The Bible tells us that without a vision people perish. When it comes to goals of any kind, we are asked to create a compelling vision before we set our goals, yet in many cases, we don’t put in the necessary effort – perhaps because we look at it as something simple.

I want a million dollars. I want to be able to buy anything I want, when I want. I want to travel the world. I want to eat at Michelin star restaurants, drive a luxury car and wear designer clothes.

Some may say that this is a compelling vision, that they can get behind becoming a millionaire but the follow up question to this is whether or not you are willing to pay the price to make the changes you need to in order to reach millionaire status.

If you are willing to abandon the vision, in the face of any discomfort then you will not achieve what you say you want.

Most change fails because the price required to change is too high. We will choose comfort every single time.

A compelling vision will provide you with the focus, direction and energy needed for you to achieve extraordinary results.

Big vision means huge stretch and whenever this happens our old habits, and thoughts will put up a fight like never before – especially our thoughts. Here’s how they screw us up:

Many of us view vision as fluff. With this kind of thinking we try not to waste too much time with vision. We feel we know where we are going. All we need to determine is what needs to get done. The faster we can start, the better for us. We’ll hit our goals faster. This thinking is logical and can appear reasonable except there is nothing to drive you when the going gets tough. Without a vision in front of you, it means that you are taking action without a strategy or plan and so you have nothing to refer back to – no reason or compelling why.

Some of us think it’s important yet it remains superficial. It’s a nice sounding vision, but it’s meaningful to someone else. We think it’s stuff we are supposed to want. We don’t spend enough time really exploring what we want. We give ourselves a time limit – during a workshop or book exercise – when creating our vision but remember – vision takes time. You will know you’ve got your vision when you can connect to it emotionally.

In many cases the vision is too small. With a small vision there is no sacrifice. We remain comfortable. We achieve, but there is no stretch. We are not operating optimally. This isn’t our best efforts. If you are still feeling comfortable after establishing your vision, continue working until you start to feel challenged and perhaps uncomfortable.

Company visions are usually placed on plaques, mounted on walls but not etched into hearts. Whether it’s an individual or a company vision and by the way, leaders should find ways to link both, you need to connect what you do on a daily basis to that vision. When you are assessing each day and subsequently your weekly actions, you can immediately see whether you are making progress or spinning top in mud between where you are and where you need to go. Working from a plan aligned to your vision ensures that you are acting on those things that get you closer and closer to that vision until you finally arrive.

If you don’t have a compelling vision, today is the day you can do something about that.

Start with a vision and then test for ownership. Is it your vision or someone else’s. Ensure that it makes you feel very uncomfortable – it stretches you…and finally make sure that you can connect with your vision on a visceral level.

Live intentionally with your vision always there, front and centre. Ask yourself: How did I do today? Were my actions aligned with my vision or were they unrelated? What can I do tomorrow that would help me make progress on this journey towards my vision? What are the strategic actions that I can take tomorrow, to move me forward?

If after reading this you’re thinking that a lack of a clear vision is what might be keeping you stuck then get the clarity you need here.

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