Throughout our lives, we are told by everyone around us to “think positively,” whether we are trying to start a business or get the perfect job.  While being positive is a good start, it’s not enough on its own to accomplish great things.  To set yourself up for success, you must both think positively and have a clear and detailed vision of your goals.

Napoleon Hill, author of “Think and Grow Rich” and pioneer of modern motivation, said:  “Whatever the mind of a person can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”  His teachings largely revolve around the idea that success comes to those who are able to strongly define their goals.
Scientific research has demonstrated that the same parts of our brain are engaged when we visualize achieving something and when we actually achieve it.  That means our brain doesn’t know the difference between what we see in our imagination and what we see with our eyes.
In coaching and facilitation work with business professionals from all backgrounds, developing a powerful vision serves to inspire people in their work.  It provides unification of purpose for a company, making employees feel they are building a great monument rather than laying a few stones. 
The clarity and detail of the vision, whether it’s in your mind’s eye or laid out in a business plan, helps you to quickly and confidently make critical decisions about your company’s direction.

Most entrepreneurs launch their businesses trying to provide everything to everyone.

 

As a business matures, they naturally have to sharpen the focus on where it’s going and how they as individuals will be affected by it in order to keep a strong momentum of growth.

To make the vision for your business more compelling and provide stronger direction, ask yourself these simple questions:  What are you doing?  How are you doing it?  Who are you doing it to?  Why are you doing it?  With the answers to these questions in mind, get a strong picture in your mind of what it will be like when you accomplish your goal.  This will serve as your compass on the bumpy road to success.  Refer back to it as necessary, when making decisions or struggling with hardships.  It will guide you on your journey to success.

So dare to dream, to think big and boldly.  Do it in technicolour with all sorts of luscious details. If you have a vision and a connection to that vision, the actions you must take and the tools you need will become clearer.

 

Mary Ellen Sanajko is an MBA holder and Certified Professional Business Coach based in Vancouver, BC.  She works with business owners and self-employed professionals with strategic planning and team building to help them achieve their business goals.  She provides private consultation as well as regular courses.  Contact details: (604) 873-0350 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .