By Robin Fisher Roffer
Set an intention that takes you to the nexus of authentic purpose and potential.
“So tell me, where do you see yourself in five years?” I’ve always had distain for that frequently asked and totally uninspired interview question. After all, it’s not about the next five years -- it’s about your whole life! The question should be, “What kind of impact do you want to make in the world and how do you want to be recognized for it?”
The only way to give a thoughtful response to that question is to sit down and imagine what you really want for your career long term and then crisply articulate that audacious dream so that it can take flight.
The vision statement you arrive at should answer the question, “Where do I want to go? It should deliver a cosmic view of possibilities. It can be uncharted and far-reaching – even farfetched. It can never be small-minded and laced with fear.
Marianne Williamson once said, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world.”
Vision statements serve as an inspiration and framework for decision making and planning. A powerful vision statement can stretch boundaries and comfort zones – empowering you to have a sense of what can be.
The most successful companies in the world write vision statements. When the statement is short and memorable, it can lead the company to do incredible, sometimes unthinkable things. Case in point, look at what Microsoft wrote for their vision statement back in the 1980’s:
"A computer in every home running Microsoft software." This vision statement may have seemed unattainable to most people back then. In fact, I’m sure there were employees inside the company who were afraid of the largesse of the task. Yet it served as a North Star that has driven Microsoft's success to this day.
Whether it’s Ford’s vision “To become the world's leading Consumer Company for automotive products and services” or Nike’s vision “To be the number one athletic company in the world,” there’s a sense of fearlessness – of destiny – as if planting your flag and liberating yourself is to say, “This is who I am and this is how far I can go.” Just as Walt Whitman once said, “Sail Forth- Steer for the deep waters only.” Use your personal vision statement to be the compass for your career.
Different from your mission statement, which answers why you do what you do, your vision statement sets in motion your career destiny. It should be so immense you feel a little scared just writing it down, but do it anyway, and guide yourself to success. Then surround yourself with the right people who will cheer you on as you say “yes” to opportunities that will manifest your vision.
Write a vision statement today so you can fearlessly achieve your dreams and spark the energy within yourself to make them a reality.
Robin Fisher Roffer has ignited brands of major corporations like Sony, Time-Warner and 20th Century Fox. For her work, she is ranked on the Top 5 List of Most Influential Brand Gurus in the World. She appears as a career expert on national TV programs such as ABC, Bloomberg and Fox. Learn more about Robin at: http://bigfishmarketing.com/career-blogging.
