Native Americans have a ritual referred to as a ‘vision quest’. A young man is sent into the wilderness on a solitary trek to discover the Great Spirit’s vision for his future. It’s one of a variety of ways one might gain clarity on his or her life mission. Consider the Japanese proverb: “Vision without action is a dream. Action without vision is a nightmare.”
Do you have clear answers to these 3 questions?
Would it shock you to learn that most people have no answers to any of the three?
Excuses are Never a Solution
I work with companies and people where it becomes clear if they are merely going through an activity or they truly have a goal they are accomplishing. To make a point, I recently met with the senior management team of a family run hotel/entertainment company. They had recently acquired a number of new properties and were deciding how to accomplish the task of incorporating them into their system.
I asked them “what do you want the guest to remember about their stay at your hotel?” Their lack of response told me everything I needed to know. They had no vision – just a notion that they needed to renovate the hotel.
Think about the last time you stayed at any hotel – did your stay create any memories or a desire to return. Now think about a recent trip to Disney or Atlantis. I suggest those thoughts bring back memories of the good times.
Walt Disney had a vision for his properties. Sol Kerzner’s vision for Atlantis was to “Blow the Guest Away”. Having worked with both organizations it is clear these leaders have communicated their vision to their entire staff.
My point – Do you have a vision for your business or your life. What is it you want to accomplish or do you just go through the actions?
In past newsletters I have shared my life’s vision as “Planting trees that I will never sit under.” My purpose is to help companies and individuals achieve their best without any desire for recognition.
I am proud that I have quietly built many iconic projects, built several great companies and helped many individuals start on a path to achieve their goals and success. They each take the honor for their efforts – because it was accomplished by their efforts – not mine. I just guided them or asked questions that focused their vision and established their goals.
So what is your life’s vision and how do you find it.
ACTIONS FOR YOU
The process is not hard – just thoughtful and dedicated thinking. Who is to say your life’s vision will not change or modify over time – so start with an idea and let it evolve.
Stephen Covey’s second principle – Begin with the end in mind. Maybe start with an idea of “how would you would like your eulogy to read?” What accomplishments or sense of purpose would they describe? The real secret is to begin - start the process.
Consider an out-of-town getaway. New scenery can lend a fresh perspective. Your worth it! Write down what you like to do, who you like to be with, what things you like to have. Dream a little.
When you think you have finished – reread your list – it will spark new ideas and desires and then do it again. A theme will emerge of what could be your focus. Run with it – try it on – see how you like it and then improve it when it is the right time.
In the end – you will have a vision for your life.
Do you have clear answers to these 3 questions?
- What is your compelling life mission that drives all your major life decisions?
- What are your core values -- those bedrock behaviors you vigilantly live every day and refuse to violate?
- What are your most ambitious goals for the next 1 to 5 years that fuel your fire?
Would it shock you to learn that most people have no answers to any of the three?
Excuses are Never a Solution
I work with companies and people where it becomes clear if they are merely going through an activity or they truly have a goal they are accomplishing. To make a point, I recently met with the senior management team of a family run hotel/entertainment company. They had recently acquired a number of new properties and were deciding how to accomplish the task of incorporating them into their system.
I asked them “what do you want the guest to remember about their stay at your hotel?” Their lack of response told me everything I needed to know. They had no vision – just a notion that they needed to renovate the hotel.
Think about the last time you stayed at any hotel – did your stay create any memories or a desire to return. Now think about a recent trip to Disney or Atlantis. I suggest those thoughts bring back memories of the good times.
Walt Disney had a vision for his properties. Sol Kerzner’s vision for Atlantis was to “Blow the Guest Away”. Having worked with both organizations it is clear these leaders have communicated their vision to their entire staff.
My point – Do you have a vision for your business or your life. What is it you want to accomplish or do you just go through the actions?
In past newsletters I have shared my life’s vision as “Planting trees that I will never sit under.” My purpose is to help companies and individuals achieve their best without any desire for recognition.
I am proud that I have quietly built many iconic projects, built several great companies and helped many individuals start on a path to achieve their goals and success. They each take the honor for their efforts – because it was accomplished by their efforts – not mine. I just guided them or asked questions that focused their vision and established their goals.
So what is your life’s vision and how do you find it.
ACTIONS FOR YOU
The process is not hard – just thoughtful and dedicated thinking. Who is to say your life’s vision will not change or modify over time – so start with an idea and let it evolve.
Stephen Covey’s second principle – Begin with the end in mind. Maybe start with an idea of “how would you would like your eulogy to read?” What accomplishments or sense of purpose would they describe? The real secret is to begin - start the process.
Consider an out-of-town getaway. New scenery can lend a fresh perspective. Your worth it! Write down what you like to do, who you like to be with, what things you like to have. Dream a little.
When you think you have finished – reread your list – it will spark new ideas and desires and then do it again. A theme will emerge of what could be your focus. Run with it – try it on – see how you like it and then improve it when it is the right time.
In the end – you will have a vision for your life.