Where are you going?

Do you have a clear picture of your life objectives? How do you want to be perceived today and in the future? If your best friend was asked, “what do you really think about [insert name]?” what would you consider to be the ideal response? How many people take the time to ask themselves these questions? I can honestly tell you from my experience – not enough.


Too many people are simply going through the motions and aren’t spending enough time answering important questions like these. Without a clear sense of where you are going, you are not going to get there (at least not very quickly and not without struggle).

Let me tell you about Jim.  When Jim first opened his dry cleaning business, he wanted to provide reliable, dependable dry cleaning service and he wanted to make a comfortable living. What Jim realized early on is that he not only wanted to differentiate himself from the competition, but he wanted his business to reflect his passion and values.  He had to create a clear vision for what the business stood for.

Jim took the time and clarified his business vision for himself and his customers to include non-tangibles like “treating customers like family and having a personal relationship with as many clients as possible.” He also knew that being successful for him meant his employees had to truly enjoy working there and he wanted them to feel like they were part of something bigger. Jim changed is vision from “dependable, reliable dry cleaning service” to running a family-style business where customers and employees appreciate each other and treat one another like family.

Jim didn't stop there, though.  Having defined his vision, he worked to make it a reality.  Jim now adds weekly employee meetings to his schedule to get their input, and throws employee BBQ’s at his home whenever he can.  He also invites loyal customers to pick up slices of banana bread when they come in. Jim wouldn't have pursued these ideas had he not taken the time to clearly think about his life and business vision.

Your vision should accurately reflect your own passion and values.  When was the last time you asked yourself “what’s my life vision?”