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An experience in the forest cabin
Some time ago, I was sitting in a forest cabin with a group of close colleagues. Someone was playing a guitar, and I recognized the song immediately. I started singing along, and soon the others joined in. For years, I’ve been singing it regularly in the car on my way to a workshop or an appointment. It gives me strength; it reminds me of who I am and that I am a loving being.
And there we were, all of us singing this beautiful song together. I was moved to tears, which streamed down my face. I was in a world where Souls are connected in love, without emotions, without desires, without agenda or attachment.
That is my vision: People who want to live together in love.
It describes my ideal world. Maybe that’s unrealistic for this world, and that doesn’t matter. I strive to experience this ideal world through all my actions, my talents, my values, and the people around me. And sometimes I experience my vision very intensely, as I did in the forest cabin. It lets me know I am in the right place, doing the right thing, with the right people.
→Your vision is something different from your mission, your purpose, or your WHY.
The vision of an organization
In the book Everybody Matters, Bob Chapman and Raj Sisodia describe how to find an organization’s vision. They offer a roadmap, and it is not simple. It takes time. The same is true for discovering your personal WHY.
According to Bob and Raj, the process of finding your vision helps you articulate your values, beliefs, fears, dreams, and aspirations. It helps you (and your organization) create a picture of the organization you want to become.
You put into words what it would look like if you brought together your best ideas and thoughts to create a better future.
Finally, a vision creates connection and cohesion within an organization.
Many visions focus on products and services. A good vision, according to Bob and Raj, is about the impact we have on the lives of others.
When creating a vision, you describe the ideal state. You don’t look at who you are now, you look at who you want to be, and what becomes possible when all limitations fall away.
How do you find your personal vision?
There are many similarities between finding a vision for an organization and finding one for yourself. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you find your own personal vision.
1. Start with your ideal future or world
Close your eyes and jump 5 to 10 years ahead. Ask yourself:
• What kind of person am I (becoming)?
• How do I show up at work, in my relationships, and in my community?
• What kind of impact do I have without effort or forcing things?
• What do others say about me about how I inspire them or contribute?
Let it be emotional, and it doesn’t need to be perfect. Vision is about direction, not details.
You can imagine someone telling a story about you at a celebration. What would you love to hear?
2. Look for patterns
Write down what you saw in your visualization and look for words that keep returning.
• Are there feelings or values that repeat?
• What makes you smile when you read it back?
Your vision is hidden in recurring themes such as freedom, love, connection, or adventure.
3. Turn themes into one sentence
This is often the hardest part. Don’t overthink it. It doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to feel right.
A good vision sentence is:
• inspiring
• bigger than your goals
• future-oriented
• easy to remember
A simple formula:
I live in a world (or future) where… [impact/contribution/way of being]
Examples:
• I live in a world where people want to live together in love and connection.
• I live in a world where everyone is allowed to be seen.
• I live in a world where I live my purpose with joy and inspire others to do the same.
4. Check if it resonates in your body
Read your sentence aloud.
Does it feel good?
Do you smile, feel calm, or a spark?
• If it sounds boring → play with phrasing
• If it sounds too grand → make it more human
• if it sounds too small → let it breathe
Your body is a good compass.
5. Bring it to life with one question
Have you written down your vision? Then ask yourself this daily question:
“What is one small thing I can do today to move in the direction of my vision?“
Then your vision becomes more than a beautiful sentence. It becomes a living reality.
And you?
What is your vision? What will you do today to bring it to life? Let me know in the comment box below. I, and other readers of this article, look forward to read from you!
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Source:
–Everybody Matters by Bob Chapman and Raj Sisodia
