In search of the future

Robert Gerrish

A great deal is spoken of the need for a compelling vision if we are to move forwards on a path that truly excites and inspires us. A vision is surely the starting point in the pursuit of loving our work. After all, if we can't see where we're going (and why we're going) we don't stand much chance of arriving there.

I get to speak a fair bit around the topic of building an inspiring picture for the future and whenever I do, I'm amazed by the few business owners who actually have any semblance of a documented vision.

This simply has to change! 

Not having a clear vision is like driving around an unfamiliar city without a map. Hey, you may get lucky and find where you're headed, but the chances are you’ll get lost.

I'm being far too soft. I'll crank the analogy up a bit. Let's assume for one wild moment that some time in the not-too-distant future you'd like success, prosperity, fulfilment and high levels or personal happiness. Question: Are they more likely to arrive by accident or by design?

Visions of the future are in your head and as we know only too well, this is already a crowded piece of physical real estate. By documenting these thoughts we not only free up your brain cells, but can turn your thoughts into a plan of action and start to turn dreams into reality.

Creating a vision deserves your full and undivided attention. Getting started on a draft is really quite straightforward and there's no time like the present. If you have a few spare minutes right now, grab yourself a piece of paper and a pen and jot down these words & phrases:

Workstyle.  Lifestyle.  Opportunities.   Success Signals.  Visual Imagery.

Ok, now consider how you'd like each of these vision components to advance by say, this time next year (choose an alternative time in the future if 'next year' is too close or conversely, too far).

My prompts should get your creative juices flowing:

Workstyle - how you'd like to be working

Consider:

Where will you be working - what your office will be like and what it feels like to be at work.

How you'll be working - what you'll have more of and importantly, less of.

Who is part of your team - your clients and colleagues.

Lifestyle

Ask yourself who you see around you - your family, partners and friends.

Consider your outlook on life; your health and fitness and your general mental and physical wellbeing.

Remember, we're looking at how you want things to be, and that's not necessarily how they currently appear. 

Opportunities

What do see before you? What doors have opened and what do you see inside?

Success signals

For some, this is the section where the long, pointy cars can get written about. It's also (hopefully) where more meaningful signs of success are envisioned -  like how you are feeling, behaving and appearing.

Remember to be realistic and respect the distinction between 'inspiring' and 'fanciful'.

Visual imagery

Finally, close your eyes for a few moments and allow visual images to come forward, keeping a note of what pops up.

The value of harnessing visual imagery compares with the image we hold of a forthcoming holiday.

In the weeks prior to a holiday, it's often the image of the break that keeps us going in those final weeks. We can enjoy the same effect by clarifying visual images of our future.

Harness whatever images appear for you and introduce cues to your present day - hang pictures in your office, load images onto your desktop and so on.

Often when we look to the future we imagine circumstances to be quite different. Present situations have evolved to a new level.

Embrace the concept of a documented vision and you'll be surprised how quickly it translates into your current goals, actions and decision-making.

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  As this advice has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on the advice, consider its appropriateness to your circumstances. All products mentioned on this web page are issued by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia; view our Financial Services Guide (PDF 59kb).