So we know that a carefully defined vision is important because it provides direction to our decisions, gives purpose to our actions, and influences our practice. Let’s get a little more practical and talk about 3 important elements that make up a properly defined vision:

1. You Must Be Passionate

If you’re a business owner, product designer, or key decision maker, you have to be passionate about your vision. You must carry the banner because for one, you may be the only one who can effectively articulate your vision. Additionally, if you’re not passionate about your own vision, no one is going to be passionate about it. 

When John F. Kennedy announced to the nation that his vision was to put a man on the moon before 1970, he captivated the American people with his passion which caused the nation to get behind him in support. Imagine the response had he delivered his speech with the same gusto as Ben Stein in the movie “Ferris Beuller’s Day Off”. Remember that part, when students are falling asleep left and right as the professor drones on about the Smoot-Hawley Tariff and the Great Depression…”Anybody…Anybody?”.

Passion is contagious and if you are passionate about your vision chances are you’ll get others to be passionate about it as well. Your vision may not seem very grand to you, in the same sense as perhaps Kennedy’s vision was. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be passionate about it. 

2. Keep It Real

While passion is essential, it’s always good to have a helpful dose of reality from time to time. Keep in mind, a realistic vision doesn’t have to mean a mediocre vision. Kennedy’s vision was far from mediocre, and it was a “giant leap for mankind” to be sure, but he was confident enough in the knowledge and drive of those involved in the project to get the job done. 

It’s important to be realistic in your vision because your vision needs to be attainable, otherwise it wouldn’t be a vision, it would be a dream. But something that’s attainable doesn’t mean it has to have already been attained. Or just because something has always been done a certain way doesn’t mean your vision has to call for the same process. I’ve found the best dose of reality usually comes from those who care more for you personally than they do about your vision. This can be a spouse, a loved one, or a really close friend/colleague. You want to stay grounded, but not at the expense that you can’t look above what’s already been done.

3. Keep It Simple

The simpler your vision is the more attainable it will be. The more complex your vision is, the easier it will be to become bogged down in the details. But a simple vision doesn’t mean an easy vision. Kennedy’s vision was far from easy (putting a man on the moon), but it was simple enough that the American people could understand it, and simple enough that those around him could develop it. 

If I could only speak one thought to every client I have worked with and will work with in the future, I would say this: simplify. Simplify your plan, simplify your strategy, simplify your design, simplify your vision. In our businesses it is rare that we ever get to the point of being too simple - in fact, we typically err on the side of the complex.

When it comes to your vision, be bold, be visionary, be passionate, be real - but above all be simple. This will allow you to easily remember your vision, easily communicate your vision, easily empower others to get onboard, and easily equip others to help you reach your goals.

—

Art Credit: “The Verre et pichet” by Pablo Picasso