How to develop a vision {creatively}

by stargardener

DSCN0568 letter I letter S information letter i letter O letter N

Lingo for strategic planning became a part of my vocabulary while I was in graduate school for my MBA. Incorporating new terms for existing habits is one of my quirky traits. Terms serve me by providing clarity and boundaries to the wavy lines of my thoughts. For example, although we don’t go around claiming to be {developing a vision} …

We are in fact doing so. Every day.

We are developing {living a process; changing} a vision {idea of where we want to be/go} whether we realize {or admit} it. Our actions {and inaction} are micro-decisions regarding what we where to be/go in the future.  And sometimes, we go in circles. A circle that dizzily distracts us while wonder why we are in the same place. :roll:

Developing a vision is Change’s best friend. Change — just that word evokes a extra-wide variety of responses! Most of us have had a variety of adventures with Change. Sometimes we hold on for dear life — and other times, we dance with absolute pure-joy!

One thing is for sure: Change is easier with a vision.

And a vision is a surefire way to minimize those dizzy circles!

Vision development doesn’t have to be rigid, boring and time-consuming. It is as simple as making a choice to cease doing what we have always done {expecting difference results; also known as insanity} and focusing upon new directions {change}. A vision provides both a definitive launch pad and a specified destination. After all, don’t we want to know when we arrive?! ;-)

How to develop a vision {creatively}

  1. Clear your mental whiteboard via a mini-version of a creative sabbatical or simply unplug from electronic devices and all other chatter for a day {or longer …}.
  2. Creatively journal {collage; paint; video; blog; draw; keyword definitions} the answer to this question: What is your passion? {makes you smile; something you enjoy so much, you could do it every day; it allows you to take flight creatively}
  3. Ponder paths {avenues, superhighways, flight plans} to get you to where you want to be. That place you {dream} about being, living and creating.
  4. Talk about it. Tweet about; meet a friend for coffee to chat about it; join a journaling group {a great one!}
  5. Compile a vision statement. What is a Vision Statement {Mine remains in keyword format: integrate/creative/planning/micro-business/women/social media.}

What suggestions {or questions} do you have regarding developing a vision?

What is your vision statement — or key words that define your passion?

Related Reading

The image above was created with Spell with Flickr by @kastner.

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One thing. Every day.

by stargardener

For the past two weeks I have felt like I was the person in this image. Scaling a rugged stone wall in order to jump into the refreshing deep blue sea. Repeating the climb — going higher with each return climb.

I happened upon this Flickr photo stream tonight and it presented me with a visual regarding my current circumstances. The intensity of the climb, thrill of the jump, the invigorating sensation of rushing through deep water.

Do one thing every day that scares you. ~Eleanor Roosevelt

I would like to think I could live by this {dare} of former First Lady Roosevelt. But right now … Not so much.

At least that is the way it feels.

I face a daily lock-up of mental energy — a shut-down of focused progress. My mind wanders, mulling over the proverbial what-if’s {ad nauseam} and sputtering over details. Alas.

Life goes on.

I have been here before. I know the way out. Or at least through. However, there are days when I wonder if I will ever make it to the place where this cycle of “climb, jump, experience, repeat” is a tad less paralyzing. :roll:

In the meantime, I will write it all down … Thus it will not longer be inside … “Threatening the life it belongs to / And I feel like I’m naked in front of the crowd / ‘Cause these words are my diary, screaming out loud.” ~Anna Nalick ♬

Reach high, for the stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal. ~Pamela Vaull Starr

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Anatomy of a Dream

To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe. ~Anatole France
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Overwhelm {for me} is like a window. Why? Because windows offer various utilities such as protection and inspiration {and are often a visual for opportunity}.

I can look through it and see what is on the other side.
I can close the blinds over it and savor rest in the still of darkness.
I can open it and [...]

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Most of the time we learn lessons and we have no idea what they were. We adopt practices — habits of the day — without notice. Unless we keep notations …
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This is an intriguing practice. Particularly since I recently realized that — instead of adding three letters  to the end of my name via higher education — said practice during the past year yielded a much more {practical} learning experience. A learning experience that has equipped me to continue in the direction of dreams. [...]

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