Vision - Meaning and Purpose

From wasted resources to burnout to high turnover, there are a variety of pitfalls vision-deficient leaders can stumble into. Some of that might seem common to a business's life, so is a vision essential? I would argue yes. Of course, there will always be challenges, but the benefits of having a clear, multi-year vision far outweigh those challenges. By casting an inspiring, practical picture of what you want for your organization, you can reap these three defining benefits. Many leaders struggle with getting clarity on their vision. With the chaos and clamor of everyday life and business, the bar is often set at just trying to stay afloat. Casting a vision for what you actually want can seem like a far-off luxury. But it comes at a cost.

A sense of purpose. 

 Too often teams spend an excessive amount of time spinning their wheels and just doing whatever tasks have come up most recently. Having a well-thought-out vision allows your company to zero in on the goals, projects, and tasks that have the highest impact on the metrics you want to prioritize.

A positive risk. 

The inciting risk might not feel like a benefit, but the best future doesn’t actually lie within your comfort zone. Just because an idea makes you uncomfortable doesn’t make it a bad idea. In fact, it might be the exact idea you need.

A clearer future. 

 A vision is not an action plan and you won’t be figuring out the “how”—at least not yet. But it does free you to dream and imagine what could be possible, as well as what the end result will be.

What is Vision?

 According to Merriam-Webster, vision is defined as, “the act of power of imagination.”  When you apply vision to the future, you can create a mental picture that can be used to direct your actions. Vision serves as a guide and can be used to provide a sense of purpose. 

 Why is Vision Important?

 For both people and businesses, having a vision proves to be extremely important. Given the trials and tribulations that may come your way, when you have a clear vision of what you want to happen, you can make better decisions. 

 Here’s a look at a few reasons why having a vision is so vital to success and joy:

Overcome roadblocks and hurdles

 Challenges are inevitable. When you run into a wall or a hurdle, you need to know which way to go. Vision provides you with something to look forward to and always work towards. It provides you with a reason to keep going, even when the times get tough. 

Substantiate your goals

 Having a vision places a purpose upon your goal-setting activities. Without an end goal or destination in mind, you won’t have a clear path. Vision provides this. To achieve your vision or goal, you can start by setting small, attainable goals as stepping stones. Each relatively little bit of success will help to continue propelling you forward on your bigger journey. 

Sets expectations

 Setting goals comes along with defining measurements of success. If you set a goal, how do you know when you’ve reached it if you don’t have a way to define success? An overall life vision helps to set expectations accordingly. 

Adds focus 

 Having a vision ensures that your life or business goals can remain focused. When you are faced with a decision or distraction, you can ask yourself if it will help or hurt you in attaining your vision. This can offer you the means to move forward with intention and alignment.

Delivers meaning and purpose 

 A vision is a way to answer your own “why” of life. It gives you the reason for your actions, choices, hopes, and desires. This fills your daily activities with meaning and purpose. 

What is a Vision Statement?

 Anyone can create their own vision statement. People can develop a personal vision statement, and so can a business. 

When it comes to businesses and entities, it’s common for them to write and share a vision statement. A vision statement is a written expression of the purpose and meaning behind a business that’s intended for stakeholders, including employees and even customers. Strong vision statements are written in the present tense, express an outcome that’s achievable, and evoke emotion. 

Businesses: How to Write a Vision Statement 

 For entrepreneurs and business owners, knowing how to write a vision statement is a valuable skill to hone. Let’s take a look at what components you need to write a strong vision statement. This can be applied to personal vision statements, as well. 

Project into the future 

 While a vision statement should be written in the present tense, it needs to be forward-looking because that’s what vision is. In terms of a business vision statement, it’s recommended to look five or ten years into the future to understand what you hope to achieve by then. You can ask what you think the world will look like and/or the market you’re operating in. 

Determine position

 To know where you want to go, you should first assess where you are and the resources available. This can be done with an OAS statement, which is the company’s objective, advantage, and scope.  

Outline success

 Clearly define what success looks like and how it will be measured for your organization (or for yourself).

Conduct research 

 For a business’ value statement, it’s a good idea to look at your competition or the companies which you hope to emulate. It can provide inspiration or a better understanding of how you can get to where you want to be. 

Create a measurable goal

 Create measurable goals that are in line with your vision and communicate them to internal and external stakeholders.  

Learn More About Business 

 If the idea of vision statements and business goals excites you, then a career in business might be a part of your personal vision! 

The Bottom Line 

 Whether you are running a business or an individual looking to accomplish their personal goals in life, having a vision is important. The approach and answer to the question of, “What is a vision?” could be different from one person to the next. However, it will always entail a look into the future with a mental image of what’s to come. Clearly defining your vision and referring back to it when you make your decisions in life will help you to achieve your goals. A vision can consist of personal goals, physical health, career goals, educational goals, and any other aspects of life. No matter what aspect you choose to focus on, you can define and attain your vision with effort, determination, and focus! A dream is your creative vision for your life in the future. You must break out of your current comfort zone and become comfortable with the unfamiliar and the unknown.