The Simple Formula for Creating Your Personal Vision Statement in less than 30 minutes

One of the main things that I share with people when they are trying to make changes in their life is to not put the cart before the horse.  Writing a vision statement is the first step in focusing on your life. It can help put things into perspective—your joy, your accomplishments, your family life, and your contributions.  I am going to give you the simple formula for creating your own personal vision statement in less than fifteen minutes. 

Think about new year's resolutions...they are not rooted in a WHY, which is why they have a 97% failure rate. Vision planning is one of the key components for teachers, parents, and students to feel more fulfilled and focused in their lives.  It is one of the biggest actions we can take towards overall authentic and individualized self-care.  Having a vision is one of the first areas I tell others they need in order to incorporate more positive thinking and reduce burnout.

For teachers, having a vision statement can give us access to our values and belief systems in the toughest of classroom situations.  For parents, having a personal vision statement can allow us to align our parenting with our individuality and be true to ourselves.  And for students, creating a personal vision statement allows for focus towards overall goals and aspirations that will lead in more success in the classroom.

5 reasons You Need a Personal Vision Statement

1. It gives you the inspiration to think towards the future and not focus on past mistakes or regrets.

The biggest part about creating your personal vision is that you are envisioning your future.  It keeps your eyes on the prize, if you will.  If you have a clear vision, you can focus on what your end game is and accept mistakes as what they are: a part of life and a learning experience.  Reducing overwhelm and overall burnout.

2. Keeps you on track towards meeting future goals and aspirations, especially during times you could get distracted or discouraged.

Let's face it, there are distractions that will occur, but with a clear personal vision, you will have the clarity of when to say “yes” or “no” to things based on your own personal values and vision. It also helps you to spot potential hazards or roadblocks before you’re impacted by them.

3. Helps guide you when you have to make difficult or challenging decisions.

Similar to the previous reason, having a clear vision keeps you focused on what aligns with you as an individual.  When challenging decisions need to be made, you will have the clear understanding of what aligns with you and what does not.  Making the decision making process streamlined.

4. Provide you with concrete and actionable steps to push through and forward towards  your goals.

You would consider it silly for someone to go on a roadtrip without a clear idea of where they are going with map, directions, and destination in mind.  The same goes for life.  A popuar saying is, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” Creating a vision statement (or your life's roadmap) will help you stay focused and on the right path to achieve your long-term goals.

5. Help you identify what is important and valuable to you, as an individual.

Creating a written personal vision will help you to identify your values, goals and desires. Once you determine these, you can then better align each facet of your life with your personal values.  Often times, we can get sidetracked by the opinions and ideals of others.  When we have a personal vision, you are fully able to be your authentic self, which is in turn is self-care.

How to Get Ready to Write Your Personal Vision Statement

Now I know I told you that you could write your personal vision statement in less than 15 minutes, and I wasn't fibbing.  The actual process of writing your vision statement once you've reflected and brainstormed a little shouldn't take you any longer than 15 minutes.  This next part, I would not recommend rushing through.  This is where you find out your values, your strengths, etc.  To make this technique ultimately your authentic and personal roadmap, you should give yourself permission to take your time.

Here are a few things to consider when creating a personal vision statement.

Core Values: What are the five to ten things you stand by and value the most?

Interests: What are five to ten things you enjoy doing the most? What elevates you? What can’t you live without?

Areas of Focus: What are the major categories of your life that always need your attention? 

Strengths: What are you naturally good at? 

Dreams: If this was your last day on earth, what would you regret not doing, seeing, or creating?

Skills: What are three areas you strongly want to cultivate skills in that will in some way enrich your life experience?

Profession: What are the things you must do to feel fulfilled in your work?

The Simple Formula for Creating Your Personal Vision Statement

• Write in first person and make statements about the future you hope to achieve.  What problem do you hope to fix?  Why does it matter if this is fixed?
• Write the statements in present tense as if you are already making them happen in your life.
• Fully articulate the vision you want for your life and your future.  What contributions would you like to make?
• Make it realistic, vivid, and descriptive.
• Make it impactful and inspiring to you

3 Ways to Use Your Personal Vision Statement:

1. If you want your vision to work for you, embody it.  Bring it to life.  Bring it up in your mind's eye.

2. Create a vision board.  I am a huge proponent for digital vision boards to use as your screen saver on your phone or other device so that you can be redirected to your purpose multiple times a day.

3. Read and re-read it while looking at yourself in the mirror.  Don't be afraid to revise it.  Look at your personal vision statement as a work in progress.

Keep enjoying self-care, organization, and vision planning:

• The Ultimate Guide to Digital Vision Boards - Grab Your Free Digital Vision Board Template (Customizeable here)
• Stay organized towards your goals and vision & start Digital Planning Today with your free Daily Digital Planner and Journal
• The Best Alternative to New Year's Resolutions: Stop Making Resolutions and Do This Instead!
• The Individualized EduCare Program - The Ultimate Way to Create Your Unique and Authentic Self-Care Plan