What is your unique vision of yourself?

Ask the Coach

By Marshall Brown, CPCC, President, Marshall Brown & Associates, Washington
published in AssociationTRENDS. reprinted with permission.

Each of us has goals in life. As a personal coach, I have been fortunate to help execs develop those goals into personal visions, unique for each individual.

Vision to me is when you create a future picture of yourself living a life filled with passion and accomplishment. Where do you see yourself going in the next year? What do you want to be doing, both personally and professionally?

When I say "vision," I'm not talking about New Year's resolutions. Where do you see yourself in December 2005? For some people, the goal is to develop a stronger personal relationship with someone. Perhaps you see yourself as more self-confident or self-assured. You might see your work as a calling, so it figures heavily in your personal vision. Your vision must align with what is really important to you because vision is what drives action! Every successful business ­ and individual ­ starts with a vision.

Most people say they don't have any idea what their vision is. Research conducted by Entrevis, an executive coaching company, shows that "most of us do know what our vision is, but have been conditioned by the world not to speak it out loud." I suggest that there is no better time than now to have your vision heard! Create your vision along with the beliefs and conviction to stand behind it ­ and speak it.

If you are feeling stuck with developing your vision, here are a few questions to ponder:

• What gives me the most energy in my life?
• What is most exciting as I imagine life from the perspective of my vision?
• How will I differ when living my vision?
• What is my idea of an ideal day?

Also, illicit the support of others in hearing your vision. It's one thing to tell ourselves about our vision. It's another thing to say it out loud!

By the way, the best part about a vision ­ you get to make it up! Along the way, reflect on it and revise it whenever you choose ­ because it¹s your vision and is forever evolving.

On another note, I would like to encourage you to look at what you accomplished this year, not what you didn¹t complete. Acknowledge the changes, risks and challenges you were able to accomplish, and allow yourself to take in and believe in all the praises you received this year. Finally, I would like to thank you for your support over the past year. I have enjoyed writing this column and hopefully have provided some fresh insights. My wish for you in the coming year is to show yourself and others the powerful person you can be. As the Talmud states, "If not now, when?"

Marshall Brown, a certified career and executive coach has always had a passion for helping people find ways to live more fulfilling lives. As a coach, Brown helps individuals to find their passions and encourages them to move ahead in reaching their goals. His book, High Level Resumes, reflects his successful work with hundreds of job candidates. Reach him at marshall@mbrownassociates.com.

Ask the Coach addresses questions and concerns of assn professionals about their careers. Send your questions to marshall@mbrownassociates.com.

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