Successful professionals use visualization to picture their desired outcomes and gain clarity and motivation.
They envision their life in 5, 10, or 20 years, considering how they live out their values and purpose and impact others. It can be particularly impactful to imagine the end of your career or even the days at the end of your life.
A leader who went through the CareerTruth methodology gave this vivid and powerful example of a long-term vision. Early in his career, he took the time to imagine a detailed scene of his future.
“The place I imagined was a boat dock on a large lake near beautiful mountains on a clear and sunny day. In my vision, I was on the dock very early in the day, reading a hard-cover book next to a large boat and water toys I had been readying for the day’s events. Everything was easy and calm. As I heard a joyful voice calling my name, I looked up and saw a crowd of all ages, sizes, and sources approaching. I lower my book, smile, and take in the view. Coming towards me are all the people I care about most. They carry a bounty of goods for a festival-like day where they had fun and shared experiences.
In the crowd was my wife of 50 years, who I met when I was very young and loved as my partner in building my faith, family, and community. I also see my great-grandchild, who can’t wait to sit on my lap while driving the boat again. I see my business partners and their families from the multiple companies we created. I see a variety of people who I had taken great joy in coaching in sports, business, and career. My Pastor, who I served with to help the underserved, was there as a guest of my family. My children were there, excited to spend time with their still healthy Dad. People from all parts of my life are together and coming to enjoy the fruits of the labor and the fulfillment of a life’s mission again.“
Visualizing the ideal future showed this leader precisely what was most important to him. By picturing the outcome, he gained clarity and motivation and could focus on the steps he needed to take to achieve his aim. The first time he was challenged to create this picture, he was 25 years old. The picture and the meaning have grown as he has learned more about himself and what he truly desires. He is now 53 and well on his way to fulfilling this scene.
It’s essential to imagine not just the destination but also the impact we want to have on others. By using visualization, we can create a vivid and powerful image of our future selves, inspiring and inspiring us to work toward our goals. This example of a leader’s long-term vision demonstrates the potential of visualization to create a sense of fulfillment and purpose by bringing together the people and experiences that matter most in our lives. With visualization, we can turn our dreams into a reality and create a fulfilling and meaningful life powered by our purpose and work.
Meaningful words of clarity from this leader’s vision:
Joy
Success
Community
Service
Family
Love
Peace
Health
Legacy
Faith
Variety
Continuous learning
As you visualize your own future, make note of words that describe what you’re seeing. Keep them in mind as you’re making career choices and plans for the future. We have power in creating our lives and our futures with the decisions we make today.