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How to Know if Your Eye Prescription is Bad

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What Eye Prescription is Legally Blind?

The term “legally blind” actually comes from the government. The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) uses this term to determine who is eligible for certain disability benefits, tax exemptions, and low-vision training.

In the United States, a person has legal blindness if:

• Their vision with glasses or contacts is 20/200 or worse
• Their visual field is 20 degrees or less in the better-seeing eye 11

This means that a legally blind person has to stand 20 feet away from an object to see it clearly. People with normal vision can stand 200 feet away from that same object and see it clearly.

A legally blind person’s vision is at least 10 times worse than someone with normal vision.

Visual Acuity and Eye Prescription

Some legally blind people have visual acuity better than 20/200. However, their peripheral vision is poor.

People with normal vision have a lateral field view of almost 180 degrees. This means they can simultaneously see objects located directly to their left or right.

If your visual field is only 20 degrees, your peripheral vision is reduced drastically. This is often called tunnel vision .

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How Bad Is My Eye Prescription?

No eye prescription should be considered ‘bad.’ Different prescriptions refer to different levels of correction needed to restore normal vision. 

The American Academy of Ophthalmology uses the following benchmarks to classify the severity of nearsightedness or farsightedness:

• Mild +/-0.25 to +/-2.00 
• Moderate +/-2.25 to +/- 5.00
• Severe +/- 5.00

What Does My Eye Prescription Mean?

An eye prescription is a written order for corrective lenses. An optometrist, ophthalmologist, or optician writes it.

An eye prescription includes:

• Patient’s name
• Date the prescription was issued
• Expiration date 
• Specifications for vision correction
• Prescriber’s name, contact number, and signature

Decoding Your Eye Prescription

An eye prescription may include any of the following abbreviations:

• OD: oculus dexter (right eye)
• OS: oculus sinister (left eye)
• OU: oculus uterque (both eyes)
• SPH: the strength of magnification in the lenses
• CYL: cylindrical correction, or the amount of lens power needed to correct astigmatism
• AXIS : indicates the angle of astigmatism correction
• ADD: addition , used for bifocal and multifocal lenses

Focusing Power and Diopters

The numbers listed on the prescription refer to the prescribed focusing power. 

Focusing power refers to the eye’s ability to focus on something at a given distance. Its unit of measurement is called a diopter. 

A positive number (indicated by a ‘+’ sign) refers to farsightedness or hyperopia. A negative number (indicated by a ‘-’ sign) refers to nearsightedness or myopia.

On an eye prescription, 0.00 represents vision that doesn’t need correction. The numbers indicate the level of severity of your nearsightedness or farsightedness. The further away from zero (+ or -), the worse the eyesight.

Common Causes of Legal Blindness

Many eye diseases can lead to legal blindness. The most common causes of blindness are: 10

Cataracts 

Cataracts cause clouding of the eye’s lenses. This happens when the proteins in the lens clump together, making it difficult to see clearly. It’s the leading cause of blindness worldwide.

Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve. Increased pressure inside the eye is the main cause of glaucoma. This condition has no cure, but early intervention can help slow its progression.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD is a disease affecting the retina’s macular region. The macular region is responsible for sharp central vision. It’s a leading cause of blindness in adults over age 65. When you have AMD, you may gradually lose your central vision.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that can affect people with diabetes. Diabetics are at risk of developing blood vessel damage that can lead to poor vision and even blindness.

Is It Bad if My Prescription Changes?

You shouldn’t worry about your eye prescription changing over time. Gradual changes to visual acuity are normal as the flexibility of the natural lens changes over time.

These changes can be caused by aging or other eye conditions, such as:

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a refractive error, like farsightedness or nearsightedness. It causes blurry or distorted vision.

Astigmatism is indicated on a prescription as part of the cylindrical (CYL) correction. If there is no number under CYL, it means there is no astigmatism, or it is so slight that it doesn’t need correction.

Amblyopia is also called a lazy eye. One or both eyes don’t develop properly during childhood, which affects the eyes’ ability to focus.

Presbyopia 

Presbyopia is also called age-related farsightedness . The eyes gradually lose the ability to see objects up close. It typically develops in people over 40 years old.

Sudden vision changes may signify serious eye disease, which should be looked at immediately.

What is 20/20 Vision?

“Normal” vision is 20/20. Someone with 20/20 vision can stand 200 feet from an eye chart and see it as clearly as a legally blind person sees it from 20 feet.

In most states, drivers must have 20/40 vision or better for an unrestricted driver’s license. If you wear eyeglasses or contacts, your corrected vision must be at least 20/40.

Visual Impairment Categories

The World Health Organization uses the following benchmarks to categorize visual impairment:

• Normal: 20/10- 20/25
• Near Normal visual impairment: 20/30-20/60
• Moderate visual impairment: 20/70-20/160
• Severe visual impairment: 20/200-20/400, or 11-20 degrees on the visual field
• Profound visual impairment: 20/500-20/1000 visual acuity, or 6- 10 degrees on visual field
• Near-total visual impairment: Counting fingers, Hand motion, Light perception, or 5 degrees or less on visual field
• Total visual impairment: No light perception 

Treatment for Bad Eyesight

Treatments for bad eyesight include:

• Eyeglasses . Consists of lenses that are tailored to address specific refractive errors
• Contact lenses . Thin, prescription lenses placed directly on the eye’s surface and can serve as an alternative to eyeglasses
• LASIK Surgery . A refractive surgery that aims to reshape the cornea to correct vision problems
• PRK Surgery Another refractive surgery that reshapes the cornea, but doesn’t involve creating a corneal flap
• Orthokeratology . A non-surgical treatment that uses specially designed, gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight

Medical professionals recommend an eye exam every two years for adults ages 19 to 40 with vision problems. Adults older than 40 should get their eyes checked once a year.

Other refractive surgeries are also available for those unsuitable for LASIK and PRK. Consult your ophthalmologist to know more about other treatment options.

Eye prescriptions change slowly over time. While there’s no “bad” eye prescription, you can be “legally blind” when your prescription is 20/200 or worse.

Different diseases can cause bad eyesight, and some treatments can help improve your vision. If you feel that your eyesight is starting to worsen, schedule an eye exam with an ophthalmologist immediately.

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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Melody Huang, O.D.

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Internet Accessibility for People With Low Vision or Blindness

by AnnaMarie Houlis

• “ Astigmatism ,” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
• “ Changing Vision? How to Make Sure Your Eyes Are Healthy ,” the University of Utah Health,.
• “ Comprehensive Eye Exams ,” American Optometric Association.
• “ How to Read Your Eyeglass Prescription ,” The Canadian Association of Optometrists, 2018.
• “ Low Vision and Vision Rehabilitation ,” American Optometric Association.
• “ Nearsightedness ,” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2018.
• “ Nearsightedness: What Is Myopia? ” American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2021.
• “ What Does 20/20 Vision Mean? ” American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2022.
• “ Your Prescription Explained ,” Association of Optometrists.
• Lee, S.F., and Mesfin, F.B. “ Blindness ,” National Library of Medicine, 2021.
• “Code of Federal Regulations: Blindness.” U.S. Social Security Administration.

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Career Tips , Choosing a Job

What is Vision and Why is Having a Vision Important?

Updated: June 19, 2024

Published: July 23, 2021

Most of life is filled with uncertainty. This is especially true of the future. But if you can hold onto a vision of what’s yet to come, you can boost your chances at achieving your dreams and being successful. What is vision exactly? How does it help, and what does it mean to have a vision?

We’ll cover what it means to have a personal vision, as well as what it means for a business to have a clear vision.

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, then 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 life vision helps to set expectations accordingly.

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 evokes emotion.

Businesses: How to Write a Vision Statement

For entrepreneurs and business owners, knowing how to write a vision statement is a useful skill to hone.

Let’s take a look at what components you need to write a strong vision statement. This can be applied for personal vision statements, as well.

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’s recommended to look five or ten years into the future to understand what you hope to achieve by then.

You can ask questions like 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 excite you, then a career in business might be a part of your personal vision!

At the University of the People, our degrees (associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s) in Business Administration prepare you to enter the world of business with all the skills you need to thrive.

What’s more is that these classes take place online, so you can earn your degree on your own schedule, no matter where you are. All you need is an internet connection and a device to get connected.

The Business Administration program, just like our other degree offerings (Health Science, Education, and Computer Science) are tuition-free . This makes them an affordable and accessible way to earn your higher education.

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!

At UoPeople, our blog writers are thinkers, researchers, and experts dedicated to curating articles relevant to our mission: making higher education accessible to everyone.

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How to Craft an Inspiring Personal Vision Statement

This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to write a compelling personal vision statement that will inspire you toward your Future Self.

Ready to get started?

Let’s dive in …

What is a Personal Vision?

Outperforming businesses have a clear vision to help their organizations stay in alignment and move toward shared goals.

Personal vision statements do the same thing for the individual: they clarify where you want to go in the future and help keep you in alignment.

A personal vision can focus on your professional aspirations, personal development goals, or both.

A personal vision statement describes your future state—also called your Future Self. Think of it as your personal North Star.

The goal of crafting your vision is to simply capture the things that are most important to you .

Why Create a Personal Vision Statement?

Why? Because it’s easy to get distracted and to lose sight of what’s important to us.

When we get disconnected from our life’s focus, other people’s agendas come before our own. (Oftentimes, these agendas are cultural or societal.)

Have you noticed how at times every phone call, email, and notification on your screen draws your full attention, w hile at other times, you’re absorbed in your work regardless of the distractions?

Vision doesn’t eliminate distraction. It inspires and helps us focus on what matters most to us.

Vision provides clarity for the future while directing us to pay attention to the present.

As W. Timothy Gallwey writes in The Inner Game of Work :

If you have a clear vision of where you want to go, you are not as easily distracted by the many possibilities and agendas that otherwise divert you.

A compelling personal vision statement can illuminate our way in periods of darkness. It can inspire us to shed all the stuff that holds us back.

As Steven Covey wrote in his best-selling classic 7 Habits of Highly Effective People , “Begin with the end in mind.” Our personal vision IS the end.

Finally, a compelling vision statement directs us toward self-actualization .

4 Reasons Why Many People Struggle With Vision

Even though many people can see the value in crafting a vision for their lives, we often resist the process and avoid arriving at clarity. Why?

There are at least four underlying reasons. Understanding these blocks can free us from the resistance that keeps us from creating a personal vision statement.

1 – Cultural Conditioning

From our early education onward, we have been conditioned to make decisions based on limited options. (Think multiple-choice tests like A, B, C, or D.)

We make choices based on what’s in front of us; what we believe to be available to us.

Creating a vision demands that we draw from an infinite range of choices, which makes us uncomfortable. So we tend to stay within what’s known to us.

2 – Visualization is a Skill

Visualization is a skill that operates like a muscle. Many of us stopped exercising this muscle during childhood.

Now, it feels uncomfortable to try to visualize and imagine our future.

Many people mistakenly convince themselves they can’t visualize or it doesn’t work for them. That’s simply a belief; it’s ungrounded and untrue.

The more we visualize, the better we get at creating from our imagination .

3 – Fear

We’re afraid we may not succeed. We question our competence, our ability to persevere.

We are uncertain of our value: are we worthy of dreaming big? What if we fail?

A part of us is used to playing small. To this part, safety is more important than growth. Yet, a vision is a roadmap toward growth.

The unlimited range of options we must draw upon scares us too.

4 – Perfectionism

We believe we need the “right” vision—the perfect vision.

The perfectionist in us needs to craft an ideal vision statement that’s timeless and true for all eternity.

Naturally, this doesn’t reflect reality. In becoming aware of this false belief, it no longer limits us.

6 Personal Vision Statement Examples

How long should your vision statement be?

While that’s entirely up to you, in my experience as a coach for over 25 years, I’ve found that a functional vision statement is usually somewhere between two and five sentences.

Vision statements can be personally oriented, professionally oriented, or a combination thereof.

Let’s look at some examples.

Personal Vision Statement Examples – Professional

Here are two professional-oriented vision statement examples:

1) “I am a strong, bold, and compassionate leader committed to growing as a steward of my business and as a provider for my family. My leadership team members are self-directed and trust each other and themselves.”

2) “I am a skillful writer, coach, and educator who is highly respected in my industry. My work is read by millions of people each year. I communicate with lucidity, integrity, and wisdom.”

Notice how these vision examples are oriented toward the person’s career and professional life while still highlighting their personal values .

Personal Vision Statement Examples – Personal

Here are two  vision statement examples with an emphasis on the personal:

3) “I put my spirit and soul first in making important decisions. I derive personal meaning from my learning and growth and who am becoming. I feel secure in myself regardless of how others may perceive me.”

4) “I am constantly learning and developing new skills that enrich my life and provide a greater feeling of confidence and completeness. I naturally inspire others to realize their best selves too.”

Both of these aspirational vision statement examples provide clear direction to the individual’s Future Self.

Personal Vision Statement Examples – Personal + Professional

Here are two vision statement examples that combine both personal and professional:

5) “I feel awake, alive, joyful, grateful, and free in the present moment. My heart, body, and mind operate as a single organism. I conduct myself with compassion and awareness in both my work and personal relationships, especially my marriage.”

6) “I am the messenger for the energy of my work which flows through me spontaneously. I move toward integration and wholeness each day, able to be more vulnerable, honest, and open in how I present myself. Having reparented myself and healed my inner child, I am once again playful and creative in my way of being.”

The above vision statement examples are chock full of specific, emotionally charged words that will inspire the individual. Vision statements that combine both personal and professional goals tend to be longer.

5 Qualities of an Effective Personal Vision Statement

What can we observe from the above examples?

You’ll often see vision statements written in the future tense. (For example, I will be …)

In my experience, however, it’s best to craft your life vision in the present tense . You are essentially taking a snapshot of the future and bringing it into the present.

This way, your subconscious mind begins to identify with your future vision right now instead of at some ambiguous and unknown time in the future (a moving target).

Also, try to avoid speaking in terms of the negative. That is, don’t focus on what you don’t want; clarify and state what you do want.

For example, instead of saying that you don’t want to feel chronic anxiety anymore, say that you want to feel calm and centered.

Here are five key elements of an effective personal vision:

• Present tense-oriented
• Focuses on what you want (not what you want to avoid)
• Aspirational
• Uses emotional words that are meaningful to you
• Evokes a clear image in your mind

Regarding point #5, you want your vision statement to evoke a clear image of your Future Self. This is how you’ll know if you’re moving toward your vision or not.

9 Ingredients for Your Personal Vision Statement

Below is a list of elements to consider when you’re ready to create your personal vision statement. Don’t worry. You don’t need to know all of these ingredients. 

1) Core Values

What are the five to ten things you stand by and value the most? If you need assistance determining your values, here’s a list of core values to review. Also, here’s my 7-Step DIY Values Assessment you can use to discover your values when you’re ready.

2) Primary Interests

What are about five things you enjoy doing the most? What lights you up? What can’t you live without?

3) Areas of Focus

What are the major categories of your life that always need your attention? (A list of sample categories is found in the Wheel of Life Assessment. )

4) Character Strengths

What are you naturally good at? Positive psychology has found that individuals who play to their natural strengths have more happiness in the present moment. Here’s a summary of their findings on authentic happiness . (You can take a free assessment from the VIA Institute to discover your strengths here. )

5) Aspirational Dreams

If this was your last day on earth, what would you regret not doing, seeing, or creating?

6) Desired Skills

What are up to three areas you strongly want to cultivate skills in that will in some way enrich your life experience? Some of these skills may be tied to your vocation while others may not.

Psychologist Abraham Maslow often told his students: 1 Maslow, Abraham H. (1943) “A Theory of Human Motivation.” Psychological Review , 50, 370-396.

“A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately happy. What a man can be, he must be. This need we may call self-actualization .”

So what do you find enjoyment in doing? What do you want to immerse yourself in?

7) Vocational Goals

What are the three to five things you must do to feel fulfilled in your work?

8) Primary Life Goals

What are the key goals you’re committed to achieving in your life? Perhaps within the next five to ten years.

9) Key Virtues

Are any of the universal virtues for a strong moral character important for your vision? Review this list of virtues and see what speaks to you.

___________________

How many of the above elements are essential for your vision statement? That’s up to you.

Remember, your vision statement can be as short or long as you need it to be.

Exercises to Use Before Capturing Your Vision

Okay, so there’s a fifth reason people struggle with finding their vision: they don’t get into the right mental and physical state before going through this type of process .

You create a personal vision by going through a discovery process to clarify what’s most important to you (the ingredients listed above).

To do this, you must be in a frame of mind that’s open, alert, centered, and ready. We might call this mindset the state of mastery. Years ago, I created a simple and effective method for helping individuals enter this state at will. (You can learn more about this program here .)

Below are three exercises to help you access this state quickly and easily.

If you already have your own methods for finding your center, terrific. Use them.

Or, try using the following exercises to prime yourself before you go through any of the discovery questions listed above.

Exercise #1: Quiet Your Mind with Your Breath

To get in the right frame of mind, t he key is to find your center .

When you’re in your center, you are fully present.  Your mind isn’t racing to the future or ruminating in the past. Instead, it’s calm, empty, and alert.

In your center, you aren’t inflated or deflated. You avoid extremes in either direction.

To help center yourself, make sure you’re breathing properly : quietly, deeply, steadily, and slowly.

Exercise #2: Connect to Your Heart

Next, place your awareness on your heart. Gently smile inwardly at your heart.

Breathe in and acknowledge your heart. Breathe out and say to your heart, “Thank you.”

Do this for three full breaths, still inhaling and exhaling calmly, smoothly, and quietly.

Feel the warmth of being connected to your heart.

Exercise #3: Remember WHY You’re Focus on Vision

Finally, remind yourself: The goal of crafting your vision is to capture what’s most important to you.

You are clarifying your Future Self—who you want to become.

Keep the words of the late mythologist Joseph Campbell in mind: 2 Joseph Campbell, The Power of Myth , 1991.

“Just sheer life cannot be said to have a purpose because look at all the different purposes it has all over the place. But each incarnation, you might say, has a potentiality, and the mission of life is to live that potentiality. How do you do it? My answer is, ‘Follow your bliss.’ There’s something inside you that knows when you’re in the center, that knows when you’re on the beam or off the beam. And if you get off the beam to earn money, you’ve lost your life. And if you stay in the center and don’t get any money, you still have your bliss.”

What is your “potentiality”? What’s your vision for yourself that transcends basic human needs and society’s values?

4 Steps to Craft Your Personal Vision Statement

Here’s a 4-step process you can use to craft your vision:

Step 1: Collect the necessary discovery process data.

You’ll want to have clarity on at least the first four of the nine ingredients listed above:

• Core values
• Primary interests
• Areas of Focus

These ingredients represent the raw material for your vision statement. However, the more data you can collect in this step, the better.

You might, for example, block off time to go through Steps 1 through 3 for each ingredient .

You block off Saturday and Sunday morning to discover your personal values .

Tuesday, you schedule an hour to define your character strengths . And so.

Then, when you feel like you have amassed sufficient personal data, move on to Step 4.

Step 2: Block off time and remove unnecessary distractions.

Block off time when you can focus without distractions to write your vision statement.

Shut off your phone. Close your email application.

Make sure you do this any time you’re working on a personal discovery process.

Step 3: Get in the right frame of mind.

Use the exercises above to enter the right frame of mind to delve into these discovery processes.

The point of these exercises is to help remove internal resistance so you can arrive at clarity faster.

The process will go more smoothly if you perform the above exercises to quiet your mind and connect to your heart before crafting your vision.

Step 4: Craft your personal vision statement.

Remind yourself that this process doesn’t have to yield a “perfect” vision statement.

Any vision is better than no vision. Whatever you create is not set in stone. It can evolve with you over time.

So for now, with all of your keywords and data from Step 3, write down a “working vision.”

Look at it as a first draft.

Allow your vision to paint a mental picture of your life 5 to 20 years from now.

Have it highlight what matters most to you, what you stand for, and who you are committed to becoming.

Write it in the present tense so that it feels as if it exists right now .

Personal Vision Statement Template

Here’s a sample template you can use to write out your vision statement:

Each day I uphold the values of [insert values] in all that I do. I am filled with vitality and passion when I [insert primary interests]. Each week I grow in the key areas of my life including [insert areas of focus]. I feel content and enriched each day because I capitalize on my natural strengths of [insert strengths] by doing [insert how you apply these strengths in your work and home life]. I’m continuously developing [insert skills] for the sheer joy of doing something I love doing.

Only use this template as a guide if it helps you.

Otherwise, craft your statement in Step 4 however you see fit.

Personal Vision Statement FAQ

Here are a few common questions about creating a personal vision statement.

How Long Does It Take to Write Your Vision Statement?

Writing your vision statement is straightforward. (I provide you with a personal vision statement template below.)

I think the mistake many people make is that they think they’re going to write their vision statement in one sitting. This is a highly unrealistic expectation, in my experience.

The time-consuming part is clarifying the most essential ingredients for your vision statement. Examine the list of 9 ingredients above.

It won’t serve you to rush through this process to complete your vision as quickly as possible. (It might take weeks, if not longer.)

Instead, allow the questions above to percolate in your mind. Ask these questions before you go to sleep. Keep a pen and pad by your bedside.

You don’t need to use force to draw these answers out of you. You need only allow them to come forward.

When Should You Use Your Life Vision?

Once you have a draft of your personal vision statement, consider reviewing it:

• At the start of the week.
• Sunday night. Take a few minutes to connect with your vision to prime you for the week ahead.
• When you feel lost or confused. When you’re distracted by 10,000 things, pause and review your vision.
• When you feel a part of you questioning the purpose and meaning of your life. Remind yourself that you have created personal meaning. Then, return to your life vision statement.

Review it frequently until it becomes a part of you.

How Do Use Your Personal Vision?

A few words on a screen or a piece of paper don’t hold much power.

If you want your vision to drive you to your desired destination, don’t just read it. Embody it. Bring it to life.

Create a mental picture of it in your mind’s eye. See yourself in the end picture with your vision actualized.

• What do you look like?
• What are you doing?
• As you’re actualizing your vision, how do you feel ?  

The more clearly you can connect with the images and feelings reflected in your vision, the more likely you are to take the right actions toward manifesting it.

And somehow, when you’re living your vision, you get external help too.

As author Paulo Coelho put it in The Alchemist :

“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

Two Essential Self-Development Tools for Lasting Change

While willpower is an essential element of creating positive change in our lives, the reality is that it has its limitations: that is, our mental energy is finite.

So when it comes to establishing good habits and making them stick, as a coach, I’ve found there to be two essential ingredients:

• A personal vision for your Future Self that guides you forward
• A clear set of values that highlight your ideal behavior

Armed with vision and values, it’s way easier to make behavioral course corrections that lead to positive change .

You now have a method to craft your personal vision statement.

Enjoy the process!

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A Complete Guide to Self-Actualization

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@media(min-width: 1024px){.css-hqxvux{max-width:100%;}} 22 vision statement examples to help you write your own.

When launching a startup, founders typically have an idea of what they want to achieve — a vision of what success will look like. During the strategic planning process, it’s important to put this vision into concrete terms. Not only does a vision statement clarify your thoughts, but it helps employees and stakeholders understand what the business has set out to accomplish. No matter what the business, a good mission and vision statement can inspire and motivate employees to make that vision a reality.

Whether it’s your first or fifth business, writing a compelling vision statement can be challenging. Below, we'll share how to write a vision statement — one that inspires your employees and positively impacts your business — and we'll look at a few vision statement examples to help you get started. 

What is a vision statement? 

A personal mission statement and personal vision statement can be used to guide our decision-making and help us stay focused to meet our long-term goals. Company statements are no different. A company vision statement is one of your most important business documents, along with your mission statement and core values. Although it’s easy to confuse the three, each one is unique and serves its own purpose. 

Core values are the organization’s long-term beliefs and principles that guide employee behavior. A mission statement deals with “why” an organization exists, while a vision statement outlines “what” that existence will eventually look like. A mission statement has to do with what the organization is doing in the present, while a vision statement focuses on the future. Mission statement examples include L’Oreal’s “Offering all women and men worldwide the best of cosmetics innovation in terms of quality, efficacy, and safety.” Conversely, Disney’s vision for itself is “to be one of the world’s leading producers and providers of entertainment and information.”

Primarily intended for internal employees and shareholders, a vision statement describes what an organization aspires to be. It helps to think of a vision statement as part roadmap, part inspiration. By outlining a long-term vision, rather than just short-term goals, a vision statement helps give the organization shape and purpose. 

Why it’s important to have a vision statement.

Despite the importance of a vision statement, many companies choose to operate without one. Some simply combine their mission and vision into one general document. Others do away with the idea altogether, thinking that corporate visions are vague statements that serve no actual purpose. 

Furthermore, studies show that highly aligned organizations grow revenue 58% faster, and are 72% more profitable than ones that are unaligned. If an organization doesn’t have a vision or a clear idea of what it wants, it will greatly limit its opportunities and have a difficult time inspiring employees to stay committed.  

How to write a vision statement.

Writing a vision statement may seem like a daunting task. It’s read by every employee and shareholder, and greatly impacts the success of the organization. And a vision statement takes time and thought. When done well, a vision statement can provide the encouragement your company needs to achieve its goals. To streamline the process, keep the following steps in mind while crafting your vision statement:

1. Determine who will help write your vision statement.

When starting out, it’s likely you and your partners will be responsible for writing your company’s vision statement. Once you start hiring, you can ask managers and employees to contribute additional insights. Interviewing a range of individuals will help create a vision statement that integrates and speaks directly to the entire organization. 

2. Project your goals for the future.

Imagine your company five or ten years down the line. The outcome you envision — your dream for the future, your success as a company — should be captured in the vision statement. Keep in mind that the statement should only include the vision, not an actual step-by-step plan for implementing solutions. 

The following questions can help you clarify your vision: 

• Where do we want the organization to go? 
• What can we realistically achieve?
• What problem does the organization intend to solve?
• What are the changes we believe the organization can make for individuals? For the industry? 
• How will things be different if the vision is realized?
• What phrases or keywords describe the type of organization and outcome we want?

3. Stick to the specifics.

A generic vision statement — one that sounds like it could apply to any company — will not be enough to motivate your team. Vision works best when it’s specific and describes an end goal only your organization can provide. Don’t be afraid to dream big. A lukewarm vision will only yield lukewarm results. So it’s important to be bold, and even risky, when writing your vision statement. 

4. Keep it short and simple.

While it should be specific, a vision statement shouldn’t be overly detailed. It should be concise. Start by jotting down all of your ideas, and then pare those down to the essentials. Keeping just one or two key points helps create a clear vision that’s easy for everyone to focus on and fulfill. Stay away from technical terms and jargon, and use the present tense. Rather than trying to write something catchy, aim for clarity. A great vision statement works best when it’s simple, memorable, and inspirational. 

Revisit your vision often as your company evolves.

A vision statement sets an organization’s sights on the future. However, once that future is reached, the vision needs to continue moving forward. Your vision statement is a living document, not a set of static sentences. It plays an important part in your overall strategic plan for a certain time frame. It should therefore be regularly updated to reflect your organization’s current purpose. 

Constantly communicate your vision.

Once you have a vision statement that articulates your end goal, make sure it’s clearly communicated. A vision is more effective when your entire organization takes it to heart. Commit the proper resources and time toward realizing the vision you’ve set. This can mean investing in seminars and training or launching a new product. It can also include offering the lowest possible prices, entering new markets, or exploring other areas of opportunity. A good way to help everyone align with a company's vision statement is by inviting them into the process. Ask for employees’ input, and suggest ways to incorporate the vision into their work. Then, make sure to recognize or reward individuals for their standout contributions.

Vision statement examples.

Sometimes, seeing what works for notable companies is just the inspiration you need to create your own vision statement. Below are some inspiring vision statements from today’s top companies:

Concept-based vision statements.

Some vision statements are based on concepts of what the company hopes to be or achieve in the future. This can be a general statement focused on customers, or a position the company wants to hold within the industry. Below are a few examples of concept-based vision statements:

• BBC: “To be the most creative organization in the world”
• Disney: “To make people happy.”
• Google: “To provide access to the world’s information in one click”
• IKEA: “To create a better everyday life for the many people”
• Instagram: “Capture and share the world’s moments”
• LinkedIn: "Create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce”
• Microsoft: “To help people throughout the world realize their full potential”
• Nike: “To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world”
• Oxfam: “A just world without poverty”
• Shopify: “To make commerce better for everyone”
• Sony: "To be a company that inspires and fulfills your curiosity.”
• TED: “Spread ideas”
• Tesla: “To accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy”
• Uber: “We ignite opportunity by setting the world in motion”
• Whole Foods : “To nourish people and the planet.”

Quality-based vision statements.

Other common vision statements are focused on internal goals. These include the type of products and services the company hopes to provide as they grow. Quality-based vision statements can also relate to company culture and operations. The following are some examples from actual United States companies in different industries:

• Amazon: “Our vision is to be earth’s most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online.”
• Avon: “ To be the company that best understands and satisfies the product, service, and self-fulfillment needs of women—globally.”
• Ben & Jerry’s: “Making the best ice cream in the nicest possible way”
• Ford: “People working together as a lean, global enterprise to make people’s lives better through automotive and mobility leadership.” 
• IBM: “To be the world’s most successful and important information technology company. Successful in helping our customers apply technology to solve their problems. Successful in introducing this extraordinary technology to new customers. Important because we will continue to be the basic resource of much of what is invested in this industry.”
• McDonald’s: “To move with velocity to drive profitable growth and become an even better McDonald’s serving more customers delicious food each day around the world.”
• Nordstrom: “To serve our customers better, to always be relevant in their lives, and to form lifelong relationships”
• Starbucks: “To establish Starbucks as the premier purveyor of the finest coffee in the world while maintaining our uncompromising principles while we grow.” 
• Warby Parker: “We believe that buying glasses should be easy and fun. It should leave you happy and good-looking, with money in your pocket. We also believe that everyone has the right to see.”
• Zappos: “To provide the best customer service possible. Deliver 'WOW' through service”

Keep a clear vision.

Even if it’s just a few sentences, a vision statement provides a lot of value. Not only does it outline the company’s desired outcome, but it can communicate intentions and hopes for the future. The best part is that a vision statement changes with your organization. When a vision is reached or updated, it’s time to create a new vision statement. This encourages everyone toward greater goals, and opens your company to more possibilities.

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4 steps to create a personal vision statement and change your life

A vision statement can help clarify what motivates you and give you meaning and direction.

Our lives and careers are a complex mix of elements. Sometimes we feel as though we’re exactly where we are supposed to be. Other times, we feel like we should start over in life . A personal vision statement can help when we don’t have a sense of how our external and internal worlds are connected.

We often feel overwhelmed and lost when we aren't sure of our purpose. And though life is full of ups and downs, identifying your north star can help keep you moving in a direction that aligns with your values.

What is a personal vision statement?

“There is no favorable wind for the sailor who doesn’t know where to go.”   - Seneca, I sec. AD

Imagine finding a compass that tells you precisely where you have to go. You can easily choose between one thing and another, thanks to this extraordinary tool. This would be great, right? And this is exactly what a personal vision statement does.

A personal vision statement is a statement that describes your personal values , your strengths, and your goals.

It can be focused on life or professional goals, and it is intended to orient you toward your long-term dreams . It is a tool to help guide your actions when important decisions have to be made or in particular transition moments.

8 examples of personal vision statements

Defining your own personal vision statement takes a few steps. It is a personal process, and each person’s statement is unique to them. Here are eight examples of personal vision statements to spark your imagination as you create your own.

Please note that these are just samples to offer you a framework, but your statement should be something connected to your uniqueness.

• “My personal vision is to be a lifelong adventurer, traveling the world and exploring new cultures and experiences. I will work towards building a life that allows me to embrace my curiosity and take risks.”
• “I envision a future where I am a successful entrepreneur , using my creativity and innovation to make a positive impact on society. I will strive to build a business that aligns with my values and creates opportunities for others.”
• “My personal vision is to be a leader in my field, using my expertise to create positive change in the world. I will work towards developing my skills and building meaningful connections with others in my industry.”
• “I envision a life filled with purpose and meaning, where I can make a difference in the lives of others. I will prioritize my relationships with loved ones and dedicate my time and resources to helping those in need.”
• “My personal vision is to live a life of balance and harmony, where I am able to pursue my passions while also prioritizing my physical, emotional, and spiritual health . I will work towards creating a lifestyle that allows me to thrive in all areas of my life.”
• “I want to help infants grow in a comfortable and learning environment. This connects me to my empathy and sense of caring. I feel this is something important because infants of today are adults of tomorrow, and a happy baby becomes a happy adult.”
• “I want to do research in the legal field. I am driven by a love for knowledge and innate curiosity. What motivates me is knowing that thanks to my research, people will live a more justice-driven life as citizens.”
• “I want to help sensitive people overcome the fear of speaking through coaching. This is important to me because it makes me feel useful to other people, and it connects me to my sensitivity.”

Benefits of creating a personal vision statement

Research has shown that a personal vision statement can help people pass from a cycle of stress to one of more balance .

When you are in a state of stress, you can feel as though you do not have control over what is happening in your life or career and can fall into reaction-based behavior. In contrast, when you move into a more balanced state, you have a sense of inner control about what is happening in your life. We can also equate these to states of high or low locus of control .

In a state of balance, we sense we’re living a life and a career that are the consequence of decisions that we have made over time. This doesn’t mean we have control over the results. There are always external circumstances that impact our trajectories. However, this balance puts us in the driver’s seat as the owner of our responses. If these responses are aligned to who we are and to our values, we have a sense of joy and fulfillment.

Here are five specific benefits that come from having a personal vision statement and using it to find balance:

1.  It becomes easier to make decisions.

If you find yourself in a particular moment of your life or career in which important and complex decisions need to be made, having a personal vision statement can be a compass for you. It will remind you of your inner qualities, values, and purposes that will help you identify the best path for you.

2. It provides you with a sense of direction.

We, as humans, need to feel that what we are doing (in our lives and work) has meaning . To find motivation for actions, we need to know that what we are doing is worthy and that will drive us somewhere. A personal statement connected to your vision can bring clarity to where you are going and what you want to achieve.

3. It helps you determine your long-term and short-term goals.

This sense of direction can be broken down into long-term and short-term goals . After creating your personal statement, you will have a clear long-term goal that will help you set short-term goals and actionable steps to achieve them. The long-term goal will mostly remain stable throughout the years and will inform short-term goals that will change as time passes.

4. It will provide you with motivation during tough times.

When times become hard, it is difficult to maintain motivation and keep doing your job or investing in your personal life with passion. Having a written statement can help you remind yourself of your whys and bring you back on track.

5. It will help you live a balanced life.

A well-written statement contains different aspects of your life, both personal and professional, spiritual and day-by-day oriented. Reminding yourself of your statement will help you live a more balanced life.

What does an effective personal vision statement include?

A well-formed personal vision statement has to respond to these questions: 

• What do you want to do? 
• How will you do that? 

You may want to consider your values, strengths, and skills to form your goals. Considering these will offer valuable insight into your whys and how you do what other people do differently.

A personal vision statement should contain:

1. Your interests

What are you passionate about ? A vision statement should contain your interests and passions, what you enjoy doing in your free time , and what you would do all day long if money was not a factor.

2. Your skills

A well-formed statement should include what you are good at . It can include professional and personal skills based on your personal observations and on feedback received through years from family members, friends, and coworkers.

3. Your values

What are you driven by ? A powerful statement connects to your driving values. They are usually expressed in a general form (such as love, creativity, justice) and are those values without which life (for you) doesn’t make any sense.

5. What the world needs

What does the world need, in your opinion? The answer to this question should definitely be part of your personal statement because it tells something about what is important for you and what can make a difference for everyone.

6. Your ultimate goal

If you know who you are , what drives you, and what the world needs, you are ready to identify your goal. This is what Japanese philosophy addresses as ikigai , which is a long-term goal aligned to all the areas above. Your ikigai can provide you with a sense of purpose and direction. Some people call it life’s purpose .

Some questions to ask yourself before drafting your personal vision statement

Creating a personal vision statement can be quite an introspective work. Reserving 10 minutes of reflection before drafting it can help clarify your ideas and dive faster into the 4-step process outlined below. 

There, you’ll find some important questions to guide your reflection and preparation for the creation of the statement. If you are more action-oriented, you can jump into the 4-step process and use these questions as needed.

• What have you done since you were a child that still gives you a lot of satisfaction?
• In which activities do you feel fully energized?
• What are you good at?
• Without which values (min 3 – max 6) does life make no sense?
• What does the world need?
• How would you like to be remembered at the end of your days?
• According to your previous answers, what could be a life/career goal which makes total sense to you?

How to write a personal vision statement in 4 steps

This 4-step process is something I created after almost 10 years of experience with more than 100 highly talented employees in development centers aimed to help them define a goal and develop their potential. This is an evidence-based process based on well-known psychologists and researchers (above all: logical levels by Robert Dilts, appreciative inquiry by Positive Psychology, and Bob Proctor’s visioning process).

The entire process takes about 40 minutes of reflection. Ideally, all the steps are done together, but breaking reflection into phases won’t inhibit the process.

Step 1: Letter from the future (approximately 15 minutes)

This is a phase in which you can completely let your imagination go and your creativity flow.

Imagine yourself at 90 years old and having lived a dream life with a dream job.

Take a sheet of paper and a pen and write a letter to you of today from you of the future. Describe everything you have accomplished in your personal life and work, how these accomplishments make you feel, and what you are most proud of.

Step 2: List of successes (10 minutes)

What do you define as success? Take time to think of four successes in your life. They can be personal (get married, travel the world) or professional (get promoted, find a new job). Ideally, you’ll want to include both. Describe your successes, what you have done to make them real, and why they are meaningful to you.

Step 3: Collecting data (8 minutes)

In this step, we want to collect both elements from the letter from the future and the list of successes. Read both again and circle keywords related to the following fields: environment, skills, emotions, beliefs, values, and purpose.

• Environment: This refers to everything that has to do with the environment you envisioned (warm, supportive, etc.).
• Skills: They refer to competencies such as problem-solving, decision-making, creativity, and so on.
• Emotions: They relate to the emotional context. You can likely find some emotions described in your letter (joy, satisfaction, etc.).
• Beliefs: These are your thoughts expressed in a general way. For example, “When I work hard, I achieve what I want” or “When I ask people for help, they support me.”
• Values: They are universal driving values such as love, kindness, justice, and so on.

Step 4: Writing down your vision statement (6 minutes)

Now you have all the keywords to write down your personal vision statement. If you are a visual person, you can even create a drawing with these keywords, but it is recommended to have it in a written form too. In order for the vision statement to be effective, it should be as detailed as you can make it.

Put it into practice

This article's purpose has been to help orient you to your personal vision statement. After reading this, 3 things are important to keep in mind:

• Your personal vision statement can change through the years. Be sure to check it from time to time.
• It doesn’t have to be perfect. Begin with a statement that makes sense to you and you can always make changes if needed.
• Keep it in a close place and read it from time to time. It will help you stay on track with your goals.

If this reading made you curious, take time for yourself and begin the work of self-discovery and future visioning. Engaging in this work will help you live life with clarity and purpose!

Shape your future today

Explore personalized coaching to define your vision and set a path towards your aspirations.

Giulia Imbastoni

BetterUp Associate Coach

How are personal values formed? Discover the joy of a life aligned

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Insideout Mastery

Create a Life You Love

Personal Vision Statement: The Definite Guide with 11 Inspiring Examples

May 11, 2021 by Mick

Do you want to live your life on your own terms?

If so, then a personal vision statement is what you need.

There are many distracting things in this world. There is just so much opportunity since the world has gone online. And it’s easy to wonder if you’re on the right track.

When you lack clarity, you can feel a little lost .

And when that continues, you might even feel stuck and become frustrated.

That’s why a personal vision statement can help.

When you write such a declaration, you’re generating clarity for yourself. And the statement itself helps you to make decisions that serve you best. 

It’s a simple concept but it helps you to build the future you desire.

In this article, you will learn how to write a personal vision statement in three simple steps. And I’ve also included many personal vision statement examples to inspire you.

So let’s dive in!

What is a Personal Vision?

A personal vision is your outlook on how you want to live and who you want to become. A personal vision statement is a written declaration of your vision. 

You may think this is similar to a personal mission statement . And though there is an overlap between the two, there’s also a difference.

• A personal mission statement explains what you want to achieve. It focuses on your purpose and helps you to set goals and take action.
• A personal vision statement is all about who you want to become in the process. Where do you see yourself in 10 to 20 years? How do you want to change?

These statements combined can generate massive clarity. You can use it to navigate difficult decisions, like should you take that job opportunity?

Here’s an example between a mission and vision statement:

A personal vision statement example could be that you want to make yourself and more people smile. A mission could be to hold a 1.000 comedy show and make 1 million people laugh.

Though perhaps you no longer want to give comedy shows at some point. Say you’ve achieved that goal and want to do something completely different.

Perhaps you want to start a Mexican restaurant. Your mission could change to serve the best tacos in the country. But you could still keep your vision of putting a smile on everyone’s faces.

Do you notice how this personal vision statement could also make your Mexican restaurant unique? 

Why Do You Need a Personal Vision Statement?

Let’s say you don’t clarify your personal vision and simply go through the motions of life. Does that mean you have no vision for what you want your life to look like?

Probably not, right?

Everyone has some values, ideas, and dreams. Yet, if you never generate clarity about what this is to you, it’s difficult to live according to it. Instead, life just drifts you around.

And that’s a common reason for frustration.

Because on one hand, you feel like you’re missing out on something. You feel that you’re not living your life the way you want to. 

At the same time, you don’t understand why you feel that way.

A personal vision statement helps you to avoid that trap. 

First of all, writing one forces you to think about what’s most important to you. This is something that only a minority of people do. And secondly, research shows that a vision statement gave students a sense of direction and responsibility.

A personal vision statement helps you to:

• take responsibility ;
• stay hungry and focused;
• increase your self-awareness ;
• overcome the many distractions in life;
• make better decisions that are good for you in the long run;
• and finally, to build the life you truly desire.

There is a risk in writing a personal vision statement. Because once you’ve got one, you now have to face the truth and be honest with yourself.

That might mean you have to make some important changes. And to step outside your comfort bubble. 

But isn’t it worth a shot? 

Isn’t it worth the risk to try and build a future around what’s most meaningful to you? Isn’t that much better than feeling frustrated because you know there is more to life?

Life is too short and a personal vision statement helps you to navigate and live it.

Personal Vision Statements Examples

If you’re not convinced yet, what’s a better way to convince than through the personal vision statement examples of others?

Take the amazing life story of Richard Branson for example. He is truly living by the vision statement that he has set for his life. He is a great example of how a personal vision helps you to live better.

Some of the personal vision statements examples below are actual statements. Others are extracted from quotes that reveal the vision by which these individuals lived their lives. Here are my favorite ones:

To make people happy. – Walt Disney

To have fun in [my] journey through life and learn from [my] mistakes. – Richard Branson

To be a teacher. And to be known for inspiring my students to be more than they thought they could be.   – Oprah Winfrey

To use my gifts of intelligence, charisma, and serial optimism to cultivate the self-worth and net worth of women around the world. – Amanda Steinberg

To serve as a leader, live a balanced life, and apply ethical principles to make a significant difference. – Denise Morrison

If something is important enough you should try, even if the probable outcome is failure.   – Elon Musk

When I do good, I feel good. When I do bad, I feel bad. That’s my religion. – Abraham Lincoln

My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style. – Maya Angelou

I shall not fear anyone on Earth. I shall fear only God. I shall not bear ill will toward anyone. I shall not submit to injustice from anyone. I shall conquer untruth by truth. And in resisting untruth, I shall put up with all suffering. – Mahatma Gandhi 

To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. – Ralph Waldo Emerson  

How to Write a Personal Vision Statement in 3 Simple Steps

When you first want to write a personal vision statement for your life, you may not know where to start. You might feel overwhelmed when you stare down at an empty piece of paper.

Don’t worry, it’s part of the process.

With the simple three-step approach that I will take you through, you’ll soon have your first version.

Step 1: Do the Research

People always overestimate how much they know about themselves. And therefore, they never ask simple questions that can help them to live their best life.

If you want to build the future you desire, you must clarify what that means:

• What is important to you?
• What interests you?
• What is your mission?
• What are your values?
• What makes you happy?

Take your time to dig into each of those questions. Ponder each of these questions for at least a couple of minutes (if not longer). Try to come up with a couple of points for each of your answers.

After all, if it’s going to be a vision for your life, it should take a bit of time, right?

The more time you spend getting to know yourself and reflecting on what truly matters to you , the easier you’ll find it to draft your personal vision statement.

Step 2: Write an Ugly Draft

What I’ve learned writing over 200 pieces of content is that your first draft sucks.

You desperately want it to be perfect when you write it, but it’s not going to happen. It needs time to fully grow and develop.

What’s more important at first is writing any statement rather than the perfect one. Pour your heart out and write everything that comes to mind. 

Of course, the deeper you dug into yourself in the first step, the easier this process becomes. 

Write your first ugly draft.

What does a good ugly draft look like?

A piece of paper, filled with sentences that won’t make any sense. When you read it anyway, you wonder if you did any better than a toddler could.

But don’t worry. It’s all part of the process.

Step 3: Polishing the Ugly Draft

There are two brain modes when it comes to writing. The first mode is the creation part, which is when you created your first draft. The second mode is the editing part.

These two don’t work at the same time. You’re either creating or editing.

That’s why it’s also a good idea to wait one day between creating and editing your draft.

When you come back the next day, it’s time to polish your draft.

Polishing your draft is about taking a closer look at each of the sentences. Does it serve a purpose? Does it touch the right emotional strings? 

Removing sentences that don’t strike you as important. Design the sentences that do in a way that brings the point across stronger. 

Can you remove any words without changing the meaning of the sentence to you? When you declutter sentences from words that only fill up the page, make the sentences more powerful. 

The editing part is for you to play around with a little bit. 

But keep the goal in mind: you want to write a personal vision statement that empowers you. One that aligns with your life goals .

Don’t worry if other people can extract the meaning or if it’s grammatically correct. Unless that’s what you care about, of course. It’s for you, after all. 

Are you still struggling to craft your statement? Then there are some templates to help you,

Personal Vision Statement Templates

I hope you’ve done your research, written your first draft, and tried to polish it up. 

If you didn’t do that yet, go back to the exercises and do it. 

See what you come up with yourself first before you dive into these templates. It’s a great creative exercise, and often the stuff you come up with yourself is what empowers you the most.

Anyway, let’s assume you’ve done that and still struggle a bit.

Then templates could offer great help.

Though there isn’t a one-set template for everyone, you can use these little pieces as inspiration to draft your own:

• To live [your most important value] and [the second most important value].
• To be [what person you want to be in this world]. 
• To be known for [what you want to be known for]. 
• To use my [your talents and skills] to [the difference you want to make in this world]. 
• To serve as [how you would like to serve others] and [the outcome you desire].
• I’m living my best life when it aligns with [your values]. 
• My mission is to [ your mission statement ]. And I make this happen by [your values].

Use these templates as inspiration for parts of your personal vision statement. But make sure to edit these, so it feels authentic to you . That’s most important.

A personal vision statement takes some time to craft, so take it easy on yourself if you can’t come up with the right one.

Having the first version ready is more important than perfection. Having something can already help you better navigate your life. And then you keep updating the statement over time.

Over time, you might notice that your value statement no longer gives you personal power . Maybe it even has become vague to you. 

That’s because if you live your values, set goals, and take action, you gain self-awareness. And the statement you wrote a while ago may no longer match with the new personal insights you got.

That’s when you want to rewrite your statement.

In general, you want to revise it every so often. The more you learn about yourself, the more powerful your statement becomes and the easier it will be to write.

Also, check out this guide on how to write a personal mission statement .

And if you want guidance on your journey, sign up below to gain more exclusive content like this!

Related articles

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• 21 Personal Goal Examples to Inspire You to Set Some this Year

Mick is a personal growth enthusiast and was able to use it to transform his life. He now helps others pursue their dreams, create positive change, and build better lives through self-improvement.

Make Your Vision a Reality

It's time to create the future you've been dreaming about..

Posted December 18, 2019 | Reviewed by Ekua Hagan

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In my previous blog post, " Create a Compelling Future ," I focused on the importance of finding time to envision your new future. Creating a compelling vision is the first step in changing any aspect of your life, including your career .

If you haven’t had a chance to develop your vision, I recommend you stop reading this post and go to the previous one. But if you have your vision, then let’s look at the steps to bring it to fruition.

You can do this in four steps. I wish I could tell you these four steps are simple or easy, but they’re not. Each of these steps will require your time and attention . You can't phone it in—you will have to do the work. But that doesn't mean the process has to be hard. In fact, because you are reaching toward something you want, it will hopefully be more interesting and pleasurable for you.

Let’s take a look at these four basic steps to turn your vision into reality. Here's a diagram to help you think through the questions being asked in each of the four steps.

Step 1: Vision . Start with the vision you created. How concrete is it? Is it just an idea, or can you actually see the components of the vision? If you haven’t already, take the time to write out your vision for your future. What do you want your life to look like? One way to do this is to start with the three questions every investigator asks: Who , What , and Where?

As you think about the vision you developed, who is a part of that vision? Will they be your clients or customers? Or perhaps the “who” is who you will work with, your colleagues. Another “who” in your vision might be your family or friends. How are they part of your vision? And “who” can help you succeed with this vision? Are there experts you need to consult to make sure your vision can happen? Who are the people you need to have around you to make this vision succeed?

What are you doing? What activities are you engaged in? What is happening in the area where you are working or living? Are you working with people, data, things, or ideas? And in what way? Write out a typical day in your new life. What is happening?

And where is all this happening? Are you in your current location, at your current workplace? Or are you in a new location? Are you working from home? And where is your home? Describe your surroundings if you haven’t done that already.

Once you have answered these questions as well as you can, you can move to the next step.

Step 2: Decision . Now it’s time to make some decisions. You have this lovely vision for your future. You know who is involved, what you’re doing, and where you’re going to be. So stop for a moment. Notice how you feel. Is your vision exciting you? Is it something you genuinely want to move toward? Here’s where the fourth investigator’s question comes in handy: Why? What is compelling about your vision? Why do you want to do it? What will change as a result of this new vision? How is this vision connected to your thoughts about purpose or meaning in your life?

Once you have your “why,” it’s time to move into making it happen.

Step 3: Intention . This step moves you to the investigator’s fifth question: How? What are the steps needed to make this happen? Start by writing down every action you might need to take to bring this reality to life. Depending on how large a change you’re making, this could be a daunting task. But if you don’t break down the steps into achievable units, you are less likely to succeed. After you write down the steps you need to take to make this vision happen, try ordering them from first to last. You might want to use an app like Trello to organize your steps and set up a timeline.

Which brings us to the final stage and the investigator’s sixth question: When?

Step 4: Action . And now the final investigator's question. When do you want to move forward? Your success will be directly related to taking action. However, this doesn’t mean you have to do it all yourself.

• Sometimes just taking the first few steps will connect you with someone who might be able to help you.
• Or you take a few steps and discover a job posting for the very job you want.
• Or you see the perfect apartment in the city you’d like to move to.

Just starting to move forward in your vision process is often enough to start a chain of events that helps you get to your final goal. That's why putting a time stamp on the steps to your vision will make it more likely that you'll achieve it. Momentum can take over and you may be surprised at what comes forward when you just start.

If you’re not taking action, then it’s time to re-assess your situation. We often procrastinate around the things that are most important to us. That might be what you’re doing. If that's the case, you might need outside support to stay motivated and focused.

Or maybe you’re not taking action because you’ve looked at everything more closely and changed your mind. It’s no longer your vision. That’s a great thing to learn before you get too far in the process. Now you can adjust your vision as necessary based on what you have learned in the process.

Your vision will change throughout your life. It is likely that you will land in the vision of your future, only to have a new vision take over. That’s how it works. Now you know how to start the process all over again if needed.

© 2019 Katharine S. Brooks, All Rights Reserved.

Katharine Brooks, Ed.D., is an award-winning board-certified coach and counselor and the author of several career books and workbooks, including What Color is Your Parachute? for College.

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9 Fundamental Steps To Create A Vision For The Future

Creating a vision of the future is a process that begins with your identifying what’s most important to you. 

It begins with describing the life you want without sparing the details.

To create a vision in words, you first need to see one in your mind.

And to do that, you need to know exactly what you want to see in every area of your life. 

The nine steps described below can help you overcome your hesitation and finally articulate a vision that’s 100% yours. 

What Is a Vision for Life? 

1. deepen your self-knowledge, 2. ask yourself the right questions, 3. review your past, 4. let your imagination run wild (and take notes), 5. plan backwards, 6. choose new habits, 7. create a vision board, 8. find inspiration in the visions of others, 9. sum up your vision, ready to create your life vision.

Your vision for the future has to do with every area of your life. Describe what you want for each of those areas, and you can then sum up your vision in a brief vision statement .

It’s similar to a mission statement but with a crucial difference: mission statements focus on the present — what you’re doing now to realize your personal or professional mission.

Your vision focuses on the future. 

Start by listing each of the categories and brainstorming what you want for each: 

• Relationships — a loving and compatible partner; good relationships with your children; close friends who are always there for you (and vice-versa).
• Health — physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health; an enjoyable and effective fitness routine; optimal nutrition; an empathetic/challenging therapist.
• Self-Care — taking time every day to meet your own needs.
• Career — getting started, building your brand, advancing in your chosen field.
• Finances — paying off debt, saving for retirement, setting aside money for travel.
• Home — buying a house , making DIY home repairs, finding an apartment you love.
• Education — college degree, reading, online courses, certifications, internships.
• Recreation — travel and adventure, hobbies , new challenges, vacation plans.
• Community — volunteering; supporting causes you believe in; joining protests.

Think of the categories you could expand on for a whole life vision board or a series of boards focusing on specific areas of your life. Expand on every one of them. 

9 Steps to Create A Vision for the Future 

With all the categories to consider for your overall vision, the prospect of summing it all up in one statement can seem impossible or reductive.

The following nine steps can help you work through the process and create a statement covering all the bases. 

Get to know yourself and your deepest desires better. Otherwise, you’re likely to repeat the visions you’ve heard others express and adopt them as your own. 

They sound admirable enough, after all. Maybe that’s what you (should) want, too. 

As you grow, your vision will likely change — partly because you have a better grasp of who you are and what you want and partly because you’ve learned to think for yourself. You’ve decided to stop basing your life on other people’s values and priorities.

Your identity, your life, and your vision are yours and no one else’s. 

Make a list of questions related to the categories listed above, using the following examples as a starting point: 

• Relationships — How do you see your closest relationships? What changes do you want to see? What seems impossible right now but still highly desirable?
• Health — What health challenges are you facing? Who will help you face them? What progress do you want to see?
• Career — What is your dream career, and why? Where do you want to be with your career 3/5/10 years from now? What do you need to get there?

Ask yourself each question and answer it truthfully. 

What can you learn from your past and your present to help you build your vision for the future? 

What opportunities have you passed up because you feared the consequences of failure or because you knew it didn’t match your life or habits, and you feared the cost? 

What choices have you made that have taken you in directions you didn’t want to go? And what have you learned from your experiences? 

You can take responsibility for your choices without torturing yourself for them. How do past decisions relate to your habits? And what will you do differently from now on? 

Give yourself permission to daydream and imagine your life as you want it to be. 

Even if some parts of it seem impossible or out of your reach, there’s no telling what solutions you might think of if you’ll just allow yourself to dream. If you still ache for something lacking in your life, giving up on it won’t make the ache fade away. 

If anything, it just goes deeper and affects more of your life until you decide to do something about it. Daydreaming about what you want gets your mind working on how to get there. Don’t forget to take notes. 

More Related Articles

How To Write A Personal Mission Statement (And 28 Mission Statement Examples)

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The Ultimate List Of 100 Life Goals To Achieve Before You Die

Once you know what you want your future to look like, you can plan for the present by asking yourself what needs to change and how you’ll change them. 

List the things in your present that you don’t want to see in your future. List the things in your future that you don’t see in your present. Then outline the changes you need to make and the habits you’ll need to build to make those changes stick. 

Decide what new habits you want to build to replace those holding you back and keeping your mind in a perpetual fog. 

With those new habits come new thoughts — ideas you haven’t thought of before. This is the power of good habits; what you do influences how you think. Your patterns of acting influence your habits of thinking . 

Choose those that will get you closer to your vision.  

You can create a large one to hang up in your home or workspace or use a journal or scrapbook to create something more portable. The point is to make a physical and visible representation of what you want to see in your future (as well as your present). 

Every vision board should reflect what you want, not what you think you should want. 

If you’d rather create something you can access on your phone or tablet, you can also create a vision board on a website or using an app. 

Look to examples of other’s visions and pay attention to your internal responses to each. Retain what resonates; disregard what doesn’t. 

And don’t forget to talk to the people you want to keep in your life to get their insights on your life in the present and what they’d like to see in your future. 

Ask them about their own personal visions, too. What could you do to help them create their own visions for the future?

While drawing inspiration from them, you might also inspire them to take more consistent action toward their own goals. 

Take what you’ve written so far about your vision for the future, and sum it up in a brief but powerful statement. 

If you write stories, think about how you put yourself in your main characters’ heads and write dialogue by essentially taking dictation for the voices you hear. 

Imagine one of your characters is having an epiphany and finally articulating what they genuinely want — with a few well-chosen words. 

Sample Statement of a Vision of the Future

If you’re not sure how to sum up the results of the steps described above, reading some examples of personal vision statements, like the ones in this post , can bring it all together. 

Here’s one example to get you started: 

“ Although I value my introverted nature, I intend to experience more human connections in my life. I recognize the value of stretching myself and interacting with more people.

To this end, I am setting the goals of joining a book club and hosting dinner parties twice a year.” 

Now that you know how to create a vision for the future, what will you do today to get closer to articulating your own? What will you do to get closer to it?

You are responsible for the path you’re on right now. Take a hard look at where that path is leading you and ask yourself if that’s where you want to be. 

If it’s not, look at where you do want to be, and find out what it will take to get there. 

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What’s your vision?

Posted by: Team Tony

Do you tend to control the events in your life, or are events controlling you? The amount of stress you feel is directly related to how in control you feel about your life. As the stress piles up, your sense that you are in charge of your life can slip away even further. When you’re disconnected from your passions, you lose sight of your vision. You feel like you’re a spectator in your own life, helpless to do anything but watch as things happen to you.

What’s your vision? Gaining clarity

When you begin to feel adrift in life, get back to basics and focus on your vision: the life and career that would bring you lasting contentment. This isn’t about money – it’s about being true to yourself. Find honest answers to questions like: What does your ideal life look like? What do you most want to leave behind when all is said and done? What’s your vision, your dream? That’s what you need to fix at the forefront of your mind. When you focus on vision instead of everything going on around you, you’ll sharpen your ability to get what you want and make yourself more resilient against the bleak thoughts that can crowd your mind when you’re stressed out .

What we choose to focus on – and the way we talk to ourselves about that focus – has a massive effect on how we feel. If you focus on the things you can’t control, such as the past, all the things you’ve failed at or what’s missing from your life, it’s easy to lose your vision. We’ve all been there – life seems to crush something that you were excited about, or someone betrays you, or you betray yourself.

Giving focused vision meaning

What’s your vision able to accomplish? It can transform your life if you let it. It takes real courage to pursue your passions – settling for the status quo can feel safer, since there are fewer unknowns. When we talk about living aligned with your purpose, what we’re really talking about is giving focused vision meaning. When you’re true to your strengths, skills and aspirations, you’re focused on where you want to go and you begin to pursue meaningful goals to get there. You’re on the way to self-actualization and nothing can get in your way. 

Making your vision a reality

Leaders focus on what they can control, what they have and what they want. Once you learn to focus on vision, you’ll stop being a manager and become a creator once again.

Focus on your vision

Deciding to focus on vision means determining the way you want your life to go. To create a life where you’re thriving, not just surviving, you must focus on creating a compelling future . Pick anything – a goal, dream or desire – that you want so much, you’re going to find yourself compelled to make it happen. Don’t be modest or shy about what you want to do with your life. Dream big: What legacy do you want to leave behind? How do you want people to remember you? What would you have to accomplish in order to look back at your life and say, “I have no regrets”?

If you think about it, you’ve actually already done this before. Whether or not you’ve been keeping track of it along the way, there are things that you’ve wanted and have gotten for yourself. You are responsible for everything that you have in your life today. That means you’re also responsible for everything you’ll have in your life going forward. If you want to thrive, you must develop focused vision, meaning you focus on outcomes you can control, the difference you can make and what you’re grateful for.

Work out what you want to accomplish in your life and the legacy you’d like to leave . Maybe that’s starting your own business to leave your family financially independent . Maybe that’s traveling to every country in the world. Maybe that’s looking after all the hungry in a particular city. No vision is too large.

Set achievable goals

Nothing happens overnight, including your vision. All good things in life take time and effort, and even that can hang up those of us fully driven by vision. Accept that you will not change the world in a day. You’re starting with yourself – and changing yourself has a ripple effect that will change the world.

When you focus on vision, the key is setting achievable, intelligent goals for yourself . Each small milestone is one step closer to your vision and the life you want to live. Break your vision into smaller portions. If you want to help families put food on the table, your early goals might involve donating to charities that feed the hungry, then becoming involved in those charities by helping them distribute the food. From there you can build out the goals until they ladder up to where you want to be.

As you do this, keep your eye on the prize. Focus on vision and what you want, not on any setbacks you may encounter.

Manage your state

When you focus on vision, many elements in your life will fall into place on their own. Things that used to be massive stressors will seem minor in comparison. You understand that you aren’t just encountering one blow after another; no matter what happens, you’re still working toward your vision, toward what you want your life to be. And once you remember that all life is a work in progress and that changes and minor problems do not need to derail you, you’ll experience true breakthroughs .

The truth is our life is really the only thing in the world we can control. Focus on your vision and let the stress fall away – your life is waiting for you.

Make yourself a priority

When you’re working to give focused vision meaning, make yourself and your vision a priority. Your mindset is key , so do what you need to do to keep your outlook fresh and forward-thinking. Now is the time to build your confidence , nurture positive relationships and prioritize your mental health. Surround yourself with people who support you in pursuing your goals. And if an activity or pursuit detracts from your vision, set it aside or delegate it . 

Think about your vision holistically

To give focused vision meaning, the outcomes you seek must enhance your entire life. Don’t get stuck in a rut considering only one outcome, like your dream job. Think holistically about all areas of your life, along the lines of:

Strategize to get the body you want , create more energy and nourish yourself with a wholesome diet .

Learn to manage your time so you’re engaging in activities aligned with your vision.

Accomplishments

What legacy do you want to leave? What are the accomplishments, relationships and character you’ll be remembered for?

Make a plan to develop your professional and interpersonal skills.

Relationships

Commit to creating extraordinary relationships that enhance your life.

Understand what it takes to build wealth and financial independence and set goals accordingly.

Experiences

What experiences do you want to enjoy in life? Write them down, and commit to making them a reality.

Contentment

Decide what happiness means for you, and make it the bottom line of every decision you make. 

Get the support you need to focus on your vision by attending Unleash the Power Within . This 3 ½-day event with Tony Robbins will give you the strategies and confidence you need to create massive change in your life.

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By Dr. Josh Axe Leaders Staff

Dr. Josh Axe

CEO/Founder

Dr. Josh Axe is the co-founder of Ancient Nutrition and the founder and CEO of Leaders.com. He earned his doctorate...

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Jan 24, 2022

How to Create a Vision for Your Life: A Must for Leaders

• What Does It Mean to Have a Vision in Life?

Why Does Vision Matter in Business?

How to create a vision for your life, invest in those helping you achieve your vision .

Prescription pills dominated my family’s outlook on medicine when I was a kid. By 60, my grandmother’s age matched the number of pills she took daily. Yet, this didn’t tip me over the edge to create a vision of a better future where people used traditional remedies and food to heal themselves. 

I was 13 when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.

While she went into remission, I witnessed the chemotherapy cause a host of problems such as depression, exhaustion, hypothyroidism, and bowel issues. Seeing her like this sparked my passion for finding a better solution by healing people through nutrition. 

When she got cancer the second time, I was able to help her heal through ancient treatments—treatments that wouldn’t kill her body during the recovery process. 

Watching my mom recover through a holistic approach fueled my life’s vision. I imagined a future where families’ cabinets were full of healing agents like turmeric, collagen, and probiotics instead of prescription meds that did more harm than good. 

This has driven all of my professional endeavors, and I can honestly say it has been the key to creating multi-million dollar businesses like  DrAxe.com  and Ancient Nutrition. 

Vision is a crucial tool for success. Without it, people and their organizations operate without purpose. This causes low impact, chaos, burnout, poor team morale, and the development of a toxic work culture.  

In this article, I’m going to show you how to avoid this path by teaching you: 

• What vision is. 
• Why it is the top driving force in business. 
• How to find yourself and create a vision that motivates and excites you.  
• And the best strategies for clarifying it over time. 

What Does It Mean to Have a Vision in Life ?

As pastor Andy Stanley says in  Visioneering  (a primary reference for this article), “Vision is a clear mental picture of what could be, fueled by the conviction that it should be.” This portrait of a better future fires you up to take action, gives you purpose, and keeps you feeling inspired and passionate. 

Without a life vision, a person feels aimless and unmotivated because they have no clear idea why they exist. “What to do with my life?” and “How am I supposed to spend my time on Earth?” become common questions. However, knowing it clears the clouds and allows you to see your North Star. From there on, it’ll always be there to direct your goals, actions, thoughts, and behaviors. 

Visionary companies are the crown jewels of their industry, widely admired by their peers and having a track record of making a significant impact on the world around them.  Jim Collins, author of good to great

Vision is what leads to extreme transformation.  For instance, think of organizations like Apple, Google, and Amazon. The founders of these companies have all been visionaries in their own right. That’s because bold leadership is vision-based. The greater the change, the clearer the vision must be. 

Vision is also what creates buy-in with followers.  As leadership expert John Maxwell puts it, “People buy into the leader before they buy into the vision. People buy into the vision after the leader buys into it.” Again, look back on leaders like Steve Jobs. When John Sculley told Jobs he wouldn’t give up his title as CEO of Pepsi to work at Apple, Jobs  replied : “You want to sell sugar water for the rest of your life, or do you want to come with me and change the world?” Jobs’ belief worked with Sculley—he was CEO of Apple for ten years. 

1. Begin Asking Deep Questions

Everyone’s life vision is unique because God has a different purpose planned for each person. However, it is up to you to recognize and pursue your calling, which is done through deep internal questioning. 

To create vision, ask yourself:

• What does my ideal future look like in the following areas: 
• What problem or burden in the world bothers, angers, or ignites me? 
• Consider the current solution (if there is one). Why isn’t it good enough? If there’s a better way, what is it? If there’s not a solution, what do you feel like the remedy is?
• Do you feel a moral imperative and responsibility to solve it? 
• Know the problem must compel you to act now based on your ethics, values, and principles.
• Think about how your moral imperative aligns with God. Does your vision connect with God’s vision for the world? For instance, how will solving this problem make Earth a more heavenly place?
• Are you willing to make sacrifices to solve this issue?
• Realize fulfilling a vision requires sacrifice. For instance, during the height of the pandemic, the leaders at Ancient Nutrition all took a 30 percent salary cut to keep our team together.

2. Focus on an Issue the World Can’t Wait to Solve

As Sergey Brin, the co-founder of Google once said, “Solving big problems is easier than solving little problems.” This is because people want to help you solve pressing issues. No one will jump out of their seats to fix a problem that  might  affect them in 50 years. To gain followers who want to join your cause, you must identify and solve a problem causing someone irritation, frustration, hurt, or pain right now. This is the only way to get others invested in working toward your solution that leads to your big vision. 

How to get people to take your problem seriously:

• Raise awareness.  One of the best ways to gain followers is through education. Whether through blogs, interviews, videos, or speaking events, find ways to inform others on what the problem is and why your solution matters. 
• Create a sense of urgency.  Let people know why acting later can’t wait. Describe, in detail, how the problem affects them now and what will happen in the future if they don’t solve it. 
• Speak with conviction.  True purpose-driven vision feels like a moral obligation. This allows you to authentically communicate your vision to others and get them excited about working toward a better future, too. It’s one of the key tenets that have made Amazon leadership principles a success.
• Describe what the world is like when the problem is solved.  Again, to get people motivated, show them how great life  could  be if they join your cause. 
• Call people to act.  Additionally, provide clear directions on the next steps. Break this down with three distinct actions people can do now to instigate transformation and change. 

3. Develop a Vision Statement 

Once you’ve found a problem and solution worth pursuing, you need to clarify your vision. Do this by developing a  vision statement . A vision statement is a concise description of the direction you and your business intend to move in. On the other hand, a mission statement states what the company is currently doing to achieve the vision. 

Every person leading an organization should craft a vision statement, as it will serve as an organizational roadmap. For instance, executives should use it during strategic planning, goal-setting, and decision-making . This helps keep the business on track to fulfilling its purpose and staying away from distractions that don’t drive impact. 

When writing a vision statement:

• Discuss your “why.”  Make sure what you write speaks to why your business exists and the problem it solves. For instance, LinkedIn’s vision statement is, “Create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce,” while Apple’s is, “To make the best products on earth, and to leave the world better than we found it.”
• Describe what your company hopes to achieve in the future.  Elon Musk’s vision for SpaceX is a good example of this. He is quoted as saying, “My vision is for a fully reusable rocket transport system between Earth and Mars that is able to re-fuel on Mars—this is very important—so you don’t have to carry the return fuel when you go there.” Above all, vision statements should aim high and speak to what is possible over the next few decades. 
• Get feedback and revise it.  Vision statements aren’t written in ten minutes. Remember, this statement is what will guide your entire company. It requires a significant amount of thought. Once you finish the first iteration, share it with other leaders, mentors, and business advisors to craft an even sharper version. 

4.  Work on Casting a Vision

As a leader, it’s not enough to have a personal vision statement. You must be able to cast a vision and communicate it to others. Keep yourself and others laser-focused on being purpose-driven by relating your vision to everything you and others do. While it might seem redundant, constantly connecting work, goals, and progress to your vision helps your employees stay motivated, inspired, and passionate about the transformation they’re bringing to light. 

To work on casting a vision:

• Set aside time in your daily schedule to refine or expand your vision.  For instance, establish a visualization practice where you spend 15 to 30 minutes a day imagining what the finish line looks like. ​​As Sarah Blakely, the founder of SPANX, says, “You’ve got to visualize where you’re headed and be very clear about it. Take a Polaroid picture of where you’re going to be in a few years.”
• Communicate your vision out loud.  Make your vision come alive by constantly communicating it. This might look like making it a goal to connect the company vision to employees’ work during every one-on-one meeting. 
• Hyperfocus on the details.  Vague and vision should never be in the same sentence. A powerful vision is something another person can  clearly  see in their mind’s eye. The better picture you paint, the more likely people will feel inspired to join your cause. 
• Emotionally resonate with people.  Talented visionaries like Martin Luther King Jr. spoke to how the problem he was fighting affected his followers emotionally. As a result, they felt compelled to act. 

5. Reverse Engineer Your Vision 

In  Visioneering , Stanley explains, “Opportunity apart from preparation results in missed opportunity.” It’s not enough to communicate your vision and why it’s important. You must know what needs to happen to set things into motion, keep the momentum going, and how to navigate the road ahead. 

To do this, reverse engineer your vision and plan for the future by: 

• Starting your day off in prayer.  Ask for direction and the ability to align your vision with God’s vision. As Saint Augustine once said, “Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.”
• Thinking about what it takes to make the vision a reality.  During your visualization practice, vividly imagine achieving your vision. Now, begin working backward and strategizing on how to break your large-scale accomplishment into smaller measurable goals. What did it take to get to each one of these goals? What tasks must be done? Who helps you get there? Consider every facet of each phase of the process to lead your team better. 
• Making planning a habit.  Don’t just imagine these things—write them down. More importantly, schedule time to work on your goals. If you own a business, include them in your business initiatives. Remember, every job you or someone else does should get you closer to the vision. 

6. Avoid Distractions 

Beverly R. Imes, the founder of Positive Impact, warns, “Be aware when distractions come your way. You’ll know it’s a distraction when you stop doing what you’re supposed to be doing and find yourself pondering things that have no value.” While there are many different types of distractions, they usually fall into three categories. 

• Opportunities:  Be careful of saying “yes” to every opportunity that unfolds. Vision requires focus, and focus requires saying “no.” As Steve Jobs once said, “Focus means saying no to the hundred other good ideas.” 
• Criticism:  People who experience success or dream big always face critics. When criticized, respond by speaking vision into your own life and the life of the person criticizing you, as well as the potential life they could live. It’s the best way to silence them. 
• Fear:  Without the right mentality, fear is paralyzing. Adapt to fear by developing a  growth mindset  that helps you view challenges as an opportunity to learn and develop. Remember, the significance of your calling overrules your option of retreat. 

 7. Know Your Vision Will Mature and Grow Over Time

Creating a vision can feel daunting because there are so many moving parts and pieces. Yet, keep in mind that it will mature over time. For instance, it took Moses 40 years to expand into God’s vision for him. As demonstrated in the Bible, leading God’s people out of slavery and to the Promised Land was an incredibly strenuous, challenging journey. But, powerful visions emerge in cynical, critical, and stubborn environments. 

As you develop your vision:

• Stay flexible.  “We are stubborn on vision. We are flexible on details,” Jeff Bezos explains, when describing why Amazon has experienced tremendous success. Figure out the “why” that drives you and don’t budge on it. However, understand your vision  will  grow over time. 
• Choose a problem you can’t live without solving.  As mentioned above, your vision must fire you up. Solving a problem that’s plaguing society must fuel your soul. You won’t have the endurance needed to go the distance if it doesn’t. For this reason,  passion and patience  go hand in hand. 

Vision is undeniably one of the most important  leadership qualities  a person can have. However, as you pursue your goals, don’t forget to pour into those helping you make them a reality. As former US Secretary of State Colin Powell puts it, leadership is: “[N]ot about plans. It is not about strategies. It is all about  people motivating people to get the job done.  You have to be people-centered.”

This might look like:

• Acting as a  servant leader  that cares for and anticipates the needs of others. 
• Identifying, acknowledging, and playing people to their strengths. 
• Giving specific and unique praise and positive feedback to each individual on your team. 
• Vocalizing your confidence and belief in a person’s abilities to take on a new task or bigger responsibility. 
• Mentoring your team regularly, so they learn how to lead. 
• Paying it forward by helping employees find their vision in life. 

Want to learn more about being a great leader?  Check out these articles next:

9 Team Leadership Skills That Get Results

5 Levels of Leadership: Which Stage Have You Reached?

Strengths-Based Leadership: How to Optimize Your Team’s Abilities

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What Is a Vision Statement?

Follow these tips, steps and examples to construct a meaningful vision statement.

Table of Contents

Writing a vision statement for your business can be challenging because it must define your company, values and future goals. While many established companies focus on their mission statement , a vision statement is a valuable tool for inspiring your team and forging a corporate identity. 

We’ll explore vision statements and their importance, as well as offer tools and best practices for crafting an inspiring vision statement that powers your growth strategy. 

What is a vision statement?

A vision statement is a written declaration clarifying your business’s meaning and purpose for stakeholders, especially employees. It describes the desired long-term results of your company’s efforts. For example, an early Microsoft vision statement was “a computer on every desk and in every home.” 

“A company vision statement reveals, at the highest levels, what an organization most hopes to be and achieve in the long term,” said Katie Trauth Taylor, owner and CEO of Untold Content, a writing consultancy. “It serves a somewhat lofty purpose – to harness all the company’s foresight into one impactful statement.” 

A vision statement matters because it outlines the common goal of everyone in the company. Businesses that are working toward a higher aspiration are more appealing to current and future employees. 

A vision statement can affect a company’s long-term success, so take the time to craft one that synthesizes your ambition and mobilizes your staff.

What’s the difference between a vision statement and a mission statement?

Mission statements are based in the present and convey to stakeholders and community members why a business exists and where it currently stands. Vision statements are future-based, and they are meant to inspire and give direction to employees. 

“The vision is about your goals for the future and how you will get there, whereas the mission is about where you are now and why you exist,” said Paige Arnof-Fenn, founder and CEO of Mavens & Moguls, a global strategic marketing consulting firm. “The vision should motivate the team to make a difference and be part of something bigger than themselves.” 

Mission statements and vision statements are both crucial for building a brand . “While a mission statement focuses on the purpose of the brand, the vision statement looks to the fulfillment of that purpose,” said Jessica Honard, co-CEO of North Star Messaging + Strategy, a copywriting and messaging firm that serves entrepreneurs. 

Although mission and vision statements should be core elements of your organization, a vision statement should serve as your company’s guiding light. 

“A vision is aspiration; a mission is actionable,” said Jamie Falkowski, chief creative officer at marketing and communications company Day One Agency.

Creating the perfect vision statement may seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Follow these suggestions and best practices when crafting your vision statement. 

Determine who will shape your vision. 

The first step in writing a vision statement is determining who will craft it. In a small business, you may be able to ask everyone for their insight. In a larger operation, you may need to be more selective while still capturing a range of employee voices.

Evaluate your company’s published materials. 

Your company likely already has published goals and established values in its employee handbook , marketing materials and other publications. Use this information to guide your work, suggested Alison Brehme, an author and content, marketing and media strategist.

“A company’s mission, purpose, goals and values are all involved in the creation of a company vision,” Brehme said. “Weave these concepts and beliefs into your vision statement.”

Hold workshops to brainstorm your vision. 

Brandon Shockley, former vice president of market research at branding and marketing firm 160over90 and now head of investor research and insights at Vanguard, recommended hosting workshops with key stakeholders representing a cross-section of your organization. Then, he said, assemble teams and use collaboration tools to create alternate versions of the statement, and gather employee feedback about how each version resonates. 

Get individual input. 

Falkowski also suggested conducting interviews with individual stakeholders to encourage honest feedback. Employees can identify common themes, describe the organization’s future in words or use visual branding tools as a basis for the vision statement. 

Check out competitors’ vision statements. 

Look at your competitors’ vision statements to determine how you can differentiate your business from theirs. [Related article: How to Do a Competitive Analysis ]

Keep it short but meaningful. 

A vision statement should be concise – no longer than a sentence or two. You want your entire organization to be able to repeat it quickly and, more importantly, understand it. However, a vision statement must be more than a catchy tagline.

“[It] can be smart and memorable, but this is for your team and culture, not for selling a specific product,” Falkowski said. 

Create a longer version for leadership’s eyes only. 

Don’t fret if you feel that a short vision statement doesn’t fully express the intricacies of your vision. You can create a longer version, but it should not be the one you broadcast to the world.

“Let’s be honest – most business leaders, not to mention boards of directors, won’t be able to sum up their vision in a pithy sentence or two. That’s OK,” said Shannon DeJong, owner of brand agency House of Who. “Have a full-length version of your vision for the leadership’s eyes only. Think of the long version as your reference guide to why you’re in business in the first place.” 

Map out your business’s biggest goals. 

When you’re crafting your vision statement, start by mapping out your business’s most audacious goals, Taylor suggested. “Reviewing your long-term goals in a collaborative setting will help you then zoom out on what your organization and the world will look like if you achieve them. That zoomed-out view of your success is really the heart of your vision statement.”

Consider your company’s potential global impact. 

Ask questions that reflect your business’s eventual scale and impact, Honard advised. “Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ve created a roadmap between your present and your future.”

These are a few of the questions Honard uses in guiding clients to identify their vision statement:

• What ultimate impact do I want my brand to have on my community, my industry or the world?
• In what way will my brand ultimately interact with customers and clients?
• What will the culture of my business look like, and how will that play out in employees’ lives? 

Dream big. 

Don’t be afraid to dream big once you gather all the information and get down to writing. Don’t worry about practicality for now; what initially looks impossible may be achieved down the road with the right team and technologies. Work on shaping a vision statement that reflects the specific nature of your business and its aspirations. 

Be daring, not generic. 

Shockley said there’s nothing wrong with a vision statement that is daring, distinct or even disagreeable. “If a vision statement sets out a generic goal that anyone can agree with, it is likely to produce mediocre results. A goal like ‘delivering an exceptional experience’ applies equally to a hospital, bank or fitness club.” 

Consider creating a brand vision board. 

If you’re interested in taking your vision one step further, create a brand vision board, Taylor suggested. A vision board includes your company’s tagline, a “who we are” statement, a “what we do” section, a business vision statement, an overview of your ideal clients, client pain points, your content mission statement, advertising, products and SEO keywords.

“A vision board serves as a one-page business plan that anyone in a company can reference quickly to remember the key concepts that drive the work,” Taylor said.

Quick tips for your vision statement

Here’s a quick breakdown of what to do when formalizing your vision statement:

• Project five to 10 years into the future.
• Dream big, and focus on success.
• Use the present tense.
• Use clear, concise, jargon-free language.
• Infuse it with passion, and make it inspiring.
• Align it with your business values and goals.
• Create a plan to communicate your vision statement to your employees.
• Prepare to commit time and resources to the vision you establish. 

Your completed vision statement should offer a clear idea of your company’s path forward. Honard said many of her clients have used their vision statements to direct their overall plans for the future. For example, they’ve adopted new marketing initiatives to move them closer to their vision, pivoted their focus to clearly reflect their desired outcome, or doubled down on one particular aspect of their brand that is working to serve their vision.

What to avoid when writing a vision statement

• Don’t mix up your mission statement and vision statement. Mission statements are generally easier to write because they reflect what you’re doing now. Remember, a mission statement is what you are working to accomplish today, while a vision statement is what you want to accomplish in the future.
• Don’t overthink your wording. One of the hardest parts of creating a vision statement is coming up with the right wording. You may find yourself endlessly rewriting and fretting about getting it right. Does this sentence or two define your values and shine a light on your corporate identity without sounding too vague? Don’t get lost in the pressure of perfect wording; a specific and unique vision statement is a good place to begin distinguishing your business from the rest of the industry. 

How to use your vision statement

Determine where your vision statement will appear and what role it will serve in your organization. This will make the process more than an intellectual exercise, Shockley said. It’s pointless to hang a vision statement in the lobby or promote it via your business’s social media channels if you never genuinely integrate it into your company culture . 

“The vision business statement should be thought of as part of your strategic plan,” Shockley said. “It is an internal communications tool that helps align and inspire your team to reach the company’s goals.” 

As such, you should view a vision statement as a living document that will be revisited and revised. Most importantly, it must speak directly to your employees. 

“If your employees don’t buy into the vision, you’ll never be able to carry it out,” said Keri Lindenmuth, director of marketing with the Kyle David Group, a web and tech solutions provider. “The vision statement should be something your employees believe in. Only then will they make decisions and take actions that reflect your business’s vision.”

20 examples of inspiring vision statements

Some memorable and distinct vision statements may be all the inspiration you need to write your own. Here are some of the best examples of inspiring vision statements: 

• Amazon: “Our vision is to be earth’s most customer-centric company; to build a place where people can come to find and discover anything they might want to buy online.”
• Ben & Jerry’s: “Making the best ice cream in the nicest possible way.”
• Caterpillar: “Our vision is a world in which all people’s basic needs – such as shelter, clean water, sanitation, food, and reliable power – are fulfilled in an environmentally sustainable way, and a company that improves the quality of the environment and the communities where we live and work.”
• Cradles to Crayons: “Provides children from birth through age 12, living in homeless or low-income situations, with the essential items they need to thrive – at home, at school, and at play.”
• Google: “To provide access to the world’s information in one click.”
• Habitat for Humanity: “A world where everyone has a decent place to live.”
• Hilton Hotels & Resorts: “To fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality by delivering exceptional experiences – every hotel, every guest, every time.”
• IKEA: “To create a better everyday life for the many people.”
• Intel: “If it’s smart and connected, it’s best with Intel.”
• LinkedIn: “Create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce.”
• Oxfam: “To be a self-organized people actively creating a just democratic and sustainable world where power and resources are shared, everyone lives in dignity, and poverty and inequality are no more.”
• Patagonia: “Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.”
• Prezi: “To reinvent how people share knowledge, tell stories, and inspire their audiences to act.”
• Samsung: “Shape the future with innovation and intelligence.”
• Southwest Airlines: “To become the world’s most loved, most flown and most profitable airline.”
• Sweetgreen: “To inspire healthier communities by connecting people to real food.”
• TED: “We believe passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives, and, ultimately, the world.”
• Walgreens: “To be America’s most-loved pharmacy-led health, well-being and beauty company.”
• Warby Parker: “We believe that buying glasses should be easy and fun.”
• Wyeth: “Our vision is to lead the way to a healthier world.”

Can vision statements change?

Many companies benefit from having a vision statement from their inception, but it’s perfectly acceptable not to commit to one specific vision immediately. 

“Getting too tied into one master statement can really mess with the learning and creation process in the early stages,” said Sonia Elyss, president of marketing and communications collective Round Twelve. She encourages her clients to write a vision statement monthly, save the previous drafts, and see what sticks and what doesn’t over time. 

“After the first year, you can look back and see how much you have evolved,” Elyss said. “What parts or words within the statement stuck around, and what was dropped? Those key words tend to end up being major brand pillars you can always come back to and eventually become part of the brand ethos.” 

Tying yourself to a particular vision statement in the early days of your business may limit your opportunities for growth or blind you to the need for change. 

“At the end of the day, trust your gut; test and check; look at the analytics; invest in the feedback your customer is giving you,” Elyss said. “If you aren’t willing to step outside of your initial vision for your business, you might miss a huge opportunity!” 

Regardless of how many years you have been in business or how long you have had your vision statement, you’re not stuck with it. Don’t be afraid to change it – even if you spent time and money developing it – if it stops feeling right. 

The vision for your vision statement

A vision statement is a tool that can help your business grow and achieve brand success. Along the journey of growing your business, you’ll face good months, rough months, and every detour and roadblock imaginable. 

Above all, your vision statement should constantly remind you and your team of the end goal. This message is important to hold on to, especially on the most challenging days. 

Bassam Kaado and Paula Fernandes contributed to the writing and reporting in this article. Source interviews were conducted for a previous version of this article.

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What is Your Vision and Mission Statement for Life?

Jane 1 Comment

March 1, 2019

What is your vision and mission statements for your life? Are they clear? Do you take conscious steps each day to fulfil your mission and vision?

In this post I am going to discuss –

• What is a Vision for Life ?
• Why Have a Vision for Your Life?

What is a Mission Statement for Life?

Why have a mission statement for your life, what is the difference between a vision and mission statement.

Let’s get started…

What is a Vision for Life?

A vision is your vision of the future – what you want to create and achieve in the future. It is your inspiration and guides your planning, As Stephen Covey writes in   7 Habits of Highly Effective People – “Begin with the End in Mind” and Timothy Gallwey in the Inner Game of Work  –

“If you have a clear vision of where you want to go, you are not as easily distracted by the many possibilities and agendas that otherwise divert you.”

The timeframe for a vision is up to you.

Why Have a Vision for Your Life ?

Having a vision helps you to –

• stay focused ,
• make conscious  choices – especially about your prioritises ,
• eliminate or at least minimise distractions (or bright shiny objects 🙂 ),

The first time I heard of a mission statement was reading 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey . In that book, Covey’s definition of a personal mission statement says –

“… it focuses on what you want to be (character) and to do (contributions and achievements) and on the values or principles upon which being and doing are based.” (p1598).

A personal mission statement becomes a standard or personal constitution for the individual. The basis for making major and life-directing decisions. It allows the individual to flow with changes in life. A personal mission statement is not something you write overnight – it takes time and –

• helps you keep your personal ‘why’ and purpose (reason for being) clear,
• is personal, positive, in the present tense, visual and emotional, and
• can align to your specific roles and goals in life.

Having a mission statement is similar to having a vision for your life in that it helps you –

• eliminate or at least minimise distractions (or bright shiny objects 🙂 ) as well as
• align to your capabilities, roles, intentions and goals in life.

Many people use a vision and mission statement interchangeably, however I see a difference. Most notably – a vision is about your future and who you want to BE, whilst the mission statement focuses on today and what you do through your actions and behaviours .

Over to You…

I hope this post has give you some insight in to a vision and mission statement and how they are different. Once you know your vision and mission, it will help you prioritise your quarterly, monthly, weekly and daily actions and behaviours . Any questions, please write them below! Also – if you want to create your own vision, you can find out more here .

If you are ready to reclaim your courage and take the  next step towards freedom and opening your heart , why not join our Toolkit ?

Reference –

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• InterviewPenguin.com – Your best job interview coach since 2011

What is your vision for the future? Sample interview answers & more

The future of the world doesn’t seem too bright. But that doesn’t mean your future cannot be bright , or that you should have no vision for the future at all. Applying for a place at a study program , for a scholarship , or for an entry level job , you may often face this question. But what do the people in the admission committee, or the hiring managers, want to hear from you? We will try to find the answer on the following lines.

First of all, they want to hear that you have some vision for the future . Saying that you have no idea whatsoever what to do with your life won’t take you anywhere–even if that’s true. Now, it doesn’t mean that you have to be laser-targeted, calling out a specific job or even a specific organization you want to work for in five or ten years. But you should at least vaguely tell what’s ahead for you.

Secondly, your vision for your future should at least somehow correspond with the thing you want to study, or the job you try to get (while facing this question). As an example, it would not make much sense talking about running your own vet clinic, or about becoming a professional musician, while you apply for a place at law school. Saying that you’d like to work for some non-profit organization (fighting for a cause you support), or perhaps become a divorce lawyer, makes much more sense in this case. Of course this was just an example, but I hope you got my point.

Another option would be philosophize a bit about the future of the world, focusing on the bigger picture. Even in this case though, try to avoid excessive negativity . Even if you share negative predictions, try to point out some positive contribution you want to make, basically how you hope to make things at least a bit better. Okay, let’s have a look now at 7 sample answers to this interesting question. Needless to say, in a selection of 7 answers I cannot cover all possible areas and directions one can take in life, but I tried to come up with a nice mix of answers (including some unconventional answers) that will hopefully give you a good idea about your own answer to this one. Enjoy!

7 sample answers to “What is your vision for the future?” interview question

• My vision for the future is to have a great job, one in which I can have some impact, ideally in the sphere of social work. That’s why I chose your study program . Ideally I want to work with the elderly population, since I understand this group is getting bigger and more vulnerable every year. Of course, life’s not only work. I also hope to start a family one day, and to live a good and balanced life, getting an opportunity to spend time in the nature, devote myself to music–my hobby, and at the same time be a good employee, husband and father .
• The future looks super uncertain to me. With the wars erupting left and right, climate change, water crisis, and you name it, I find it a bit brave to think too far ahead. Having said that, I believe we should not be mere passive observers , and negativity won’t change anything either. That’s why I want to study Physics, and perhaps in the future help with developing solutions that will tackle the climate change , or at least add my small bit when we talk about saving the Earth. That’s my vision for the future, and you can be sure I will give it my best shot.
• I imagine teaching at an elementary school , ideally in my city. Maybe it isn’t a big vision for the future, but it is one that gives me joy, and strength to continue in my studies, and to give it my very best shot every day . Then one day I hope to become a mother myself, and do a good job in this department too. I also imagine being healthy, and you can be sure I will continue eating healthy and exercising, doing my best to stay in shape. All in all, I am grateful for the opportunities I have in life , and enthusiastic about the future ahead.
• Vision for my future, or for the future of the world ? When we speak about the second, a lot needs to happen so we have any future as a mankind. But yeah, I can probably not do much to change the bigger course of things, or can I? And you can be sure I do not cry at night or have nightmares. At the end of the day, we should focus on what we can control (at least to some extent) and that’s our own future. In that department, I hope to become a successful manager, leading big projects. Having said that, I understand that everyone needs to start from the bottom , and that many years will pass until I reach my goals. But I am ready to work hard and to dedicate myself 100% to my career, and then I know a good income will come. Law of action and reaction cannot be broken.
• My vision for the future is to always focus on the present moment . Because that’s the only real thing to be honest. Of course, it is good to have goals and dreams, and I would like to make a career in medicine , but at the same time, the only moment we always really live, and take care off, is the present moment . Thinking too much about the future, being nervous about whether we will succeed or not, or having excessive expectations on ourselves will bring us only to psychiatrists and an early grave. Hence I do not think about it at all. I just know I want to be the doctor, and that’s it. Will give my best in the classes, study hard, and enjoy every moment of this journey. Of course, all of that is possible only if you give me a chance to study here.
• I want to win a medal at the Olympics . That’s why I chose the best school, that’s why I train so hard every day. That’s my vision for the future- -seeing me standing there, on the top of the world, with a national anthem playing in the background, and tears running down my cheeks. Of course, I know a lot has to happen until then, and that many other people have the same dream . But I have the talent, the dedication, and if I get a scholarship here I will also have all I need to pursue this dream, and make my vision become a reality one day.
• Well, I hope to find out soon . At the moment I am not exactly sure what I want to do with my life, and how I hope it will look like, let’s say in ten years from now. But I want to give myself a good start , and having a degree in management is definitely something that will allow me to pursue my career in various organizations and fields. Generally speaking, I hope to do a good service to society , and be a valued member of local community.

So that’s it! I hope my answers gave you some idea, and you are now ready to deal with this tricky interview questions. With you good luck in your interview, and if you’re still not sure, I recommend you to check 7 sample answers to the following questions:

• What is your purpose in life?
• Where do you see yourself in five years from now?
• What does quality mean to you?
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Create Your Vision

What a Vision Can Do for You

Describing what you currently do seems inherently advantageous. People want to know what you do. But why should you have a vision? Every individual or organization should have a vision for two reasons:

• First, a vision inspires you and gives you energy. It guides and eventually gives all of your efforts a purpose. Coming to terms with your “why” connects you with your core values and roots you. Your vision unlocks your deepest motivations. Making the connection between your deepest heartfelt values and your everyday work will make you unstoppable.
• Second, it provides guidance in a world of choices. It enables you to focus on what to do (and not do) for those achievements five, ten years or further in the future. When you are clear about your vision and goals, it is easier to say yes wholeheartedly or say no with an acceptable reason and no fear of rejection.

How to Find and Develop Your Very Own Vision

When searching for your vision, it is best to do so offsite somewhere you are inspired and not distracted. Rather than your office, think of someplace more inspiring like a small secluded cabin in the mountains or by the sea. A central question when building your vision will be, “What is my Why?” When you are thinking of this, what are dreams that you have just started work towards or that you should finally start? Simon Sinek addressed in his book Start with Why that every individual or company needs to know their why to get the remainder (the what and how) right and sorted out. That means if you know the Why, you will easily figure out the What and the How later. Zoom out and concentrate on the biggest, long-term version of your picture. When formulating your vision, respect the following criteria:

• Unique : Make sure it is unique to you and fits your passion and values. That also involves imagining yourself in the role. Three years from now, what do you look like in that role? How do you see yourself?
• Simple : Write it directly and succinctly so that it is quick to grasp and can be easily repeated by any employee at any given time.
• Focused : Narrow in so it is not too broad.
• Bold : Is it brave and big enough? Stretch yourself rather than staying inside the status quo.
• Beneficial : A good vision has a reason and strives to benefit not only you but also others at the same time. For example, an organization should first serve its customers, but also benefit you or your association at the same time. Profit is a result of excellent service, not a goal in itself.
• Aligned : Your vision and way towards it should be aligned, but most importantly should not contradict each other, for authenticity reasons. For instance, a company that tries to change the world positively also needs to have processes and rules that are positive on the inside.
• Inspiring : Write your vision in an inspirational manner. Think of a sci-fi movie trailer that pulls millions into the cinema; your vision should have a similar magnetic pull to it.
• Engaging : Creating your vision is like building a house: you might not know how to build the house yourself, but you have ideas and images in your mind that you pass onto an architect who helps you create sketches and plans from which to construct and achieve the final product, together.

Overall, a good vision is something you hear once and then never forget. Respecting these criteria will help you achieve that goal.

Applying Your Vision in Practice

Having a visual reminder of your vision is important which is why vividness is key. It is best to have that visualization somewhere near, like your personal vision could be kept close to your bed and your professional vision somewhere at the entrance of your office, or high above your desk. This way you can regularly look up and refer to it. Keeping it visible can help you stay on track by providing guidance when opportunities or distractions present themselves. Moreover, when you can consistently see your vision, you can always question if your current actions are contributing to that ultimate goal. With each new day, ask yourself: if this were my last day to work on my ultimate goal, my vision, would I spend it this way?

Personal Vision

Your personal vision guides you in your life when you set goals and need to make decisions every day. When creating your personal vision, reflect from different perspectives and think of what you desire to have, be, give and do. How could you contribute to this world, impact and help your inner circle, your community or even people on this planet? Thinking of this often reveals your real purpose in life. Your personal vision for your life might be best visualized in a vision board .

Organizational Vision

An organizational vision is the centerpiece and foundation of all corporate strategy, primarily its goals. The vision functions as the “north star” – it points the everyday work of employees as a contribution toward the ultimate long-term accomplishment. In companies or non-profit organizations, a vision usually expresses itself in a vision statement .

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• How to write a vision statement: Steps ...

How to write a vision statement: Steps and examples

The vision statement is designed to inspire employees, compel investors, and engage the imaginations of your customers. It paints a picture of your company's future and the impact you want your business to have on the world.

It takes work and creativity to write an inspiring vision statement. Here, we'll break down the elements of a great vision statement, guide you through the process, and walk through a few examples of excellent vision statements and explain what makes them great.

What is a vision statement?

A vision statement is your company’s guiding beacon. It zooms out to give perspective on the overarching reasons for your company's mission. Rather than articulating the specifics of your business operations, the vision statement describes how your company seeks to impact and improve the world around it.

Vision statement vs. mission statement

While both statements help define your company's character and personality, there are some key differences between a vision statement and a mission statement.

The mission statement describes what your company does in the present. It's comprised of three parts: what you do, how you do it, and why you do it. 

A vision statement outlines the company's long-term goals and aspirations for the future in terms of its long-term growth and impact on the world. Your mission defines what your organization does and what you stand for, while your vision statement speaks to your goals and ideals for the future. 

Characteristics of a great vision statement

Vision statements are like snowflakes—each one is unique to its company in length, form, structure, and scope. Your vision statement should reflect your company's personality. However, there are a few traits that all great vision statements share. No matter how unique a statement is in terms of size, shape, or structure, a good vision statement should be:

The purpose of a vision statement is to inspire employees, investors, and customers to believe in your company's mission. Great vision statements are aspirational and ambitious. They convey a sense of passion for the ideal future toward which the company is working.

Though your vision needs to be ambitious in order to be inspiring, it shouldn't be so far out of reach that it feels impossible. You want to choose something that your company will have to strive for, but a completely unattainable goal isn't a vision—it's a fantasy.

A vision statement connects your company mission to your goals, but it isn’t a goal in and of itself. If your vision statement feels too finite or specifically achievable, try to zoom out and broaden the scope of your vision.

Don’t try to cram every detail of your vision into your vision statement—be strategic in selecting the ideas that feel the most relevant and compelling to your stakeholders . You might dream of someday having offices in every major city in the world, but your vision statement should focus on aspirations that speak to your company's mission and purpose.

Vision statement writing tips

Here are a few best practices to keep in mind as you start writing your vision statement:

Collaborate. The vision statement should reflect the character of your entire company, and there's no better way to accomplish this than to write the statement alongside key members of your team. Gather leaders from across the organization to participate in vision statement brainstorms, and run drafts by these same people to get buy-in on your final vision statement.

Write first, edit later. Don't try to write a succinct, well-crafted vision statement right out of the gate. Put everything you think of down on paper, no matter how small. You may not see the value in a particular idea when it crosses your mind, but if you write it down anyway, it may spark better ideas later on.

Keep your own vision statement separate. Many people have personal vision statements that reflect their individual goals, and if you're a business owner, our own vision statement may overlap strongly with the vision of your company. It's important to keep your personal aspirations and your company's vision separate, so that your company's vision statement is something that your entire company can relate to and feel represented by. 

Avoid buzzwords and jargon. Using "industry-speak" makes a brand feel aloof and inaccessible, even to people within the industry. Plain language is always more powerful than jargon, so if you find yourself falling back on buzzwords, isolate the phrase in question and picture a friend or family member asking, "What does this actually mean?" Write or record the explanation you would give to that person and use that language to replace the buzzwords in your vision statement.

Avoid ambiguity. Vision statements don't have to be concrete the way a mission statement should be, but you want to avoid using words that could potentially be interpreted in a way that changes the entire vision statement's meaning. You won't be there to clarify or offer context to everyone who reads your statement, so it needs to be able to stand on its own.

7 steps to write your company's vision statement

There's a lot more to crafting a great vision statement than just writing a few sentences. In order to create a statement that's truly aspirational and inspiring, you're going to need to do a little bit of work. Here's our seven-step process to write a great vision statement:

1. Identify important stakeholders

Your vision statement speaks on behalf of your entire company, so make a list of co-founders, fellow executives, and high-level employees who can help you craft and refine your statement so that it represents your organization as a whole. Getting buy-in from company leaders is also a smart strategic move—the more they believe in the vision statement, the better they'll model it in their daily work and communicate it to their own departments and teams.

Make a second list of stakeholders that represent your vision statement's audience. This list may consist of personas rather than actual people, and should include:

Board members

Partner organizations

Different customer personas

Shareholders

Depending on your industry, this list may be longer or shorter; the main point is to write down a basic overview of the group of people you're writing for. If you're only thinking about your customers, your vision statement may not feel as relatable to employees or might not inspire potential funders to invest. Check your drafts against this list to make sure it feels applicable to all of your key stakeholders.

2. Start with a list of keywords

Ultimately, you're aiming to craft a few concise sentences—and the process of crafting those sentences will be a lot easier if you have a "word bank" of sorts to draw from as you write. Hold an open brainstorming session with your internal stakeholders to come up with a keyword list. 

Make sure your keyword list is comprehensive by subdividing it into smaller categories and making sure you have a good list of keywords for each. At a minimum, you should collect keywords related to:

Your product or service

Your mission and values

Your company's goals and initiatives

Your company's long-term strategic plan

Adjectives that describe your company, product, teams, community, and ideal future (e.g. expert, innovative, affordable, inspiring)

Adverbs that describe the way in which your company operates (e.g. flexibly, sustainably, cooperatively, fearlessly)

Just like your list of stakeholders, the number and type of keyword lists you should generate will vary depending on your industry and company. The important thing is to create a document filled with keywords that you can draw from as your writing, if you get stuck trying to communicate an idea, or if you need to replace some jargon-y text.

3. Answer foundational company questions

In addition to your keywords document, take time during your brainstorm to answer the following questions:

What is our organization’s main purpose?

What are our company’s main strengths?

What are our company values?

Why does what we’re building matter?

How do we want to make a difference as a company?

What is our vision for our company culture ?

What are our most ambitious goals?

What impact do we want our company to have on the world?

What are our company wants? What about company needs?

If our company succeeded in everything it set out to do, how would the world be different?

4. Sort your answers by importance

By the time you're finished brainstorming, you should have a lot of stuff written down.Put all of this content aside for a few days, so that your mind is clear when you return for the next step: deciding what goes in your vision statement and what gets left on the cutting room floor.

Sit down with your vision statement tiger team and a highlighter and review everything you have written down. Highlight ideas and phrases that your group feels are the most important to your company, and cross out items that you're ready to eliminate from consideration (however, don't throw this content out entirely—everything you brainstormed can be helpful in creating other important documents, like your core values, roadmap, or business plan). 

5. Write your company's vision out longform

At the end of step four, you'll have a smaller "word bank" of your most important phrases, ideas, keywords, and answers to foundational company questions. Your next step will be to organize these ideas into sentences that flow logically and are ordered according to your company's priorities.

Right now, don't worry about length—focus instead on communicating your vision in a way that makes sense, touches all of the key points you want to include, and feels relatable to your stakeholders and your audience. It's much easier to edit a long but comprehensive statement than it is to bulk up a statement that's missing pieces.

6. Step back and evaluate

Before you go through the work of editing your vision down to size, take a step back and look at your vision paragraph from afar. This is another point where you may benefit from setting it aside for a few days and returning with fresh eyes.

As you review your vision paragraph, check for the following things:

Is it ambitious enough? Your paragraph should feel aspirational, not like a finite goal to be accomplished.

Is it too ambitious? Make sure you strike a balance between idealistic and unrealistic.

Does it accurately reflect your organization? Run your paragraph by internal stakeholders who weren’t involved in creating it, and as for their feedback on what may be missing, what parts may be unnecessary, or how certain ideas may be phrased more effectively.

Does it make sense? Have friends and family members read your paragraph to confirm that it makes sense to the average reader.

7. Write your final vision statement

Once you've adjusted your vision paragraph and made the changes you wanted to make, it's time to edit your vision paragraph down to a vision statement. In many cases, your paragraph may naturally shrink as you solicit and implement feedback from others, and you may even want to specifically ask for opinions on how your paragraph could be more concise.

Here are a few ways to shorten your vision paragraph:

Eliminate what's unnecessary. Now that you've stepped away from your paragraph a few times and gotten a few rounds of feedback, are there any phrases or ideas that don't feel as necessary as they did when you wrote it? Cut any parts that feel lackluster or less impactful than the rest of the paragraph.

Look for synonyms. Are there any areas where you used several words to say something that there's already a word for? For example, you might replace the phrase "give people the ability to," with "provide access."

Edit each concept individually. Chop your paragraph into sentences and chop your sentences into phrases. Pick up each small segment on its own and see if you can come up with a shorter way to phrase it. It helps if you evaluate the smaller segments out of order—hopping around or going backwards piece by piece will help you notice things that your brain smooths over when you're reading a full sentence.

When your vision statement is finished, bring it back around to your stakeholders to get final feedback and make any finishing tweaks. 

Vision statement examples

There's no way around it—writing a vision statement is hard, especially if it's your first time doing so. Before you get started, or if you get stuck and need to spark some new ideas, take a look at some of these example vision statements for inspiration. 

Note that not all companies have both a mission and a vision statement. Some companies combine the two into a single small paragraph that touches on tangible objectives (mission) as well as more long-reaching aspirations (vision). In some cases, companies won't label either statement, encasing them in a broader page dedicated to "purpose," "who we are," or another similar title.

Here, we've gathered mission and vision statements for a few companies that have publicly set both. 

Mission: To act in the public interest, BBC serves all audiences through the provision of impartial, high-quality and distinctive output and services which inform, educate and entertain.

Vision: To be the most creative company in the world.

Mission: IKEA offers a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at low and accessible prices.

Vision: To create a better everyday life for the many people.

Southwest Airlines

Mission: Southwest connects people to what’s important in their lives through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel.

Vision: To become the world’s most loved, most flown, and most profitable airline.

Mission: Hasbro creates the world's best play and entertainment experiences.

Vision: To make the world a better place for all children, fans and families.

Mission: To make things universally accessible and useful, Google organizes the world's information.

Vision: To significantly improve the lives of as many people as possible.

Mission: To harness the next wave of innovation and solve customers’ toughest challenges, VMware uses disruptive technologies like edge computing, AI, blockchain, machine learning, Kubernetes, and more.

Vision: To build a sustainable, equitable and more secure future for all.

Use your vision statement to help you grow

A company's vision statement is a living document—it should adapt and change as your company achieves its business goals and sets new ones, grows in size, expands its offerings, and updates its mission. Revisit your vision statement once every year or so to make sure it still accurately reflects your company's ideal future; if not, adjust it! 

But for now, enjoy the fact that your vision statement is written. Share it with your team, announce it to your customers, and use it to proudly guide your company forward.

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Write better AI prompts: A 4-sentence framework

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• January 19, 2023

What Is a Vision Statement? 25 Powerful Examples to Inspire Your Own

• --> Written by Toni Hoy

One of the first steps in establishing a new organization is generating a vision statement that reflects the initial inspiration many founders feel when they decide to create their nonprofits. It’s purpose cannot be minimized, the vision statement speaks to the organization’s intention and why the organization needs to exist.

All organizations, including for-profit companies, nonprofits, charities and other groups, use vision statements to guide them with their essential work. They need to be clear on what role they will serve in the organization. Here, you’ll discover the following:

• Vision statement definition
• What is the purpose of a vision statement and why is it important?
• Vision vs. mission statement
• How to write a vision statement
• 25 vision statement examples

What Is a Vision Statement?

So what is the meaning of ‘vision statement’? A vision statement is a written document that describes where an organization is going and what it will look like when it gets there.

The length of a business vision statement is not generally a consideration. It can be short, long or anywhere in between. The important thing is to write it clearly and thoughtfully. Why? Because a it is a basis for everything a nonprofit does. For example, the board relies on the vision statement when making strategic plans and decisions. Moreover, the staff and volunteers also look to the vision statement for long-term direction, and donors will read your it when deciding whether to support your nonprofit.

Because your board will be referring to your business vision statement often, be sure to store it with your nonprofit’s mission statement in your  BoardEffect  board management system so board members can refer to it as needed.

Why Is a Vision Statement Important?

The board of directors needs to understand the importance of creating a thoughtful vision statement — it is at the heart of everything else they do.

A vision statement is meant to be shared and proud of. The vision communicates your organization’s value and commitment to achieving its goals.

Has your board considered the following reasons for taking sufficient time to create a meaningful vision statement?

• Provides a clear picture of the value your nonprofit gives to the community.
• Makes the contributions of your donors, staff, and volunteers more meaningful and inspires them.
• Helps attract and engage passionate, engaged people outside your regular networks.
• Clarifies the scope of your nonprofit’s work.
• Stands as a public commitment to following through on achieving your nonprofit’s goals.

A long-term approach to business means that the company desires to serve like-minded customers. A vision statement caters to the characteristics and lifestyle of the customers they serve as well as the market conditions.

Vision vs. Mission Statement: What’s the Difference?

While the two terms are closely related, there is a distinct difference between a vision and a  mission statement . Each statement has a reason for existing and should not get used interchangeably

The most notable difference between a vision and a mission statement is the timeframe — a vision statement reflects the hopes of the future, and the mission statement reflects what is happening now.

The mission statement defines the nonprofit’s  purpose , and it speaks to the original inspiration for the nonprofit. The length of mission statements varies from a short sentence to a few short sentences. A mission statement describes what the nonprofit is currently doing, who it serves and the benefits it provides.

Unlike a mission statement, which speaks to current programs and activities, a vision statement says where the nonprofit hopes to be once it fulfills its mission. Good vision statements are forward-thinking statements that sketch out what the nonprofit hopes to see in the future through its work.

How to Write a Vision Statement

Nonprofit board members should consider themselves visionary leaders who can communicate the nonprofit’s vision to others.

Writing a vision statement is a critical step in building a nonprofit. For that reason, nonprofit boards use their planning time wisely and give the process of writing sufficient time to create a statement that is clear and inspiring.

In forming your vision statement, your board may want to consider the following questions:

• What is our nonprofit’s true purpose?
• What do we hope our nonprofit can achieve?
• What are the core values that should be reflected in our vision statement?
• In what ways does the mission statement align with the core values of our nonprofit?
• How does the vision statement align with our nonprofit’s culture?
• Will our strategic goals for the next 5-10 years enable our statement to come to fruition?

As challenging as the process is, being part of a group that creates a nonprofit vision statement is rewarding. In creating a good statement, members of the group can give their nonprofit’s vision life by articulating it in words.

A quality vision statement has the following characteristics:

• Forward-thinking
• Aligned with the nonprofit’s mission, core values, and culture

When creating your vision statement, avoid using jargon and make it inspiring.

Creating a Compelling Vision Statement: Step-by-Step

• Assemble a Team  — Get input from outside the team. Ask for ideas from the founders, staff, volunteers, donors, and members of the community.
• Be Clear on the Nonprofit’s Purpose  — Keep the nonprofit’s purpose at the center of your work. Write it in large letters and display it in your team’s work area.
• Create a Backward Roadmap  — Start at your end goal of what you want to see and start working backward toward the present. Next, write out detailed steps that create a timeline that takes you from the current time to 5-10 years in the future.
• Make It Concise  — While it’s important to have an ambitious vision, the vision statement must be powerful, yet realistic. Narrow it down to a few sentences.
• Get Feedback and Revise — A vision statement typically sounds awesome to the work team, but the first draft does not always translate as proficiently to others. Get feedback from others, consider it carefully, and revise it as necessary.

We can learn a lot from current examples of vision and mission statements from existing nonprofits and corporations.

25 Examples of Vision Statements

We’ve compiled the following vision statement examples to inspire the creation of your own:

• Avon  — To be the company that best understands and satisfies the product, service and self-fulfillment needs of women—globally.
• Tesla  — To create the most compelling car company of the 21st century by driving the world’s transition to electric vehicles.
• Meta (Facebook)  — To bring the metaverse to life and help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses.
• Goodwill  — Our vision is to transform lives and communities through the power of work.
• Alzheimer’s Association  — A world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.
• Feed the Children  — To create a world where no child goes to bed hungry.
• Habitat for Humanity  — A world where everyone has a decent place to live.
• Mayo Clinic  — Transforming medicine to connect and cure as the global authority in the care of serious or complex disease.
• Cross International  — Christians united in overcoming physical and spiritual poverty.
• Oceana  — Oceana seeks to make our oceans as rich, healthy, and abundant as they once were.
• Ford  — To become the world’s most trusted company, designing smart vehicles for a smart world.
• IBM  — To be the world’s most successful and important information technology company.
• Google  — To provide access to the world’s information in one click.
• IKEA  — To create a better everyday life for the many people.
• LinkedIn  — To create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce.
• Sony  — Using our unlimited passion for technology, content, and services to deliver groundbreaking new excitement and entertainment, as only Sony can.
• TED University  — TED University aims to be inspiring and unique in providing a transforming and liberating educational experience; and produce knowledge and create solutions through interaction with the town and society.
• Harvard College  — Harvard College sets the standard for residential liberal arts and sciences education. We have committed to creating and sustaining the conditions that enable all Harvard College students to experience an unparalleled educational journey that is intellectually, socially, and personally transformative.
• Southwest Airlines  — To be the world’s most loved, most efficient, and most profitable airline.
• NAMI  — NAMI envisions a world where all people affected by mental illness live healthy, fulfilling lives supported by a community that cares.
• Astellas  — Create innovative new drugs and medical solutions by leveraging our core capabilities.
• American Express  — Provide the world’s best customer experience every day.
• UHS  — UHS, the region’s leading integrated healthcare system, will demonstrate exceptional value in the delivery of coordinated, patient-centered care.
• Asana  — To help humanity thrive by enabling the world’s teams to work together effortlessly.
• Coca-Cola  — Our vision is to craft the brands and choice of drinks that people love, refresh them in body & spirit. And done in ways that create a more sustainable business and better shared future that makes a difference in people’s lives, communities, and our planet.

Key Takeaways on Leveraging Vision Statement Examples to Create One for Your Nonprofit

There are several key takeaways to consider as your nonprofit learns from the vision statement examples that we’ve listed here for existing corporations and nonprofits. Your nonprofit’s  mission statement  and vision statement serve different purposes and your team should understand the differences between them.

We have given you examples of good vision statements that are short and long for your review. Each of them is impactful in its own way.

Good vision statements should be a central part of strategic planning for nonprofits. Because it guides all aspects of a company, boards should take their time in developing it.

Once the vision statement is created, share it with the world and communicate it with a sense of pride.

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How to Answer ‘What is your Vision in Life’ Question

What are your goals?

What is your vision in life?

These are the most important questions asked in an interview because they determine your commitment and dedication towards achieving your goals and aim in life. The person who is taking your interview mainly asks such a question as to have a basic idea of how much organized and planned you are about your career.

So, what might be the best answer to this what are your goals in life interview question? But before that let us see,

How to Define Your Career Goals?

To get hired in a good organization you not only need to be technically strong but should also possess a few other traits which are mandatory and assessed by almost every employer. That is the reason you would be facing different types of questions in an interview. One such question is “ what are your goals? ”

The other forms of this question are mentioned below, but all of them convey the same meaning

Few similar questions for ‘what is your vision in life’ asked during your interview are:-

• What is your aim in your life?
• What are your long term plans or goals?
• Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? How confident are you to fulfill all these objectives in your life?
• In what way will you put your skills to work to achieve your vision of life and objectives in your life?
• How will you try and progress yourself to reach and achieve your vision in life that you have set for yourself?

Such types of questions will help the employers to understand you better and your plans for the future. They also assess whether your plans match the organization’s goals or not.

Though this looks a bit tricky, you should answer it smartly so that you look organized and clear before the employer in the interview process . Your answer should comprise your short term and long term goals. So here are some of the points that you need to include in your answer.

• Your expertise
• Sectors in which you wish to be good at
• The best part of your present job
• Your favorite job role and responsibilities
• The skills you aspire to learn

Now if you are clear with solutions for the above points, then you can easily comprise a solution for this question.

Some of the sample answers that you can refer to in terms of goals are,

• Leadership expertise
• Project leadership
• Managerial expertise
• Developing new processes
• Efficient monitoring of the work process
• Industry experience
• A great relationship with clients and customers
• Step by step project management
• Catering the best of service
• Expertise in one or more than one skill

Some other tips that can help improve your answer are,

• Research the organization well
• Research about the job role
• Provide career-focused answers
• Plan your future goals
• Give broad answers

Now let us see, what are the common objectives of an interviewer to ask these questions.

The Objective of an Interviewer for Asking this Question:

If the interviewer is asking ‘ what is your vision in life ‘, ‘ what are your goals in life in a job interview ‘, he intends to know your expectations from the role you may play in that firm or organization. The Interviewer always expects a Systematic answer from you so that he/she can understand what you want or your objectives (i.e under 5-year goal plans that you have set for yourself).

Moreover, the question asks to know for how many years are you going to determine your goal and how much effort are you going to put to achieve them. Also having a vision used to determine your key strength and your mental power so that you have realistic goals.

If a candidate fails to answer this question with hesitation, to answer this question promptly the interviewer may cut your name off the list and will also deem your confidence in yourself.

It is better to be always prepared for ‘ what is your vision in life ‘ interview question so that you have a lot of confidence to tell about your objectives and the vision in your life that you have set for yourself and it will be very clear to you while giving your interview.

10 Best Tips to Answer What is your Vision in Life:

The interviewer when asks you this question, it is better to start your way through by first telling about your past goals which you have successfully achieved in life and then tell about your future life vision. Having a vision for you will always keep you focused .

1. Be true to yourself and the interviewer:

Interviewers asking a question like ‘what is your vision in life’ means they want a better understanding of your goals. They get to know you well if you give them honest ‘what are your goals in life answers. Also, you cannot use someone else’s answer to this question as it may make you meet more troubles.

Surely, no one is going to cross-check you after five years, but still, it is best to stay genuine and honest while answering. Talk about your goals and ambitions and past structured ways that you have adopted to accomplish them

2. Let your answer be simple and lucid:

Don’t be too specific while answering the question, specifically if you are not fully aware of the career path of this company. The simpler your answer will be, the better the interviewer will be able to understand you. Be truthful, but don’t speak narrow goals.

Be broad enough, while listing your goals, so that the interviewer does not raise doubts regarding your appointment to his job opening. If you will have a million ideas running in your mind or zero ideas, then delivering a perfect answer will surely be very difficult.

You might be exploring multiple career job options, especially if you are at entry-level. But, this is not your career counseling session. So, don’t fall into the mistake of discussing what all is running in your mind. Give the impression that you have an ideal plan to achieve what you desire.

3. It’s better to prepare first hand rather than getting stuck:

Practice makes you perfect. Since, you are already aware that this is one such question that most interviewers may ask, so it is best to prepare for it in advance. Take a piece of paper and list down things that you want to achieve in your life. Not only preparing for an what is your mission in life answer in advance is sufficient.

It is also essential that you practice it a couple of times, before the final day. This will not only make you feel more confident during the interview session but might also get you to the job.

There is no perfect, try a precise way to answer this question, as your goals depend on what is important for you. But, by considering these tips or points, you can surely frame your goals in a sincere and presentable way that can help you get hired for the job position you desire to.

Separate personal goals from professional ambitions and then mark out which among them are short term and which are long term achievements. This evaluation will help you frame a better answer to this question.

4. Make sure that your goals and vision are achievable by properly framing them as a short term goal and long term goal:

While speaking about your goals, your short terms goals must be interrelated with long term goals. Your short term ambitions must act as stepping ladders towards the achievements of your long term goals. Also, your goals and career vision must be related to the job that you are interviewing.

5. Stay focused do not get distracted or confused:

Once you have listed and segregated your professional goals, then it is necessary that you stay focused on them, even while answering. Discuss your goals and do not deviate from them as this may make the interviewer feel that you are confused and not well planned about your career.

In case you are feeling conscious, or you seriously don’t know what to say, then still stay relaxed and calm. You can ask for a glass of water, and simultaneously think about what you can speak. But try your best that you don’t leave the question unanswered.

6. The answer should be in Systematic order:

Always know what you should speak first and what last. Maybe your answer might not seem perfect to the interviewer, but try to deliver a well-organized answer. Don’t mix your goals or don’t add a single goal to any list of short term and long term. Give an answer that seems well planned to the interviewer.

In case you need to pursue further education along with the job to achieve your long-term goals, then you can discuss that as well. Also, discuss your short term goals first and then about your long term goals . If you want to impress the interviewer with a modest answer to this question, then it would be wise if you relate your goals to the job position.

Discuss why this job is very much important to you and how you can achieve everything you desire by getting hired for this position. State it to the interviewer that this is not the end, but might be a great step towards accomplishing both your long term and short term ambitions.

7. Commitment to work:

The interviewer may have asked this question to investigate your commitment or interest in his company. You will not work in the company forever, but it is vital that the employer sees your interest and drive towards working for the company.

Make sure that the interviewer believes that you’re ambitious and you’ll not leave the job, no matter what the circumstances are. Make him believe that you are serious not only about getting hired to the job but also about achieving your goals. This is because interviewers always want to hire job seekers who are serious about the company as well as their career.

8. Show Enthusiasm while answering:

Exhibit your enthusiasm towards getting hired for this job. Make it clear that you are very much motivated and excited to get this job right now. You’re enthusiastic and your confidence will assure the interviewer that you are a person who will deliver the best and will be assigned the task properly and will deliver quality work.

So your self-confidence and Enthusiastic nature will give a good impression to the interviewer and the chances are that he may get so impressed that he may give you an offer letter right away.

9. Set a time limit for your answer:

Don’t give narrative answers like a story. Try your best to make the best out of the given time. It’s better to give a brief outline of short term and long term goals. You can also discuss some really important ones. Also, don’t give a too short answer or one-liner. It’s better if you speak out two to three short term goals and similarly few long term goals.

Second, don’t act like you have asked a very hard question. It’s good to take the question seriously, but remember that you not judged based on the accuracy of your answer. Frame your answer in a way; so that the interviewer gets reassured that you are investing time and hard work in your career path.

10. Be Confident:

Confidence is the key to success in any type of interview question. Even if you fall in any confusion or you have very little to speak, it will be better if you answer all with great confidence.

Don’t be overconfident or fall into an argument with the interviewer to prove your point correct. Think before speaking, and try to maintain your confidence while answering a few important questions like ‘what is your vision in life’.

Mistakes You Should Avoid:

Even though this question about goals and visions sounds simple and easy but is surely a tough one to handle. Presenting here are a few mistakes that you should avoid so that nothing as a hindrance while answering these questions.

• Do not just copy the organization’s goals to match yours
• Never provide short or vague kind of answers
• Though you are good at few, be sure to avoid them if they do not match organization goals
• Don’t generalize when giving an answer
• Never give predictable answers

Conclusion:

Rambling through your answers or giving a long-wind response shows signs of unprepared causing the interviewer to have second thoughts on selecting you for the job. By practicing in front of the mirror will help you to gain self-confidence and set a good impression.

Highlight the major key points while planning to answer for ‘what is your vision in life’ interview question. While conveying don’t plan your sentences like a parrot reader instead understand what you are going to say next and improvise your response.

If you’ve won certificates in your school days or college, I think it’s the best time to brag about it. What is your vision in life question’s answer should be properly narrated so that the interviewer doesn’t get confused? There shouldn’t be any loopholes to dived that lead to confusion. So always well prepare.

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What Is a Vision Statement? 25 Vision Statement Examples

A vision statement almost sounds mystical. But it’s not supernatural, far from it. Rather, a vision statement is a foundational business document.

There’s a lot of paperwork that clutters the office of any organization, but the vision statement is unique from the rest. Often confused with a mission statement , the vision statement has a different purpose. A vision statement looks toward the future, but a mission statement talks about what the company is doing in the present.

What Is a Vision Statement?

A vision statement is a business document that states the current and future objectives of an organization. A company’s vision must align with its mission, business plan , strategic plan, and organizational culture. A vision statement isn’t only used in business; nonprofits and government offices also use them to set strategic goals.

Vision statements aren’t necessarily set in stone. They can be returned to, reviewed and revised as necessary. Any changes should be minimal, however, because a vision statement is a guideline for a company’s strategic plan , so it must be thoroughly reviewed.

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Vision Statement Template

Use this free Vision Statement Template for Word to manage your projects better.

The business vision of an organization might change over time, as companies adapt to their business environment and external factors that might affect their ability to achieve their mission. Using a SWOT analysis is a good way to gauge the internal and external factors that shape the business environment of a company.

A vision statement doesn’t have any particular length. However long it is, the vision statement is formally written and is used as a reference in company documents to serve as a guide for short and long-term strategic planning. The best way to learn about vision statements is to look at examples. We’ve gathered 25 vision statement examples from the best companies in the world to help you write your own.

What Is the Purpose of a Vision Statement?

As stated above, a vision statement is an integral part of an organization because it aligns with its mission, core values, and culture. It also guides the strategic plan because it sets future goals. Similar to a mission statement, a vision statement it’s a living document that’s referred to as a lodestar to lead a company to its next innovation and so, all the projects and programs executed by the project management office (PMO) should be aligned with it.

Related: Free Project & Tracking Templates for Excel

There are different approaches when it comes to writing a vision statement, as companies have unique core values. For example, a motivational vision statement will both motivate existing employees and also drive talent to the company. They’ll want to work at a place with a business vision that aligns with their personal values. A strong vision statement also works to help differentiate your company. All companies want to become profitable, but a company can create a unique vision statement that’s appealing to its customers and employees.

Free Vision Statement Template

Feel inspired? Ready to make your own vision statement? Download our free vision statement template for Word and start refining your vision. There’s even guiding questions to help you get started.

Why Is it Important to Have a Vision Statement?

Vision statements are one of the most important documents you can create for your business because they set a common goal for everyone in your organization. Once you get your employees on the same page, it will be easier to lead them toward success.

Types of Vision Statements

In addition to the traditional business vision statement, there are other types of vision statements, such as project, product and even personal vision statements.

Project Vision Statement

A project vision statement is used to guide a project, motivate the project team and further inspire those involved. Like any vision statement, it’s short but should be powerful to communicate the project’s aim. It’s not specific or directional but delivers the end goal of the project which must be aligned with the strategic goals of a company. In that sense, the project team can use the project vision statement as a guide to follow and help them make decisions that align with the overall project vision.

Product Vision Statement

A product vision statement is also a guide and a tool to motivate and inspire product development teams. It tends to look toward the future to expose where the product will be in a number of years. Therefore, a product vision statement goes beyond what the product is currently, but its vision shouldn’t be unrealistic. While there’s no standard length, like any vision statement, the product vision statement should be short and to the point.

Personal Vision Statement

A vision statement isn’t restricted to the realm of industry, you can make one for your own purposes. A personal vision statement simply focuses on your personal values, strengths and goals. While you can use a personal vision statement for your professional life, it’s also commonly focused on life-long goals. As with any vision statement, use it to keep you on track and make the right decisions to direct you to that transformational achievement. Then, you should make an action plan to make your personal vision come true.

Vision Statement vs. Mission Statement

The vision statement and mission statement are both equally important for a company as they complement each other and guide the direction of your company. The main difference between them is that the mission statement describes what your company does, while your vision statement explains what the company attempts to achieve in the future.

On the other hand, their main similarity is that they both need to align with your company’s core values and culture because all these elements make up your company’s identity and differentiation factors.

Vision Statement vs. Purpose Statement

The vision statement comes before the purpose statement and it outlines where you want to be. First, you have to conjure it. You’re not there yet, but keeping the vision in sight allows you to get there in time.

A purpose statement is the why, it’s the reason you want to achieve the vision that’s your goal. You have to answer the question of why you want to achieve this vision. Therefore, the purpose statement is about the overall values.

There’s also a mission statement, which often joins these other two statements. The mission statement is about how you’ll achieve your goals. This allows you to make a plan, create steps to implement it and track your progress towards achieving that vision statement.

25 Vision Statement Examples

The best way to learn about vision statements is to look at real-life vision statement examples. We’ve gathered 25 vision statement examples from the best companies in the world to help you write your own. These examples prove that a vision statement isn’t a templated document that only differs from other organizations by the branded logo on top of it.

• IKEA: “Our vision is to create a better everyday life for many people.”
• Nike: “Bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world. (*If you have a body, you are an athlete.)”
• McDonald’s: “To be the best quick service restaurant experience. Being the best means providing outstanding quality, service, cleanliness and value, so that we make every customer in every restaurant smile.”
• Amazon: “We strive to offer our customers the lowest possible prices, the best available selection and the utmost convenience.”
• Walmart: “Be the destination for customers to save money, no matter how they want to shop.”
• Google: “To provide access to the world’s information in one click”
• Microsoft: “To help people and businesses throughout the world realize their full potential.”
• Facebook: “People use Facebook to stay connected with friends and family, to discover what’s going on in the world and to share and express what matters to them.”
• Coca-Cola: “Our vision is to craft the brands and choice of drinks that people love, to refresh them in body and spirit.”
• Starbucks: “Treat people like family, and they will be loyal and their all.”
• Tesla: “To create the most compelling car company of the 21st century by driving the world’s transition to electric vehicles.”
• Samsung: “Inspire the world with our innovative technologies, products and design that enrich people’s lives and contribute to social prosperity.”
• Netflix: “Becoming the best global entertainment distribution service.”
• Zoom: “Zoom is for you.”
• Patagonia: “We’re in business to save our home planet.”
• Oxfam: “A world without poverty.”
• Disney: “To be one of the world’s leading producers and providers of entertainment and information.”
• Instagram: “Capture and share the world’s moments.”
• LinkedIn: “Create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce.”
• Meta: “Give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together.”
• Shopify: “To make commerce better for everyone.”
• Uber: “We ignite opportunity by setting the world in motion.”
• TED: “Spread ideas”
• American Express: “Become essential to our customers by providing differentiated products and services to help them achieve their aspirations.”
• Sony: “To be a company that inspires and fulfills your curiosity.”

How to Write a Vision Statement

Every company has a unique vision statement, but the process is similar for most of them. Here are some steps to help you write your own.

1. What Are the Core Values of Your Company?

The core values of your company define its identity and how it interacts with the communities and the environment. It’s important to understand them to define your company vision.

2. What’s Your Company Mission?

Understanding what your company does and how it operates is essential to planning for the future.

3. Understand Your Company Culture

A strong company culture is an essential part of the success of any business. That’s why your vision must be aligned with it, otherwise, your strategic planning won’t work.

4. Identify Current Strategic Goals

Before you think about future goals, you must understand where your organization currently stands. Your vision might be a long-term plan that sets goals for the next 5 to 10 years, but those goals need to be realistic. You can use a SWOT matrix to get a better idea of the competitive environment of your business.

5. Define Future Goals

Think about what you’d like your company to achieve in the next 5-10 years based on the current status of your business and create a strategic plan to achieve your goals.

6. Write Your Vision Statement

Now that you have an idea of the main elements that are involved in the process of writing your vision statement, you can create one that fits your organization.

Best Practices for Writing a Vision Statement

There’s no template for writing a vision statement, however, a common structure for successful ones includes these traits:

• Be concise: This isn’t the place to stuff a document with fluff statements. It should be simple, easy to read and cut to the essentials so that it can be set to memory and be repeated accurately.
• Be clear: A good rule of thumb for clarity is to focus on one primary goal, rather than trying to fill the document with many ideas. One clear objective is also easier to focus on and achieve.
• Have a time horizon: A time horizon is simply a fixed point in the future when you’ll achieve and evaluate your vision statement. Define that timeline .
• Make it future-oriented: Again, the vision statement isn’t what the company is presently engaged in but rather a future objective of where the company plans to be.
• Be stable: The vision statement is a long-term goal that should, ideally, not be affected by the market or technological changes.
• Be challenging: That said, you don’t want to be timid in setting your goals. Your objective shouldn’t be too easy to achieve, but also it shouldn’t be so unrealistic as to be discarded.
• Be abstract: The vision statement should be general enough to capture the organization’s interests and strategic direction.
• Be inspiring: Live up to the title of the document, and create something that will rally the troops and be desirable as a goal for all those involved in the organization.

Because the vision statement is a foundational business document that will guide the company’s strategic planning direction for years to come, consider using project planning tools and brainstorming techniques to get input from everyone on the team. That way, you’ll get greater buy-in from the company, and you’ll widen your net for collecting business vision ideas.

Using ProjectManager to Write a Vision Statement

Writing a vision statement is a project in itself, and one that should be treated with some weight. A vision statement informs the direction, morale and spirit of the organization: you need it to be inspiring.

To help you craft the ideal vision statement, try ProjectManager . Our subscription model gives you several entry points. Then you can create collaborative task lists, so you can brainstorm with other leaders in the organization regarding your direction. Create a task, and add subtasks, so you can take everything into account when making your vision statement. Plus, you can add comments and files to tasks, so collaboration can stay focused and localized.

Once you’ve crafted a vision statement that inspires your team, the real work begins. To achieve that vision, you’ll need the right tools. ProjectManager is online project management software with tools like online Gantt charts, task lists and kanban boards to help you complete projects and make a name for yourself. Take a free trial of our award-winning software and see how it can help you realize your vision .

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Tour Vision Travel is one of the few organizations that can offer all over the world a full spectrum of tourism services with flexible and efficient solutions, as a one stop supplier. The services we provide are of a high standard as well as to save both time and money. We invite you to share our vision and benefit from our expertise, professionalism, flexibility, personalized approach, strong purchasing power and comprehensive product portfolio. In the following pages, we hope that we will give you an overview of our organization, history, services and you will give us the opportunity to examine together the areas where we could work on a fruitful and mutually beneficial basis in the future.

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Tour Vision Travel is managed and owned by a group of professionals with vast experience in the field of air travel and Tours. At Tour Vision Travel we have worked carefully to select the right, highly trained personnel to properly manage your business. We are aiming at establishing continuous training programs to enhance the existing experience.

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Apart from making available a wide range of attractions to enrich visitors ‘experience, it is equally important to enhance the standard of service offered. Tour Vision Travel take all trends in tourism business into consideration and enjoying every year a dynamic growth by providing valued and competitive services.

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Third Eye Blind still has clear vision of enduring popularity

• Updated: Jul. 02, 2024, 6:42 a.m. |
• Published: Jul. 02, 2024, 6:36 a.m.

Third Eye Blind performs Friday, July 5 at Blossom Music Center (Photo by Travis Shinn) Travis Shinn

• Gary Graff, special to cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Even after a six-times platinum debut album in 1997, Brad Hargreaves says he was so uncertain about his band Third Eye Blind’s future that he moved to Los Angeles from the band’s home base in the San Francisco Bay Area, just in case.

“I thought the band would end, and I wanted to be somewhere I could get more work,” Hargreaves says via phone from Chicago during Third Eye Blind’s latest Summer Gods Tour, which rolls into Blossom Music Center on Friay. “There was some personal strife within the band. It didn’t seem plausible that it would be a going concern for another five years, even at that point, let alone another 30 or whatever.”

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• Personal Care

What Color Are Your Sunglass Lenses? It Matters More Than You Think

Different lens colors can have different benefits. Let's discuss what brown, yellow, pink and gray mean for your sunglasses.

On sunny days, it's always important to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun's UV rays . It can be difficult to choose the right pair, especially since sunglass lenses come in many different colors and shades, including brown, gray, green and more. What impact does the lens color have? Do the different sunglass colors have different purposes? 

Your sunglasses' lens color can affect the way sunlight filters in, and depending on the task or activity you are doing, certain tints or colors can be better than others. That's why considering sunglasses' lens color as you search for your next pair of shades will allow you to take advantage of the many benefits sunglasses can offer. 

Let's discuss lens color and how different shades affect the way you see the world while protecting your eyes . 

Read more: Best Prescription Glasses

Brown or amber sunglasses

Best for: Sports and activities that require heightened visual acuity, like golfing and racing.

Darker tints, like brown or amber, are common and work well for everyday use, REI reported. Brown offers a multitude of benefits that make it such a popular color. It helps protect your eyes by cutting through glare and preventing eye strain. Brown sunglass lenses also enhance warm colors and brighten your vision. 

According to VSP Vision Care , the high contrast provided by these lenses ensures that objects appear more defined and sharp, even at a distance. This makes brown or amber lenses an excellent option for sports and outdoor activities that require clear vision and heightened visual acuity, such as racing and golfing. 

Yellow or orange sunglasses 

Best for: Gamers, pilots, hunters and winter athletes. 

Yellow or orange-tinted sunglasses are perfect for moderate- to low-light conditions, per REI. They can be helpful in foggy, hazy or overcast weather because they enhance contrast and clarity. This color also makes it easier to focus your eyes on moving objects, according to VSP. Gamers, pilots, hunters and winter athletes gravitate towards this tint.

Blue or purple sunglasses

Best for: Water sports, snow activities and wet or misty conditions. 

Blue or purple-tinted sunglasses help reduce glare in bright, sunny conditions and environments, per Hunting and Fishing , so they minimize discomfort caused by bright reflections. According to Frames Direct , they also improve color and contour perception. These qualities make them perfect for water sports, snow activities and wet or misty conditions. 

Green sunglasses

Best for: Sunny outdoor activities like golfing, fishing and hiking.  

Green-tinted sunglasses are suitable for a variety of situations. They improve color perception and contrast, reduce glare and also help brighten shadows. That makes them helpful for sunny outdoor activities like golfing, fishing and hiking but they're just as effective in low-light or partially cloudy weather. 

Pink or red sunglasses 

Best for: Winter sports and individuals with light sensitivity or certain eye conditions. 

Pink or red-tinted lenses are ideal for depth perception, according to Hunting and Fishing. This color is also a popular choice for winter sports because it offers great contrast against white backgrounds. Additionally, these lenses can benefit individuals with light sensitivity or certain eye conditions, providing a soothing effect and easing eyestrain.

Gray sunglasses

Best for: Outdoor activities like running, cycling and beach outings, or driving.

Gray sunglasses provide a neutral color perception and reduce overall brightness without distorting colors, according to VSP. They are versatile and suitable for various situations, making them ideal for everyday wear. In bright sunlight, they minimize glare and eye fatigue and provide comfort to the eyes. They remain just as helpful in cloudy or lower-light weather. Wear them for outdoor activities like running, cycling and beach outings, or while driving.

Other specs for your specs

When considering sunglasses for eye protection, there's still more to consider beyond color and style. For example, lens coating, lens material and frame material. Polarized lenses reduce glare, while mirrored or flash coatings enhance visual comfort. The most critical factor is UV protection , ensuring sunglasses block harmful rays that can lead to certain eye conditions, such as cataracts or cancer . A combination of these factors, tailored to specific situations, helps determine the best sunglasses for optimal eye safety and comfort. 

If you believe you may need prescription sunglasses or transition lenses , always consult your eye doctor for their professional opinion and advice.  

Correction, Aug. 15: An earlier version of this story included an incorrect tip. It is not advisable to wear red or pink lenses while driving.

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More From Forbes

Vision, mission, strategy and values.

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Mikhail Saidov, master coach instructor, creator of Metacognitive Programming, a coaching and therapeutic technique. Founder & CEO of IMCP .

Whether you already have your own company, are about to start one or are helping someone else start theirs, the question of vision, mission, strategy and values is bound to come up. Those with corporate experience know that formulating a company's vision, mission, strategy and values is a big deal.

I remember one company I worked for had the values written on their walls, the vision written on internal documents and the mission written on their logo. But neither I nor anyone else who worked there took those words seriously. Why? They did not mean anything to us.

Once I started my own company, I realized the importance of having a mission, vision, strategy and values and communicating them to employees (and the unimportance of writing them on your walls). I'd like to share my understanding of these concepts, as well as why each of them is essential.

Typically set by the owner, the founder or the leadership team, a vision is about where you are going and what you are trying to build as a company. A vision should be explicitly stated because it provides clarity: You know where you are headed, and so do your employees.

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People like to know what they are working for. Sure, they work for money, but there are things we value beyond money. Humans do not thrive on endlessly going in circles, living from and for short-term reinforcements. We need a direction and a destination. Where am I going? That is basically what a vision is.

If vision stands for Where am I going? , mission stands for Why am I going there? Every human being thinks, at least occasionally, about the meaning of their work, and life more generally. We need that meaning; without it, we merely exist. Having a mission makes you ready to commit, to invest your time and effort into making it happen.

Moreover, if your organizational mission resonates with your employees, they will feel more involved and prepared to push forward along with you.

Note that a mission is more stable than a vision. For example, if your mission is to leave this world at least a bit better than it was, you may do this in different ways, and the ways may change as you go, but the mission remains.

We now understand where we are going (vision) and why (mission). Strategy answers the third question: How do I get there?

People who create strategies need to conceptualize both the big picture (i.e., milestones and the resources required to achieve each of them—money, time, etc.) and the small pieces (i.e., what everyone should do every day so eventually we end up where we are supposed to). A carefully planned strategy ensures smooth movement toward the company vision.

If strategy is subordinate to vision (answering the question of how we reach where we're going), then our last element, values, is subordinate to mission—answering the question of what our why consists of.

Here's another way to look at it: If vision and strategies are about the external world (what we want to achieve and how), then mission and values are about the internal world (why we want it, why it matters, what drives our mission).

Values are inherently personal (e.g., honesty), but they can translate into business principles (e.g., transparency in employee relations).

Creating A Corporate Culture Based On Mission And Values

If you know and communicate your mission and values, you attract prospective employees who share them, who want to walk the walk with you. They then attract more people of your kind, and the group increases, increasing the potential to create a better vision and better strategies.

Sometimes, we (the owners) make mistakes, hiring people who only pretend to share our mission and values. But don't worry; that will become apparent sooner than you think. And the same applies to you. If you promote specific values (e.g., honesty and hard work) but then cut corners or cheat, your employees will see and feel the dissonance. Seeing that you act contrary to what you have written on your walls, your employees will not follow the code you've written down but rather, imitate what you do. That leads to failure.

People shape the culture. If you stick to your values, you shape a culture where values matter. Seeing you stay true to your values encourages your employees to stay true to theirs. And that will eventually benefit everyone—the company, its owners and its employees.

Don't Promise The Future

When speaking to prospective employees, I don't discuss my big dreams and goals for a beautiful future. Why? Because the future is inherently uncertain. Therefore, promising people a specific location where they will end up would be a deception, even if you have the best intentions and elaborate plans to get there.

How is this related to mission, values and culture? Instead of speaking about the future, I talk about the current culture. I talk about who I am and what drives me, and I ask my employees to do the same. This doesn't mean I have no goals or plans; just that those goals and plans are not set in stone.

Rather than having a clear goal, I prefer to have by my side a team of individuals driven by the same internal force as I am. After years of experience, I figured out that having a well-attuned team took me further than anything else.

Final Thoughts

Mission, vision, strategies and values are all important when doing business. And for me, mission and values are the most important, as they help me pick people who care about the same things, with whom I can build a healthy culture, shape a vision and choose the strategies that will ultimately lead us to success.

Forbes Coaches Council is an invitation-only community for leading business and career coaches. Do I qualify?

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Mirror your view on Apple Vision Pro

Learn how to mirror what you see on Apple Vision Pro to an iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, or AirPlay-compatible smart TV.

Before you begin

To mirror your view on Apple Vision Pro, you need an iPhone with iOS 17.2 or later, an iPad with iPadOS 17.2 or later, a supported Mac with macOS Monterey or later , an Apple TV (2nd generation or later), or an AirPlay-compatible smart TV.

Make sure on your other device that AirPlay Receiver (or AirPlay) is turned on as described in the next section.

Make sure that both of your devices have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on.

Mirror your view from your Apple Vision Pro

Connect your Vision Pro to the same Wi-Fi network as your other device.

Turn on AirPlay Receiver or AirPlay on your other device:

On your Mac: Choose Apple menu  > System Settings (or System Preferences), click General in the sidebar, click AirDrop & Handoff on the right, then turn on AirPlay Receiver. If you have macOS Monterey, learn how to turn on AirPlay Receiver .

On your iPhone or iPad: Go to Settings > General > AirPlay & Handoff, then turn on AirPlay Receiver.

On your Apple TV: Open Settings, select AirPlay and HomeKit, then select AirPlay to turn it on.

On your AirPlay-compatible smart TV: Check with your TV manufacturer for instructions on how to turn on AirPlay.

If you play a protected video such as a movie, TV show, or music video purchased from Apple, the video displays a black screen. Apple Vision Pro doesn’t support mirroring these types of videos to other devices.

Change audio output

Select a device in the Audio Routing area.

If you can't connect

Make sure that your Apple Vision Pro and your other device have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on.

Make sure that your Apple Vision Pro and your other device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

If "Allow AirPlay for" AirPlay settings on your other device is set to Current User, make sure both devices are signed in to the same Apple ID.

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Find what’s been asked and answered by Apple customers.

Contact Apple Support

Need more help? Save time by starting your support request online and we'll connect you to an expert.

Tour an 18th century pig barn turned art studio and summer home on Nantucket

W hen two sisters from Philadelphia followed a herd of cattle up Nantucket’s Main Street in 1929, their discovery would impact generations to come.

Tour and explore a 19th century mansion and working farm in Waltham

Gertrude and Hanna Monaghan fell in love with an 18th century pig barn spotted during that fateful walk and transformed it into an art studio and summer home. They named it Greater Light and today visitors can tour the rooms full of eclectic belongings, spend time in the lush garden, and join art workshops. The property opened for the season on June 12 and there is no admission fee.

“It’s two real women with a vision and they make that vision happen and we’re still able to benefit from it,” said Michael Harrison, chief curator and research chair for the Nantucket Historical Association, which has owned and maintained the building since 1972.

Nantucket, located 30 miles off the south coast of Cape Cod, is known today for its beautiful beaches, quaint shops, and seaside restaurants. But it’s art that drew the Monaghan sisters, the children of Quakers, to the island nearly 100 years ago.

Gertrude was an acclaimed artist in Philadelphia and Hanna was an actress and writer. When a friend invited them to the island in 1923, they were smitten. They became members of the Nantucket Art Colony and lived in studio apartments for several summers before they bought the 1790 barn from the grocer. Greater Light would become their summer home for the next 40 years. Gertrude passed away in 1962 at age 75 and Hanna passed away in 1972 at age 83.

Hanna Monaghan’s book, “Greater Light on Nantucket, a Memoir,” captures how the sisters felt about their eclectic island retreat, where they created art and gathered with family and friends.

“I truly believe that art captures the eternal in the every day,” wrote Hanna . “And each day, as this house grew, the power of those ideas were assembling themselves like pieces in a puzzle. And now look at all the beauty we are surrounded by. So many precious objects collected over so many years from so many different places.”

Guests can tour the home, including the Great Room, patio, and garden where the sisters lived and entertained during summers on Nantucket. Hanna’s bedroom, with its built-in recess bed and bottle glass window, is just as she left it (Gertrude’s room didn’t survive the years of wear and tear). Six of Gertrude’s paintings hang on the walls.

“They both really valued color and texture and the handmade,” Harrison said. “The house is decorated with things they collected, mostly in and around Philadelphia. The stuff that they bought often had carved elements or hand-stitched elements. The hand of the craftsman is everywhere.”

There are decorative items, textiles, and furniture on display, Harrison said. Visitors can check out everything from Chinese porcelain to golden pillars to an enormous armored chest from the 17th century. There’s also a rug from the southwest gifted by their brother and massive 12-foot-tall wrought iron gates the sisters found in a junkyard and shipped to Nantucket from Philadelphia, Harrison said.

“They set up and frame this experience between the garden and the interior of the house,” he said. “A shingled barn with classic revival iron gates connecting to the garden. You just don’t see that here and that’s part of what is delightful about it.”

Community groups and wedding parties use the property, he said, which was renovated by the Nantucket Historical Society in 2012.

“The space lends itself to setting up an intimate dinner or having a little art show in the house and lecture and hors d’oeuvres outside with tables. It’s a really beautiful setting,” Harrison said.

This summer, the Nantucket Historical Association is bringing in craftspeople to teach historic arts and crafts, Harrison said, such as glass bead making, sewing, and iron forging.

“We want to continue the spirit of what they had,” he said.

Greater Light is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Sept. 1. Looking for more things to do on Nantucket? Check out our guide: 5 things to do on Nantucket .

Editor’s note:  In the coming months, Boston.com will be featuring historical sites around Greater Boston as chosen by staff and suggested by readers. Enter your suggestion in the form below.

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The post Tour an 18th century pig barn turned art studio and summer home on Nantucket appeared first on Boston.com .

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