Guiding Principles of Life: Have you Crafted a Vision Statement?
A Life List, sometimes called a bucket list, is a set of priorities you want to achieve now, later, or long term. Having a meaning to your goals helps you define your purpose. Although you may have ranked your priorities in order of potential accomplishments, do you have a Life Guide: Vision, Mission, and Core Values statement? A written vision to assist in setting goals will bring you and your family’s best values to the table.
“It’s not hard to make decisions when you know your values.” – Roy Disney
One of the most enjoyable ways to examine a Life’s purpose is to create a Vision Statement that includes your mission and core values. Top executives, athletes, and thriving families find it the key to achieving their full potential. When phrased compellingly, it acts like a magnet, pulling your goals toward you and becoming your energy touchstone.
We have found the following steps or prompts helpful for your vision statement.
WHAT PRINCIPLES AND BELIEFS ARE MOST IMPORTANT TO OUR FAMILY? Could you share some of the core principles and beliefs that are significant to your family? Feel free to elaborate on these values, and we can explore them further once you've provided your initial thoughts.
WHAT WOULD YOUR FAMILY LIKE TO ACHIEVE LONG-TERM (10 YEARS)? Share your family's long-term aspirations and goals. What do you envision accomplishing together over the years? This could include personal, professional, or any other areas that matter to your family's future.
WHERE DO WE SEE YOUR LEGACY IN 30, 50, OR 250 YEARS? This question encourages you to consider the long-term impact and legacy your family wishes to leave for future generations. How do you imagine your family's influence, values, and achievements being remembered and carried forward over these extended time frames?
WHAT SETS OUR FAMILY APART FROM OTHER FAMILIES? WHAT MAKES US STAND OUT OR SPECIAL? Please take a moment to reflect and provide some insights into what makes your family unique or distinguishes you from others.
HOW DO WE WANT TO TREAT EACH OTHER WITHIN THE FAMILY? Think about the values and principles that you want to guide your interactions and relationships within your family. What kind of atmosphere or culture do you want to foster within your family unit?
WHAT STEPS CAN WE TAKE TO ENHANCE OUR FAMILY DYNAMICS? Consider any specific actions, behaviors, or changes that your family can undertake to improve how you function together. Are there any particular goals or strategies you'd like to implement?
HOW CAN WE GROW INDIVIDUALLY AND AS A FAMILY TO EQUIP FUTURE GENERATIONS? Think about the skills, values, and experiences you want to pass down to future generations within your family. Are there any specific areas of personal or collective growth you would like to focus on?
HOW CAN WE SUPPORT AND ASSIST INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY? Consider how your family can provide support, encouragement, and assistance to each family member's personal growth and well-being. Are there any specific initiatives or approaches you'd like to emphasize within your family?
IN WHAT WAYS CAN WE CONTRIBUTE TO OUR COMMUNITY AND SERVE ITS NEEDS? Think about how your family can make a positive impact on your local community or the broader society. Are there specific areas or causes you'd like to be involved in or support as a family?
IN WHAT WAYS CAN WE CONTRIBUTE TO OUR COMMUNITY AND SERVE ITS NEEDS? Think about how your family can make a positive impact on your local community or the broader society. Are there specific areas or causes you'd like to be involved in or support as a family?
For your core values, what are they, and what do these values look like in your everyday life? We recommend that you use the Core Values exercise worksheet to narrow your values down to five, which may include the definition of what the value means to you and your family.
This Vision, Mission, and Core Values exercise is not a one-and-done event. It includes mindfulness for you, your spouse, and your family. Being inclusive of family members gives the next generation the ability to be heard and the opportunity to pull the values forward to future generations. On the other hand, if you develop your values without others being considered, your vision may be short-term. If you want to impact the world, it is your choice to have it last during your lifetime or an enduring legacy.
Having a guide, either personally or as a Vision, Mission and Core Values Statement as a family, assists with purposeful behavior and thoughts. It shapes the priorities you set and how you react to obstacles and gives clarity to your future ventures.
