“Write It Down and Make It Plain”
I invite you to reach back in your memory to envision yourself in a “back to school mindset” for purposes of this exercise. Depending on the part of the world in which you reside, the fall season could evoke memories of outdoor hiking on brightly colored orange, brown and golden fallen leaves that crunch with each step you take. Perhaps thinking about bonfires and roasting marshmallows or sitting around fire pits, watching movies, playing cards, sipping on “adult beverages” while listening to music and enjoying fellowship with friends or family warms your heart.
You can take it from here. Create your own meaningful and unique imagery. What does comfort look like for you this time of the year?
Next, I urge you to grab a pad of paper and pen OR, if you’re like me, using the electronic calendar on your phone or tablet may be your preferred method of organization. Either way, let’s get right to what I want you to do.
Consider:
· Waiting until January 2023, to create your vision board. If you wait until then, you’re already behind.
· Envisioning, right now, that this is your “back to school season,” regardless of your accomplishments AND regardless of your age.
· This is the ideal time of year, to begin focus to create a vision of how you want 2023 to look so that January 1, you’re already activating what you’ve already envisioned and strategized now.
Begin with a rough draft of your notes. Just begin by brain dumping to create notes. Think about what you want and why it’s important to you now. Know that reflection to create a vision takes time. Therefore, it’s ideal to begin conceptualizing now, rather than in January.
HOW TO BEGIN TO CREATE A VISION FOR YOUR LIFE:
· Create professional and personal goals and habits aligning with your core values.
· Choose to be bold and daring to visualize without self-inflicted boundaries.
· Be willing to check your limiting beliefs at the virtual door.
· Choose to open your door wider than ever before to formalize what could be….
· Think in present tense. When you imagine your future self, what are you doing? How do you feel?
· Consider how your life will be different when your vision becomes reality?
· What you’ve learned about yourself as you look back over your life that you wish you embraced sooner?
Habakkuk 2:2-3 says, “And the Lord answered me and said, write the vision and make it plain upon the tables that he may run and readeth it.”
WHY IT’S IMPORTAWNT for LEADERS TO CREATE a VISION:
When you know the plan, He has for you it provides opportunity for you to go after it with full force giving your all to God’s call. Ask Him for directions to align yourself with His vision for you. Writing it down makes it official. It provides clarity about your future and what’s important to you. Your vision becomes your destination. Make it aspirational, inspirational and motivational.
Anything that is moving you away from your vision should be eliminated.
I say this from a place of love…
When you’re younger setting a 5–10-year goals might be ok…But… most of you, including myself will benefit by living much more intentionally. We are not in our 20’s anymore.
Creating the roadmap to begin to execute your vision is next. Once you formulate your vision, I invite you to share it with me. This will help you to be motivated.
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Licia Thompson, CPC, ELI-MP is a certified Leadership Reinvention Strategist and published author of “When Your Soul Whispers: Strategies for leaders to redefine values and go forward after life’s transitions.” She’s a former corporate Workers’ Compensation Director of Return to Work, Managed Care and vendor relations who now equips Workers’ Comp and other leaders with her “3C Leadership Reinvention Formula”, consisting of customized next level growth strategies to navigate through and beyond personal and professional challenges quicker so you can THRIVE.
Email: Licia@LiciaThompson.com Website: www.LiciaThompson.com. Instagram: @Licia_Thompson Facebook: Licia Thompson, The Reinvention Strategist LinkedIn: Licia Thompson, CPC, ELI-MP