Create a personal vision statement in 3 steps 🔭

Life is full of choices, big and small.

It's easy to feel lost when you aren't sure which path to take or what you truly want in life. Having a clear sense of direction helps you live life with more clarity and purpose.

Have you ever wondered what truly matters to you? Have you ever wondered where you're going in life?

Then a personal vision statement can help you with that!

A personal vision statement is a short description of your values and goals for the future. Think of it as a compass that helps you move towards the life you want to live.

Examples:

• "My vision is to be a lifelong adventurer, traveling the world and exploring new cultures and experiences."

• "My vision is to live a balanced life. I will prioritise my mental and physical health, stay connected to nature, and contribute to my community."

Why create one? A personal vision statement can be a great tool to figure out what's important to you and what you want to achieve in life.

It can motivate you and give you a sense of purpose and direction!

Photo by Anthony Tran on Unsplash

What are you driven by? What matters to you the most in life? Your personal vision statement can focus on one value or include a few (aim for 3 - 6).

• growth

• love

• creativity

• freedom

• health

• courage

• gratitude

• kindness

Your values are like your inner compass — they show what's most important to you, guiding your choices and actions in life.

Personal vision statements can look different depending on your unique values and aspirations. Here are a few examples:

• Career growth: "My vision is to be an honest, empathetic and impactful project leader and to be recognized internationally within my industry."

• Financial freedom: "My goal is to launch a successful company and become financially independent. I want to dedicate my time to helping the less fortunate and meeting people that help me grow and understand life on a deeper level."

Not sure what your values are yet? Ask yourself:

1. What's the most important to me, and why?

2. What do I enjoy doing in my free time? What activities keep me deeply engaged?

3. When do I feel the happiest and most fulfilled?

4. What are my biggest strengths? What am I naturally good at?

5. How do I want to be remembered? What impact do I want to have on future generations?

Quiz: Zara's Personal Vision Statement

Zara wants to write a personal vision statement but is struggling to figure out what truly matters to her. What should she do?

A. Let a friend or family member decide what to write.

B. Think about what makes her feel the happiest in life.

C. Google ideas and copy what someone else has written.

D. Skip this step.

Try to picture your ideal life in 5-10 years, using this guided visualisation exercise. Find a quiet space, sit or lie down, and close your eyes. Try to imagine yourself in the future where you have achieved all your goals — think about your career, relationships, health, and personal growth.

Questions to ask your future self:

• Where would you like to live?

• What kind of work do you imagine doing?

• What do you see yourself doing for fun?

• Who do you see yourself spending time with?

• How do you imagine taking care of yourself?

Open your eyes, return to the present, and write down anything that stood out. Choose one small step you can take today to move closer to that vision.

Check out Bytes like Where Do You Want To Be In 5 Years? on setting goals and planning your future.

Now that you've thought about your values and future self, you're ready to write your personal vision statement! Make sure to:

• Be positive. It should inspire and motivate you!

• Be specific. It should be clear, concise, and make sense to you!

• Write in the present tense. Makes your brain think you have already achieved it!

Below are well-written examples:

• "I envision a life filled with purpose and meaning, where I can make a difference in the lives of others."

• "My vision is to start my own baking business where I sell vegan pastries. I believe in a world that’s free of animal cruelty, so my purpose is to create a sustainable and environmentally friendly business that brings people together and brings attention to the cause."

Photo by Roman Synkevych on Unsplash

Now it's time to use your personal vision statement! Make sure to:

1. Keep it visible by placing it in your bedroom or somewhere you'll see it daily. Set daily reminders to check your vision statement.

2. Repeat your vision statement as a daily affirmation at the start or end of the day.

3. Review and update your personal vision statement as your life changes.

A personal vision statement can be a useful guide when setting goals and making decisions in your everyday life. Create one today!