Permanently Happy

Once you've identified your life purpose, values, and talents, a vision statement helps you map out where you're headed. It serves as a beacon, guiding you toward your ideal life. Let's explore how to craft a vision statement that reflects your true self and helps you focus on what truly matters.

The Essence of a Vision Statement

A vision statement is more than just a declaration of goals. It's a vivid description of the life you aspire to live. It answers three crucial questions:

• Where are you going?
• Who would you like to become?
• How is your life going to be when you reach your desired outcome?

This statement expresses your ideal life, helping you evaluate if your daily actions, words, and thoughts are taking you closer to or further from your vision.

Writing Your Vision Statement

To make your vision statement effective, write it as if it's already happening. Use the present tense, not the future tense. This approach helps your brain integrate this desired reality into your current self-concept, making it feel more attainable.

Here's a step-by-step guide to drafting your vision statement in two paragraphs:

1. Visualize Your Ideal Life: Close your eyes and picture your ideal life. Consider the environments, people, and activities that surround you.

2. Identify Key Elements: While visualizing, focus on the three elements: your direction, the person you want to become, and the nature of your life once you achieve your goals.

3. Write in the Present Tense: Start writing as if these elements are already part of your life. Use vivid, descriptive language to bring your vision to life.

4. Incorporate Emotion: Attach specific emotions to your vision. How does achieving this life make you feel? Incorporating emotions can help you connect more deeply with your vision.

Embracing Emotional Awareness

As you work on your vision statement, it's important to stay emotionally aware. Check in with how you feel during the exercise. You might experience a range of emotions—from excitement to disbelief. This emotional check-in is essential for understanding how your current emotional state aligns with your future self.

• Feel the Challenge: If you feel challenged, acknowledge it. This feeling is part of the growth process.
• Understand Disbelief: If disbelief arises, recognize it as a sign that your vision might be stretching you beyond your current comfort zone.

By maintaining emotional awareness, you can better understand the feelings that accompany your journey towards your vision.

Why a Vision Statement Matters

A well-crafted vision statement does more than clarify your future. It serves as an everyday tool to keep you focused and motivated. Here’s why it matters:

• Alignment: Ensures your daily actions are in line with your long-term goals.
• Motivation: Acts as a source of inspiration during challenging times.
• Clarity: Provides a clear picture of what you’re working towards, reducing feelings of being stuck or anxious.

What to Remember

Creating a vision statement is a deeply personal exercise. It reflects who you are and who you aspire to become. Remember to:

• Write in the present tense to embody your vision.
• Attach emotions to your future self for deeper connection.
• Regularly revisit and revise your vision statement to ensure it continues to resonate with your evolving self.

By crafting a thoughtful vision statement, you empower yourself to live with intention and purpose, moving confidently towards a life that truly fulfills you.

— Sandro Formica, PhD

Founder of Permanently Happy (questions at [email protected])

Keynote Speaker | Transforming Leaders & Organizations Through Positive Leadership & Personal Branding | Director, Chief Happiness Officer Certificate Program