Vision Statements

How to create your Vision Statement

What is a vision statement?

Your vision statement is a picture of what you want to be, do, feel, think, own, associate with, and impact in your life through your Mary Kay business. A vision statement is "big picture" thinking. It should be something you can aspire to -- and that should inspire you -- regardless of where you are now and the distance between the present and your vision. By putting your vision into words, you begin to set in motion a process through which you will eventually achieve your goal. It’s been scientifically proven that your written goals, dreams, and plans are accomplished at a higher rate than those that are not. Writing them down lends power and commitment to their accomplishment. A vision statement opens your eyes to what is possible and gives you something tangible to move toward. It is the shining light of hope, dedication and commitment as you overcome obstacles and grow towards success.

Things to keep in mind while preparing your vision statement:

Carve out a chunk of time. You are worth it! Set a date with yourself and stick to it. Dreaming & creating a vision cannot -- and should not -- be rushed, however the faster you do it, the faster you can have a powerful tool at your fingertips.

Be Patient. It's something that may take several efforts and false starts before things begin to clear and you start getting a grasp of your ideal future. Plus your vision statement can also change over time, so be flexible knowing that you do not need to plan for your entire life today. Keep working at it, it’s worth it.

Do not compare. The worst defeat is to say your vision statement isn’t good enough by comparing it to someone else’s. It’s YOUR vision statement. Use words that come easily to you since they will be the ones to evoke the most feeling and emotion. Plus, your values and priorities will be different than another person, for it to be the most effective it must come from you and not someone else.

Dare to Dream Again. Remember that with a vision statement anything should be possible, so find a way to turn off any negative vibes or logic filters that will block you from thinking big. Don't assume the future is locked to what is happening today. Live in your imagination, not in your circumstances.

Be Confident & Honest. You are the person that knows you best. Be confident in your strengths, talents and skills that you possess. Listen to your heart and don’t second guess yourself or try to mold to into what you think someone wants you to be.

Write in present tense & first person. Use words like I, me, & my. Plus, speak as if it is currently happening like “I am” and not “I will”.

Length is not important. It’s more important for you to fully articulate the vision you want for your life and future, than be limited by word count.

Question exploration to prepare to write your vision statement:

Thoughtfully prepare answers to the follow questions to direct you in creating your vision statement.

1. What are the 10 things you most enjoy doing? (Be honest. These are 10 things that without them your weeks, months, and years would feel incomplete.)

2. What 3 things must you do every single day to feel fulfilled in your work?

3. What are your 5-6 most important values?

4. If you never had to work another day in your life, how would you spend your time instead of working?

5. When your life is ending, what will you regret not doing, having, seeing or achieving?

6. What strengths do you see in yourself?

7. What strengths have other people commented on about you or your accomplishments?

8. What do you believe are your weaknesses?

9. What weaknesses have other people commented on about you?

10. Your life has a number of important facets or dimensions, all of which deserve some attention in your vision statement. Write one important goal for each of these areas: physical, spiritual, work or career, family, social relationships, financial, mental improvement and attention, and fun.

Create your vision statement:

Put it all together! Remember the guidelines above. Use a few sentences or paragraphs as you write your vision statement. Consider writing a vision statement along with a description of how you currently see yourself accomplishing it through your Mary Kay business. Keep writing and rewriting until you find the one that FEELS the best to you, inspires you and gives you the most emotion.

My own personal vision statement includes such items as having a positive impact on every person with whom I come in contact; living daily a life dedicated to integrity, commitment, challenge and joy; loving my husband and valuing my marriage; valuing my role as a leader in influencing others for good within my business; traveling the world to experience its richness; never having to worry about spending money on anything that I or others need/want.

Final Thoughts on Vision Statements

Without a vision statement to help guide you, it's like driving aimlessly on the highway without having a clear destination. It might be fun for a while to drive around, stopping wherever and whenever you like, but after a while, being on the road gets old. Once you develop your career vision, you can then start mapping out your journey -- at least you'll be heading to where you want to be, even if you have to take a few detours along the way.

Remember, as you go about the visioning process, do your best to avoid vision killers -- such as fear of ridicule, short-term thinking, too narrow focus, tradition-bound choices, or following someone else's career dream.

Once you've created your vision statement, plaster it in various places and read it and say it aloud often. Imagine yourself achieving your vision. Constantly reinforcing the image of you in your vision will help you both consciously and subconsciously develop goals and action steps that will lead you to success.

Finally, take into account that your vision can -- and most likely will -- change as you move closer to it. As part of an annual career planning process, you should review your vision statement and make any adjustments that you feel are necessary.