The Essence of Happiness

“The essence of true happiness is subordinating what we want now for what we want eventually.”  Stephen R. Covey 

I enjoy basketball and have been playing the sport since I was very young and one of my favorite times of the year is during the NBA Championship.  Watching the two best basketball teams with some of the greatest athletes in the world compete for the title of Champion is exhilarating.   

This year while watching the championship series I noticed I was not only anticipatory of the games but also down right impatient.  After one game would end, I was ready to watch another!  And having to wait several days in between them was torturous—so much so that by the time the game would finally arrive I was almost angry by the wait, which caused me to not enjoy the game as much. 

I think this level of impatience is pretty common in our society today.  We see it all the time.  Rather than wait and work and put in the effort before we get something, we just want it right now!  Often times we see others with what we want so we just click a few buttons and then voila, we have it.    Waiting has become almost nonexistent in our world with modern technology and the World Wide Web that I fear we may be missing out.  Rather than giving up what we want now for a better good or a higher cause, we take what we can get and refuse to wait.          

I believe those that are happiest in life are patient.  They have a vision for the future and put in the work and wait to get what they eventually want most in life.  They don’t expect instant results and supplant their everyday wants with a focus toward their ultimate goal.  They understand that waiting is an important part of the process.  Normally in life, the most personal satisfaction comes from those things that take time, effort, and energy before we earn them.  And this is the “essence of happiness.” 

Vision for Life

“You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage, non-apologetically, to say “no” to other things.  And the way to do that is by having a bigger “yes” burning inside.”  Stephen R. Covey

 

Having a vision for our life is so important.  Without a vision we surely will never become what we ought to become or do what we ought to do.  There are too many distractions in our world today, too many voices pulling us one way or another.  Without a vision we will be like a wave in the ocean, driven by the wind and tossed around without direction. 

The ability to say “no” when something is not aligned with our vision is an important leadership trait.  Establishing a vision and living true to it is not easy.  There are so many enticing and alluring things thrown at us all of the time that can easily derail us and distract us from what we want most in life.  Having the discipline to say “no” when others are saying “yes” is difficult for all of us.

Having a vision for our life, an ultimate destiny and desire, is so critical though.  When properly created and properly held in our mind, our vision can guide our actions, help us establish and align our goals, and lead us on a path that is focused and disciplined.  Having a vision will allow us to become our best selves.

So what is your highest priority in life?  What do you hope to accomplish more than anything else?  What or who do you want to become?  If you aren’t sure, decide today what is most important, create a clear vision of what that looks like in your mind, let it burn within you, and then move toward it minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day. 

Inevitably there will be slip ups, wrong roads we will take, and time wasted along the way but don’t get discouraged and don’t give up.  Keep focused on who you really are and what you really want!      

Our Future Self

“Have a clear vision of your future self and then behave today in a way that will allow you to become that person.”  Anonymous

Recently I was speaking with a friend of mine who has the opportunity to work with youth on a regular basis.  During our chat he mentioned how in conversations with them they’d often express their dreams and desires for the future such as going to a prestigious university, graduating with honors, having a family, and obtaining a successful and prestigious career yet he noticed that many of their current actions and behaviors were completely contradictory to what they claimed they ultimately desired.  This frustrated my friend and so he was trying to figure out a way he could help these youth understand where their current actions may lead them and how their actions today would determine who they’d become tomorrow. 

Much like these youth, as adults we often do the exact same thing.  We say we want certain things in our life but then we do things that will never help us accomplish them. Unfortunately, often what we truly want in life is completely unattainable, not because we are incapable of accomplishing it, but because of our current choices. 

Let’s us a simple example.  We may say we want complete financial independence by a certain age in life but then we keep doing our same job, spend our entire pay check each month on frivolous things, and do very little during our free time to improve ourselves or our financial situation.  In these instances our actions, much like the youth my friend works with, are completely contrary to our stated desire. Rather than change our behaviors and begin to do things differently, we act as if we believe one day our desires will magically appear on our door step.      

I believe a big reason this phenomenon happens so frequently with all of us is because we fail to have a clear vision of ourselves.  We can articulate what we want for the future but our focus remains on the here and now.  Rather than believing and seeing our future selves and what we ultimately desire, we focus only on our current self and simply do what makes us feel good right at this moment.  Sure we hope for the best yet we continually put off the often difficult things that will help us accomplish our goals.  Instead of sacrificing a little now we begin to deceive ourselves by believing we can keep postponing our efforts for a later day.  After awhile we even sometimes begin to believe that success and failure in life is merely a matter of chance and we start to lose hope.  And before we know it, we end up some place we never wanted or thought we’d be.

Using the earlier example, if we can change and begin to truly see ourselves as someone who is financially independent, we will then begin to act like it.  Whereas a lack of vision leads us down the road of redundancy as we continue to do the same things over and over again acting as if someday what we desire will one day just appear, having a clear vision of our future selves helps us to begin to take the necessary steps to get to where we want to go.  Decisions become easier when we can see exactly who we want to be.

Having a clear vision of our future self is a powerful way to reach our potential and become our best self. So how does your future self look?  And are you doing things that will allow you to become that person?  As we hold a clear picture of our future self in our mind we will begin to change those actions that are contradictory to our vision and will replace them with actions that support who we want to become.  Only in this way will we be able to move forward and accomplish the great things in life we desire most.             

Bee Vision

A couple months ago I read an article in an alumni magazine about a study on bees. It was discovered that a bee’s eyes were in the exact same shape of the honeycomb it produces. The author of the article pointed out that vision has a profound impact on actions.

With this in mind, what is our vision in life? What do we hope to accomplish, what do we want to do? Is our vision clear or murky? Do we believe we can do something great? Do we have the discipline to be truly committed to it? I’ve found in business and in life that those who have a clear vision are successful.

A vision is often a long-term goal of what we hope to become or accomplish. It is something that in the present seems a bit far-fetched or foolish but over time (maybe 10 years or maybe 50 years) with the right actions, can be achieved. It is the future we hope to create. And in my mind, anything is possible!

Like the bee, our vision will guide our actions. It will help direct us and lead us. A good vision will also inspire and motivate us. Our vision will shape us and make us become the type of people we want to become.

If we are committed to a vision in life, much like the bee, it will define our actions. Likewise, much like the bee and honeycomb, we must have a clear vision and when we do we can make it reality!

Steps to Make Your Vision Work for You

Recently I had a colleague confess to me that he was struggling to establish and push a vision for his company. He explained that he understood the purpose and potential benefits of having and promoting a vision for his company but he admitted he just wasn’t sure how to make his vision work for him. He wasn’t sure how to use the vision to inspire and align his workforce. Thinking about this, I’ve come up with some simple steps to help us make our visions work for us.

# 1 Write it Down

If we struggling to promote or work towards our vision, the first thing to do is write it down. Writing down our vision helps to make it real and clear. Often a vision stuck in our head is not as clear as it may be once we write it down. Writing down the vision gives it true meaning and significance bringing it to life and making it a reality rather than an obscure concept. Also, writing our vision allows us to better assess the vision to ensure it says what we really hope to become which is step number two.

#2 Analyze it

Once your vision is written down—analyze it. The purpose of analyzing your vision is to make sure you got it right. Is it really what you want to accomplish? Does reading your vision excite you and make you want to be better?! Does your vision invoke passion and enthusiasm?! Will your vision drive performance? If you can answer yes to these questions, then you are ready for step 3.

#3 Create a Plan

Once your vision is written down and solidified, it is time to come up with a plan to achieve it! This happens by establishing goals and steps to reach your vision. Whether the vision is for one person or an entire corporation, each goal set must clearly contribute to or work toward reaching the vision.

#4 Promote it

While developing and implementing the plan, promote the vision. This is done by communication, communication, and more communication. Your written, verbal, (and even body language) communication must speak to your vision. Memos, meetings, emails, discussions, display cases, bulletin boards, interviews, one-on-ones, appointments, etc. must speak to your vision. During formal or informal conversations, your vision must be apart of it. Indeed, your vision must become apart of you. Your actions are also critical and must be consistent with achieving the vision. You know you’ve promoted your vision well when each decision made is made with the end in mind or the vision in mind.

#5 Re-evaluate it

Finally, you must re-evaluate your vision continually. Times change, circumstances change, and people change and sometimes a vision no longer inspires or motivates, or is really what you want to become. Thus, in order to keep your vision alive and working for you , it is important to re-evaluate it frequently. During this evaluation if you determine it is time for a new vision, simply start back at step number one.

Following these five steps will help make your vision work for you. Don’t delay in establishing a vision for your life, family, department, organization, or whatever you are apart of. The journey to success starts with the end in mind—a vision!

Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals (part 6)

“Only extraordinary goals provoke extraordinary efforts.”
Hamel and Prahalad Competing for the Future

Maximizing a Vision

Once your vision is in place, don’t let it fall to the wayside. Keep it visible and reference it often. Also, you need to begin to live it, believe it, and strive for it. Setting the example will greatly impact those around you who are familiar with the goal.

Additionally, remember there are no boundaries! Your vision is what you want it to be, even if it may be nearly impossible. Remember, nothing great has ever been accomplished without first having envisioned it.

Also, doubting, or second-guessing the vision, will only make the impossibility of it a reality. Have the courage, discipline, and determination to believe in yourself and your organization. A vision is accomplished step-by-step, day-by-day. There will definitely be days of discouragement or setbacks, but having the vision and maintaining consistency will allow you to remain focused.

Initially, don’t expect to see miracles as soon as a vision is announced, although it may happen. Typically, it takes time for the vision to enter the hearts of your people and to begin motivating them. Often they have to hear it many times before they will remember it. Others have to see or hear peers talking and believing it before they will follow. Over time your vision will be a powerful influence on everyone. Create the vision, set the example, and then look back after several months and you will notice the difference.

So remember, don’t let your vision be pushed to the side. Instead, always have it out in front of you; live your vision every day. Only by doing this will your vision align, inspire, motivate, and direct you towards your ultimate destiny. As you create a vision, you will begin to achieve your goals, and you will live every day with direction and purpose!

Read Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals Part 1
Read Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals Part 2
Read Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals Part 3
Read Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals Part 4
Read Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals Part 5

Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals (part 5)

“Not all dreams need to be reachable; they just have to fuel your fire, and provide direction and drive.”

Unknown

Case in Point

A few years back, and only a couple of years out of college I became the director of a large and highly dysfunctional department within a healthcare organization. Most employees were more than twice my age, had worked for the organization for longer than I had been alive, and did not like change nor being told what to do by some hotshot know-it-all. I was excited to have the opportunity, but I instantly realized I didn’t really know where to begin or how to motivate these people to ultimately have success.

After studying the situation I decided my employees needed to feel as if they were contributing to a great cause (which they were), and they needed to be aligned to common goals and be lead in one direction. I set a vision for the department that at the time most people laughed at. The vision essentially stated our department would establish a positive and known reputation throughout the state where our organization resided. I also established a short-term, mid-term, and long-term goal that would help us along the way to achieving our vision.

I began referencing these goals and vision as often as possible. In every meeting I would bring them up, and in every interaction I’d find a way to work them into our conversation. I wrote the goals and vision on the big white board in my office, and I put them on our department bulletin board as well. I even wrote a Christmas letter to each employee reminding them of our goals and ultimate destiny. I would quiz employees in the hallways and at lunch. Though I’m sure many thought this was overkill; it was always in every employee’s mind, and it was a source of motivation and energy. Every employee knew what we were working for!

Before long, things began to improve among the employees. Slowly at first, but as we began to make progress the vision became more and more exciting and motivating as it started to seem more and more attainable. Employees began working more together, and others began referencing our goals and vision in conversation with co-workers.

Results also quickly began to improve. First, we slowly began being recognized in the hospital as a bright light instead of a black hole. Our internal reputation improved. Next we began receiving patient compliments, appreciation, and praise. Finally, our patient satisfaction scores directly related to our department began to improve. Simply because of this vision, things began to dramatically change little by little over time.

Though I wasn’t able to see the ultimate success of the department (because I left to accept a better position), by simply setting a clear vision, we had made huge improvements in a short amount of time. Looking back, I made few changes when taking over that department other than driving home the established vision and goals. This is what brought about our success. From this experience I learned that creating a vision works!

So, what do you have to lose? Create a vision for your family, your club, your work group, or yourself. As you become aligned and focused towards this vision, you will begin to achieve your goals!

Read Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals Part 1
Read Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals Part 2
Read Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals Part 3
Read Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals Part 4
Read Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals Part 6

Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals (part 4)

“Anyone can be great for a day, a week, a month. But the people who ultimately will be successful are the ones who understand that success is a long-term commitment, a marathon instead of a sprint.”

Rick Pitino

Lacking a Vision!?

Lacking a vision will get you nowhere in life, in business, or in anything. Think big! Do you really just want to try and stay in business, struggling to get by each day? Or do you want to be number one in your industry, make social change, or strive for perfection? What do you truly want with your business and life? Whatever you truly want as your final destiny is your vision. Do not let doubt and fear get in the way. Your potential is great! Besides, what is the worst that can happen by striving to accomplish what you want most? If, after fifty years of hard work you do not fully achieve your vision, surely you and your business will be better off for trying to get there than having no vision at all. Your vision will provide drive and fuel for yourself, or your company, and it will propel you to be successful and to achieve your goals.

Now, my friend pointed out to me that when he began his business, he was very successful and he never had a vision. This happens all of the time due to outstanding products, people, ideas, etc. However, what happens when these products begin to fade or your good people begin to leave. Being successful for a time is possible, but sustaining success long-term without a vision is difficult. As human beings, without direction and a destination, we start to wonder, “Why am I doing what I’m doing?” All people like to have a purpose for what they are doing, and most want meaningful work, especially the in-coming generation of workers. With the job force shrinking as the baby boomers age, companies that are able to inspire and give their employees meaningful work will have an edge over others. Why not supply that meaning to workers?

Additionally, and perhaps best of all, developing and establishing a vision statement for an organization does not cost a thing, it's free!! In fact, it doesn’t take too much effort at all. Simply define what your company’s destiny is, what you are passionate about, and what drives you to work everyday; then spread it. Be an example by living it, believing it, and referring to it as often as possible. By doing this, the vision will begin to enter the hearts of your workers, and they will begin to be excited and motivated by it. Of course, there will always be those who don’t believe the vision is possible or who believe it is simply ridiculous in the beginning, but they too will still feel some excitement as they begin to work. Likewise, other peoples’ enthusiasm will rub off on them and decision-making will become aligned.

Many studies have proven that internal motivators such as a vision have a much greater impact on an employee than tangible rewards, including raises and money. So what are you waiting for?! Supply yourself and/or your workforce with a vision and reap the benefits!

Read Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals Part 1
Read Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals Part 2
Read Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals Part 3
Read Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals Part 5
Read Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals Part 6

Create A Vision, Achieve Your Goals (part 3)

Anyone running a small company should be enormously encouraged by the fact that there are so many examples of companies that overcame seemingly insuperable resource handicaps and built positions of global leadership.

Starting resource positions are a very poor predictor of future industry leadership.”

Hamel & Prahalad Competing for the Future

What is a Vision

A vision is that one thing you really want to become, or have, or accomplish. Most often, it is something that may seem impossible at the present time. A very familiar business case study includes a small Japanese company Komatsu Limited overtaking the strong, successful and proven America based company Caterpillar, Inc. In this real life scenario, Caterpillar Inc. had dominated the earth-moving industry for years and years. The idea that someone could overtake them, especially a cash poor small competitor was absurd to even consider. But suddenly, quickly, and very unexpectedly Komatsu overtook CAT to become the leader in the earth-moving industry. Komatsu’s great success began with a simple vision in mind to “Encircle CAT”, meaning they wanted to surpass Caterpillar and become the industry leader.

In the beginning, when this idea was rolled forward, this vision seemed not only impossible but also ludicrous. Many business analysts thought the company was “naïve” and no one took them seriously. However, as the company leaders began basing every decision on how they could overtake CAT, things began to change as the vision aligned and inspired the team at Komatsu and drove them to success. Their rise to the top was relatively quick, despite the fact they were so seemingly at a huge disadvantage.

Though this example occurred many years ago, a vision can be just as powerful in the business world today. In fact, there are many companies that continue to do exactly as Komatsu did and become industry leaders despite beginning with huge disadvantages. So, what you want to become and whatever your ultimate vision or destiny is for organization is achievable. As you align and direct your company with a clear vision, only good things can happen. So, do you want to be number one in your industry, or free the world from poverty, or set the standard for customer service? Whatever it is that gives your company meaning and purpose will instantly supply a vision.

The company vision must be expressed clearly to all that are involved in working towards making it a reality. Discussions about what success will look like and what it will feel like needs to be apart of almost every company communication to make it stick. As it sticks, people will begin to envision reaching the established destiny and will become excited about it. As communication flows in your business, updates and progress on reaching the vision must be addressed. Likewise, all decisions made including improving quality, cutting costs, starting a new product line, etc. should all tie to the vision. If the vision has been successfully disseminated, every decision made in your organization will be driven by it, and every worker will be aligned and heading in one direction. This will instantly result in a boost in morale, teamwork, and creativity as your company function together towards one vision.

Read Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals Part 1
Read Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals Part 2
Read Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals Part 4
Read Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals Part 5
Read Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals Part 6

Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals (part 2)

"Every employee has the right to feel that he or she is contributing to the building of a legacy--something to value that is bigger and more lasting than anything that one could accomplish on one's own. Many companies are beginning to realize that all their employees have brains. How many companies, understand that their employees have hearts as well?"

Hamel & Prahalad, Competing for the Future

Why a Vision

Every great accomplishment has started with a vision. Someone or some organization first believed they could accomplish something and envisioned it before it ever became a reality. Starting any task without a vision is like getting into your car and driving without a final destination. There is no purpose, reason, or rhyme to why you are driving; there is no destination. You are simply driving, to drive. This is what happens to employees at work who do not have a destination or an ultimate goal in mind. Nobody knows why things are being done. People may have an idea or a guess to why things are done a certain way, but why have people guessing? Companies as well as individuals must define their destiny and have a strategic intent or vision. This will help fuel the fire to continually strive towards a known end.

Creating this destiny or vision establishes a purpose for everything we do. Our minds are powerful as well as our desire to succeed, and it is easier to tap into this power when we are motivated and know the direction we are headed. People need to know the destination their actions are leading towards to go the extra mile. Giving yourself or your organization a clear purpose in life will lead and guide you and them to excellence and success. Remember, everyone wants to be successful and everyone wants to have a purpose--so supply yourself, or your organization with a clear purpose and the opportunity to succeed! Envisioning and expressing what you want to accomplish in the end will help make your goals a reality.

Read Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals Part 1
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Read Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals Part 4
Read Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals Part 5
Read Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals Part 6

Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals (part 1)

“Lacking a compelling sense of direction, few employees feel a compelling sense of responsibility for competitiveness. Most people won’t go that extra mile unless they know where they are heading.”

Hamel & Prahalad, Competing for the Future

I recently was having a conversation about business with one of my colleagues, and we were talking about setting a vision for his organization that is currently in turmoil. I was shocked when he said he didn’t think creating a “catchy” vision would do anything for his organization and that he was in fact, too busy handling more important things such as trying to simply meet customer demands and expectations. Obviously he didn’t understand the impact a vision or strategic intent can have on an organization and on individuals.

“Now,” I told him, “imagine if you asked employees at your company why he or she did what they did each day and they all responded with the same answer such as, to be number one in our industry, or to overtake our fiercest competitor, or to set the standard for customer service in our industry. Imagine if all staff members readily answered this question in the same way instantly without thought or hesitation. Imagine the improved teamwork, direction, inspiration, creativity, and morale boost your organization would have as everyone would be aligned and working towards a clear purpose and a common goal.”

“On the contrary,” I continued, “now imagine your current company where no vision is established and I ask employees why they do what they do. My guess is the answers would probably vary vastly from person to person and would probably include answers ranging from because it’s my job to my boss told me to or simply I don’t know. Now which group of employees do you think would be more motivated and inspired to do a good job, to work hard, to be creative, to reach goals, and to drive your company to where you want it to go? A vision is key to success in all walks of life.”

Unfortunately, my friend and I did not seem to see or understand the matter in the same way and his company continues to struggle without a vision or strategic intent. For this reason, “Creating a Vision” will be the topic of my blog for the next couple of days. As we create a vision, we will begin to achieve our goals.

Read Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals Part 2
Read Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals Part 3
Read Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals Part 4
Read Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals Part 5
Read Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals Part 6