Giraffes can see close, far, and wide thanks to their large, bulging eyes. Their amazing eyesight allows them to see what is in front of them AND what is in the distance and around them. (Did you know giraffes can see their feet when they look straight ahead?)

Imagine having giraffe-like vision in your personal life, your career, your business. You would have clear direction and purpose. You would know where to spend your time and energy. You would know your True North. I like to think of it as having a custom GPS for my relationships, actions, and decisions. Without vision, progress wanes and annoyance creeps in.

Here is how to get giraffe-like vision – write and honor your personal and professional/business vision and mission.

To get started let me differentiate VISION and MISSION.  Mission statements focus on the now. Vision statements focus on the future. Mission statements guide daily behavior. Vision statements inspire dreams. Or if you like, fill in this sentence: “Every day, I/we will [mission], so that I/we can [vision].

Here are mine.

Just a regular visit to Target on a regular day.

My personal (Jeannette Grace) vision statement is: Live an exciting, fun life!

My personal (Jeannette Grace) mission statement is: Learn, do, and experience new things in my own unique, quirky way.

OR “Every day I will learn, do, and experience new things in my own unique, quirky way so that I can live an exciting, fun life!

My business (Expressive! Communication Consulting & Training) vision statement is: Create great workplaces with powerful communication.

My business (Expressive! Communication Consulting & Training) mission statement is: Listen to clients to identify needs and design solutions to create successful organizations with exceptional employees.

OR “Every day I will listen to clients to identify needs and design solutions to create successful organizations with exceptional employees so that we/I can create great workplaces with powerful communication.

When I look at my vision and mission, the guess work is gone; I know exactly where to focus.  When I honor my vision and mission in my relationships, actions, and decisions, I get to be happy and fulfilled.

 

Do you have giraffe-like vision? If yes, please share your vision and mission by commenting below.

Would you like giraffe-like vision? Then use the technique above (or use your own). If you need a jump start, look at these … you decide if they are/were visions and missions.

To have fun in my journey through life and learn from my mistakes. –Richard Branson

Not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style. –Maya Angelou

To make people happy. –Walt Disney

I want to serve the people. And I want every girl, every child to be educated. –Malala Yousafzai

We envision a community free of child abuse and neglect, where every child has a safe family environment in which to grow and thrive. –Minneapolis Crisis Nursery

To help all families discover the joy of everyday life. –Target

Spread ideas. –TED

(If you’d like to explore more, go here.)

Now, I want to hear from YOU!

What is YOUR vision and mission?

What vision or mission inspire you?


If you want clearer direction for your personal or professional life, read these:

2-Part Goal Setting

Smart Goals for Smart People