Exercise: Developing Your Personal Vision

Adapted from Resonant Leadership and Co-Active coaching

Introduction:

A personal vision is the deepest expression of what we want in life. It is a description of our preferred future, not a prediction of what will be. In this sense, your personal vision should describe what kind of person you want to be, and what you want out of life, work, family etc.

Your personal vision is a description of the future you dream about.

Exercise 1: Creating your Personal Vision Narrative

Choose a year in the future (at least five years from now and no more than fifteen) that has a symbolic meaning to you.
Write a two page story describing specifically what you are doing, where you are, what you are feeling, what you are thinking, who is there, what your environment looks like i.e. sights, sounds, smells etc.
Imagine yourself, and your life, at that time. Write a vivid description of all aspects of your life- in the present tense. In other words, write your vision as if it is that particular date in the future.

Exercise 2: Colouring the Detail of your Personal Vision

What are the most important elements of your personal vision? What do you want and dream of most? Think of all the areas in your life including relationships, family, health, career, money, physical environment, social life, personal development etc.
What would it look and feel like?
What would your main achievements be?
How would you spend your time?
What relationships would you focus on, develop at work and in your personal life?
What would your key highlights be?

Exercise 3: Observation & Sharing

What are the overall themes you observe about your dreams and wishes?
Once you have given this some thought aim to put this into a coherent statement of your desired future.
If you are in a committed relationship then your vision is really a shared vision for the pair of you. If appropriate, try repeating the process with your spouse to create a shared vision.