What is a Vision?

According to Merriam-Webster, vision is defined as, “a thought, concept, or object formed by the 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 having a 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 are some of the reasons why having a vision is so vital to success:

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

A Vision can also be defined as “a dream with a deadline”. 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 or defined 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 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 the “why”. It gives you the reason for your actions, choices, hopes, and desires. This fills your daily activities with meaning and purpose. 

How to write a Vision Statement?

For entrepreneurs and business owners, knowing how to write a vision statement is a useful skill to hone. These are the components you need to write a strong vision statement.

Project into the future 

While a vision statement should be written in present tense, it needs to be forward-looking because that’s what vision is. In terms of a business’ vision statement, it is recommended to look several years into the future to understand what you hope to achieve by then. 

Determine position

To know where you want to go, you should first assess where you are and the resources available. There are various tools for this like the Business Model Canvas or SWOT Analysis.

Outline success

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

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.