In the previous segments of our Visioning Tips series, you took a look at seven different steps for generating creativity and homing in on your vision. In this next segment, you'll take a closer look at whether your vision is based on your own standards, or someone else's standards for success. Need to catch up? Start from the beginning of the Ivy Sea Visioning Series.

From ordinary to visionary
IS YOUR VISION BASED ON YOUR STANDARDS, OR SOMEONE ELSE'S?

It's important to identify the origin for the standards by which you measure success. Why? For one thing, you'll use those same standards to evaluate progress and gauge how well you've done in meeting your goals. You'll also actually shape your vision and establish your goals with that specific set of success-standards in your mind.

If you've taken the time for reflection, contemplation and some creative brainstorming before setting your goals or defining your vision, then there's a fair chance (though not a guarantee) that you'll be working from a set of success standards that actually mean something to you. If you've skipped the reflection and creative-brainstorming portion of your visioning and planning program, or simply skimmed the surface without challenging your assumed success standards, there's an excellent chance that your success benchmarks may be more externally motivated, and thus less meaningful to you.

Since research shows that feelings of reward, satisfaction, motivation and fulfillment originate from within, your vision, vision-into-action plan, and standards for success will be less likely to motivate you or sustain you through the inevitable challenges of creating and maintaining your business or initiative if you've not correlated those things to standards that are personally meaningful to you.

Making the personal connection

• Create a list of the highest priorities of your vision, as well as the key goals. Include both general and specific things, e.g. "To be recognized for outstanding customer service" and "to grow by 25-percent during this 12-month period."

• Now go down this list, and ask yourself the following questions about each item on your list:

• What does this item mean, specifically?

• What will this item look, sound or feel like in the real world?

• How will I know that we've made progress toward and/or accomplished this goal?

• Who will be affected when this vision or goal becomes real, and how?

• What's most important about this item?

• Why is this item on my list?

• What will be required of me, and how will my life or routine be changed if this goal or vision becomes real?

• Is this okay with me? Why?

• What core value or core source of inspiration of mine does this item relate to or tap?

Having answered these questions about your guiding vision and vision-into-action goals, you'll be able to refine your plan, clarify choices and decisions along the way, and review this information as an anchor during difficult times.

Check back next month for the next tip in our "Get 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?

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.