By Terri Fry Brukhartz, LCSW, CPCC
We all have those days when we just want to quit or cry or both. I had one of those just a couple of weeks ago. I was working hard on something and not getting results. There was one moment where I simultaneously felt like crying, running, and sticking with it—all at the same time.
It was easier not to quit because I have a vision for my life and my business that I find invigorating. All I have to do is “call it up”. Then I can get back on the horse.
You can get through those tough times faster and get on track more quickly, too, if you have a vision that works. Creating an effective vision will help guide your business decisions so that you can survive the inevitable bumps along the way. You can get back on the horse faster.
A vision isn’t only a dream, although that’s part of it. The other part is the anticipation that it will come to be. Expecting your vision, your dream, to come true is an important part of making it a reality. The hard part can be continuing to have that expectation when everything seems to be going wrong.
There are different ways to create a vision, but I can show you what works for me and my clients. It’s actually very simple:
Create your vision based on your values—what’s important to you.
When things are tough and you think of your vision, you should become excited not defeated. That excitement creates the resolve necessary to tackle it again.
I know you’re smart enough to realize that simply having a vision won’t make your dreams come true. You need goals, strategies, and actions that support it. You must have a vision first, though, in order for the latter to be effective.
How to Create Your Vision
1. Without editing yourself or thinking too much about it, envision how you’d like your business to look and feel. For example how much money do you make? How many hours do you work? Employees? Answer some questions of your own. Then write down your answers. Congratulations! You now have a vision.
Writing your dreams down are an important part of making them work. It’s easier to just think about it, but writing is more effective. Whenever I write down what I want in my life, either it occurs or something pretty close to it does. I don’t write that I want it. I write that I have it.
I can’t explain it. I just take action and watch the magic unfold. It’s really wild. (Totally freaks my husband out.)
2. Do the same thing. Write as though your dream is happening now. Start with the words, “I am…” or “my business is…” Don’t say”I’d like to…” or “I hope to…”
3. Dig deep. What’s important to you about the dream? What are the underlying values?
4. How do you FEEL now that you have the business of your dreams? Where in your body do you feel it? What is the sensation? Tingly? Light? Anything else? Write it down.
5. Create similar questions for your personal life. Let’s not forget that your business and your personal life make up YOUR LIFE. You should feel fulfilled and enriched by both.
Continue to think about your vision as you make decisions over the next week. Keep it in the forefront of your mind. Will your next action contribute to or detract from your dream?
Using your vision to guide your actions is extremely important. Everything you do, every decision you make should move you closer to your dream. Keep taking actions that contribute to making that vision a reality and you will be living it sooner than you think.
One more thing: Dreams are exciting. Don’t forget to enjoy yourself while you are making yours come true! Questions about the process? Having a difficult time finding those ever-important values? Just post your question or comment below and I’ll do my best to help.
Terri Fry Brukhartz, LCSW, CPCC, has been helping business professionals make more money, do what matters and thrive on their successes since 2001. Coach Terri began her career in 1982 working for advertising agency Leo Burnett and the internationally acclaimed TV conglomerate, CBS. In 1987, Coach Terri started The Fry Group, Inc., a publishers’ representative firm. Clients included Details Magazine, Men’s Health, and Harvard Business Review. With her husband, two kids and two dogs in tow, it’s a wonder Coach Terri has enough time to get everything done! She resides in Chicago but works by phone with entrepreneurs around the world. Contact her by email or call 708-386-0500.Contact her by e-mail or call 708-386-0500.