In the previous segments of our Visioning Tips series, you took a look at ten different steps for generating creativity and homing in on your vision. In this next segment, you'll review and reflect upon your vision to ensure that it's a reliable anchor in challenging times. Need to catch up? Start from the beginning of the Ivy Sea Visioning Series.

From scattered to anchored
A STRONG VISION IS AN ANCHOR IN CHALLENGING TIMES

There is a big difference between defining the times, and being defined by them. Even in reading this, you get a sense that one is proactive and the other quite passive. One is engaged, the other disengaged. It's not a matter of trying to exert control over things you cannot control. Rather, it's a case of having a very clear picture of what you're doing and thus having a greater degree of direction, flexibility and adaptability than is possible when you're scattered, uncertain and feeling completely overwhelmed by a laundry list of external circumstances.

When external or unexpected circumstances arise, having a clear, strong vision of your own or your organization's purpose provides you with a customized Rosetta Stone — a clear way of deciphering a pathway through whatever challenges arise.

If you're feeling anxious and "unplugged" from your guiding vision, or if situations have surfaced that seem to erect barriers or hurdles, there's no time like the present to:

• set aside some time,

• review what it is you're doing,

• reflect on why you're doing it, and

• paint a clear picture of what that vision looks, feels and sounds like in reality — regardless of what's taking place in the economy or elsewhere in the company or the world.

Ernest Holmes gave the very wise advice to always let your mind dwell in what you want to create, rather than thinking heavily on that which makes you anxious or which you're endeavoring to avoid. The gist is that we tend to bring about that which we think most about. A vision — particularly one that is truly connected with those things you most value —helps you more easily dwell in that reality that you would prefer to create.

Check back next month for a round of bonus-tips in our Inspired-Visioning series.

In case you've missed previous tips...

We'll have ten tips in all (and, knowing us, we'll throw in a few bonus tips to tap that extra reserve of inspiration). So mark your calendar and bookmark the Series Intro page now. Don't miss these previous installments to our Visioning Tips Series:

Visioning Series Kickoff — A few great reasons to bother with visioning

Visioning Tip #1 — Prime the pump: Loosen up with some "get-started" dialogue

Visioning Tip #2 —The reflection connection: What's most important?

Visioning Tip #3 — Activate your senses: Get your brain storming with creativity

Visioning Tip #4 — Identify your emerging themes

Visioning Tip #5 — Noticing where your key themes are already at work

Visioning Tip #6 — What do people call your company when you're not in ear-shot?

Visioning Tip #7 — How do your personal ethics affect your vision, and others?

Visioning Tip #8 — Is your vision based on someone else's standards?

Visioning Tip #9 — Getting clear on your "vision story"

Visioning Tip #10 — Powerful questions to energize your group

Remember, this information is food-for-thought. The most effective approach is the one that's been tailored to meet the unique needs of your group. If you have questions, connect with someone who can provide a perspective you trust and value, or e-mail us at info@ivysea.com.