Here’s a simple 15 minute exercise to do with a friend to prime the pump: have them ask “What do you want?” repeatedly. Then start writing about what your ideal life feels like, looks like, and sounds like. Imagine success and write about what you are experiencing and why you love it. Write about what is really important. Write a story for yourself. When you’re finished, read it and check to see if you touched on these topics: your home, relationships, health and wellness, work, personal pursuits, play and recreation, spirituality, and making a difference.

Why take the time to do this, you ask. The simple answer is that you will need to have a vision before you can set goals. Let me use golf courses as an analogy to explain.

When starting out in golf, many of us start by playing a short and easy executive course – par 56. We then move on to playing a par 65 or easy full size course. The next step for us serious golfers is to look for a well groomed, interesting and challenging course. However, ask 20 golfers and you will get no consensus on which is the best course. The only area of agreement will probably be Pebble Beach . The point here is that everyone is unique and so is our choice of what makes a great golf course. The other point is that without the Pebble Beach vision, you could be limiting yourself to playing the executive course eternally.

One of my golf coach’s favorite sayings is “If you can’t see it then you can’t hit it.” If you haven’t thought about it, you certainly won’t be able to hit it. If your goals are not in alignment with each other, you will be working hard and not feeling the enjoyment, and you will certainly find it difficult to realize your vision. Everyone is unique and so is our vision of what makes a great life. Whatever your vision, you owe it to yourself to know the possibilities and your capabilities.

Your Career Vision

Over the years, I have supported many people achieve clarity about what they love to do best in their business. Is it business development, people development or is it operations? I help them define the piece of their growing business to which they would love to devote their time and the pieces to outsource.

One final thought I want to share: I just read the vision I completed in 2005 and an earlier version from 2001 when I began my business. The 2001 version was simpler and less compelling. The 2005 version is a much bigger dream with clarity and heartfelt passion. Reading my vision brings tears of joy to my eyes and I can honestly say YES, that is what I truly want.

You too can have this feeling once you define your vision. Start today. Know what is in your heart and have a vision before you set too many goals. When you know what the big picture looks like, you will choose to play your game in a way that gives you the most enjoyment and satisfaction.