It has always been difficult for me to put my goals and visions into words. I have always kept my dreams to myself and learning to do otherwise has been an exercise in sharing and discipline. In contemplating what I would like my life to be like in five years, I learned a great deal about myself, and the things I truly want out of life.
This is my Personal Vision Statement (in fifty words or less): I have a position in the marketing/publication field, and I am making at least 75% of the money I would like to make. My husband has retired, but I am well able to take care of our expenses. I am physically fit, and I work out regularly.
According to the Samples-Help.org.uk website, “A Vision is defined as An Image of the future we seek to create.” Reading this statement helped me realize that there is no wrong or right way to answer the question, “What is your vision for the future?” A vision statement is truly all about me: my wants, my needs, my desires, and how I will achieve the goals I set for myself. Through the exercises found on The Mentoring Group website, I have been able to start defining my personal vision statement.
Fifty words really does not seem to be enough to cover all the goals and desires I hold for the future, but it does provide a good jumping off point that will allow me to build and grow into the person I want to become. In expanding on my thoughts, I realized the following points:
- I have a great desire to do better for my family and myself in the future. Much of my life has focused selfishly on my wants, but it is time for me to start giving back to the people who have loved and supported me through the years. My vision statement reflects this desire.
- I am excited about the future I am painting for myself. I think marketing will be an ideal fit for both my personality and my talents. It will be next to impossible for me to find a position like that in my current location but having the education to back me up will go a long way in landing me an excellent position once my husband has retired, and we are able to relocate.
- I really do need to work out more! Now that I spend so much time behind a desk, I have become flabby and soft. This is unacceptable, but the only person who can change the facts is I. I must learn to push myself into doing those things I do not want to do if I am to achieve the future self I want to become.
As Ayn Rand (1995) states in her book Anthem:
It is my eyes which see, and the sight of my eye’s grants beauty to the earth. It is my ears which hear, and the hearing of my ears gives its song to the world. It is my mind which thinks, and the judgment of my mind is the only searchlight that can find the truth. It is my will which chooses, and the choice of my will is the only edict I must respect.
I am the only one who can change me, and I must be willing to take the initial steps required for self-fulfillment.
Through this exercise, I have learned how truly important it is to have a vision for the future. Without one, I would be left to flounder; never knowing what I was doing, nor where I was going. In creating this vision statement, I have set clear goals for myself, and have started down the path to attainment of all I truly desire.
