Mid year vision statement
We are half way through 2008 - can you believe it? - and so I have been reflecting on what I have achieved this year so far and what else I want to achieve for the rest of 2008. I would have to say my biggest achievement is the birth of my daughter Hollie. What is your biggest achievement this year?
This half-way point might be a good time for those of you who left New Year’s Resolutions by the wayside long ago, to use the new financial year as a fresh start. You could define a new vision for 2008/2009 with some new goals to see you through the rest of this year or for the entire new financial year. Just in case you want to do this, we have some information and tips for you to get to work on creating your Personal Vision Statement.
What is a vision statement?
A vision statement is a picture of what you want your life to look like in a designated timeframe, whether it is a year from now to ten years from now. It represents a dream that is beyond what you think is possible and it takes you out beyond the present. It’s a roadmap of your future and outlines the direction you are headed.
What does a vision statement look like?
A vision statement can take many forms. It can be written down on a piece of paper, it can be a collage of pictures and words on a piece of cardboard, it can be an audio or visual recording you have made of a collection of images and/or sounds.
Why create a vision statement?
Just like a street directory clarifies the direction in which you need to drive your car to get to your desired location, a vision statement clarifies the direction in which you need to move to get to your ideal place in life. It is like beginning with the end in mind - if you know where you are going you will be able to get to your destination much more quickly and easily. Would you try getting to a location you have never been before without our street directory?
How to create a vision statement?
Creating a vision statement can be an exciting and creative process and you can have lots of fun with it. Here are six easy steps to follow:
1. Set aside some quite time where you will be uninterrupted for at least half an hour.
2. Prepare all the materials you will need to complete your vision.
3. Create an ambience that will stimulate creativity with music, pictures, candles or scents.
4. Choose a date in the future, one year from now is a good start, or perhaps a special date like a
birthday or anniversary.
5. Start imagining what you want in your life, what you want to create, where you want to be, and what
you want to be doing.
6. Go for it, be creative and have fun.
Ideas for creating your vision statement
Here are a few different ways to complete a vision statement and I have listed some ideas below. Some of my clients choose to use one of the methods and some get a real kick out of using two or more.
Letter from the future
You will need a blank piece of lined paper and a pen. The letter from the future is a letter that you write to yourself one year from now (or the special date you chose). You write a letter outlining all that is happening in your life. Write it in the present tense as is it is happening in your dream life. Be as descriptive as you can and address all the senses, what it looks like, what it feels like, what it tastes like, what it smells like, what it sounds like.
Vision Board
You will need a big piece of cardboard, scissors, glue, coloured pencils and old magazines. Using pictures, letters and words from the old magazines cut them out and glue them on the cardboard to represent your dream life.
Whichever method you choose to create your personal vision, put it somewhere you can see it daily and use it as a constant reminder of where you are going. You can review it on your special date and reflect on all that you have achieved in that time.
Benefits of a Vision Statement
Vision statements create a vivid image in your head that will provoke emotion and excitement. It creates enthusiasm and poses a challenge that inspires you to take action, achieve yours goals and move forward.
Now you have all the tools you need to predict your future.
Danielle Ferris, Head Coach
ShapeShifters - supporting, guiding and motivating women to achieve their ideal weight, health and lifestyle goals
