You're Successful, But Are You Visionary?

If you want to go somewhere in your career, you have to know exactly where that “somewhere” is. If that "somewhere" seems impossible, if it demands more than you think you have to give, you might have a vision for your life. You've reached a certain level of success—but do you have a vision that inspires you when you get out of bed in the morning? What would that be for you?
 
Steve Jobs wanted to “put a ding in the universe,” that was his vision. Your vision may not put a ding in the larger universe—but it needs to make a dent in your universe. What would be worth investing your life, your time, your money into, so even if you failed you would say, "I have no regrets, it was all worth it."
 
Here are three tips to help you with your vision:
 
Your vision has to be your vision:
It can’t be your parent’s vision, your significant other's vision or the vision programmed into you by the culture you grew up in.  I can’t tell you how many doctors, lawyers and engineers I have coached who were living out their parent’s dream—and their nightmare. You'll know if your vision is truly yours because it will light a fire in you that never goes out.
 
You have to grow into your vision:
If you have a vision to be a best-selling author or to find the cure for an “incurable disease,” chances are you have a lot of growing to do. In fact, if you are assured you can achieve your vision, it’s probably a goal instead. Imagine a vision that demands that you grow and transform in order to reach it. Get a vision that is worthy of who you are and what you are capable of. 
 
Be honest with yourself:
A vision has to be supported by who you can become and by the skills you can acquire; otherwise it’s just a dream. When you really know what you want (what stirs your heart and spirit) you will also have the capacity to become the person required to achieve that vision. Don’t sell yourself short, but don’t waste your time wishing upon a star either. Spend your time discovering what you really want to do, because what you really want to do might be an incredible stretch, but it will be a stretch that is possible for you.
 
--Alan Allard, Executive Coach