeper meaning of life and the universe.
Remember that a life vision statement should be unique to you and reflect your personal values, passions, and goals. Use these examples as inspiration and feel free to tailor them to fit your individual aspirations.
If you to take the first step in living a life with intetnion, then you MUST uncover your Core Values + Create a Life Vision.
Today, let's start with step one and get Clear on your Core Personal Values.
Discover Your Core Values InstantlyThe Next Steps - How to Stay Aligned with Your Life Vision
Now that you have created your life vision, contrary to popular belief you cannot just think really hard about it and it will “poof” happen to you. You have to start taking aligned action in your life to get you on the direction to your life vision.
The choices you make today are shaping your life of tomorrow.
By filtering your decisions and choices through your core personal values lens as well as now your life vision lens, you are able to say yes to opportunities that light you up and no to ones that are not aligned with where you are taking your life.
Here are 5 Ideas to keep your momentum going:
- Setting yearly intentions - Get your Free Intention Setting Workbook HERE
- Adapting an Intentional lifestyle - learn more about intentional living here
- Creating your Unique LIFE BY DESIGN SYSTEM - learn more here (and use the code 'LifeVision' for 40% off!
Remember, start small. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the idea of writing down your life vision. However, starting small and building up is an effective strategy. The fact you are here and brought awareness to the fact that you need to create your life’s GPS is an amazing feat. So many people do not even have this awareness. So give yourself some credit.
And now that you are aware, you cannot be unaware of this fact. The seed has been planted.
Don't Give Up.
You are so much more powerful than you know.
Want to go further?
Stay in Touch with me!
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