Creating Your Vision

• August 8th, 2007
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In 2004 I attended my first and only Seminar. During the course of the event, I noticed a theme in many of the speeches and training that I heard. One speech that really stuck with me over the past few years was that of NSD Anne Newbury. In her speech, Anne spoke of having a strong vision as far as what she wanted from her business. Her speech struck a cord with me. After hearing her speak, I noticed she was not the only person to speak on this concept. Many of those honored that year made similar points in their speeches.

Having a vision of what you desire from your business was something that was difficult for me to comprehend. There was something about Anne Newbury’s speech that made it crystal clear to me. Maybe it is her down-to-earth delivery. I’m still not sure.

Some people are visionaries. These people are dreamers and thinkers and doers. They see the big picture. They are optimists.

What kind of people are visionaries? Let’s look back through history. Walt Disney was an amazing visionary. He created an American icon. His vision led to the development of the largest theme parks in the world. His name is known world wide. Walt Disney had dreams and goals and could see the fruits of his anticipated labor before it actually happened. His vision kept him motivated and kept him working. Thomas Edison was another great visionary. Because he could envision the outcomes of his inventions, he was able to persevere in the many trials and errors before getting them perfected. Another visionary was Martin Luther King, Jr. He had a dream for all people to live in peace and harmony. He was not afraid to speak his beliefs and make a solid effort to make his vision reality. Yet another incredible visionary was our very own Mary Kay Ash. Mary Kay had a dream to start her own company. She had a clear vision of what she wanted her company to be and how she wanted it to operate. She was told time and again that her idea would never work. She persisted and it finally paid off. Look at where the company is today! I hope my examples show a bit of diversity as far as what the visions were. Be it business, politics, entertainment, or science; having vision is a key to success and effectiveness.

The examples I have listed are extremely well-known individuals. Visionaries exist in every walk of life and every career path. A visionary can exist at any level. Don’t think they are only celebrity-status individuals. We can all be visionaries if we can just find our vision!

So, what are some characteristics of visionaries?

1. Self-confidence. One must be confident in herself in order to achieve her goals. If she wilts at the first sign of difficulty or failure, she will not achieve her goals. It is a simple fact.

2. Enthusiasm. It always helps to be excited about what you are doing. If we’re not excited about it, why should anyone else be? Enthusiasm is often contagious and creating that enthusiasm in others, helps to build our own confidence.

3. Determination. One just cannot give up when the chips are down. Work through the problems and success will be found.

4. Goal-oriented. Make goals. Start small. As the small goals are achieved, the larger goals become more tangible and, therefore, more achievable!

I find that these 4 characteristics are essential to create a vision and to then carry it out. For a long time, I wanted to have a vision for my business and I just couldn’t see much. What I’ve learned recently, is that I was trying too hard! Sometimes, we hear people speak of their vision and their dreams and they are huge visions and dreams. For years, I felt like I needed this huge vision for my business like directorship, or NSD. These goals are intangible goals for me at this point in my career. I can’t possibly envision myself at those levels because I have to meet other goals first. Baby steps. Earlier this year, I was able to successfully make real goals for my business as far as earning potential. Now that these small goals have been achieved, it makes it easier for me to visualize myself achieving bigger goals.

So, any one of us can become a visionary in our own world. We just need to learn the skills that come more naturally to others. These two articles below have some excellent advice as far as visualizing goals and creating your own vision! I found them on Ideas for Women.

Are You Seeing a Vision?

Visualize Your Way to Success

Tags: Action, Dreams, Personal Responsibility, Self-Discipline, Seminar, Vision, Visonary