The ways of preparing a vision statement will depend on whether it is a personal statement or about the goals of a company. They are not the same and have to be approached in different ways.

How to Develop a Company Vision Statement

Start by gathering the employees, managers and other key people in the company. This can take place during a group retreat or a special conference. Since this statement is going to affect the company, each sector’s voice must be heard.

Second, the vision statement must be realistic. That is, the goals you’ll set down should be feasible and implementable. In other words, set goals that can be realized.

Be Willing to Listen and Prioritize

When preparing a vision statement, search for similar themes shared by the participants. This is one of the best ways to fuse several concepts into one. If you have to reject some ideas, explain why.

During this discussion, you must learn to prioritize. Those ideas that will have the most immediate effect on the company should be included in the statement.

Make Drafts and Revisions

Write a draft of the statement. Set down the goals as agreed upon and try to make it inspiring. A well prepared statement can truly motivate employees. After making the draft, give copies to everyone. Listen to any inputs and suggestions. Make all the necessary revisions.

Keep the Vision Alive

Preparing a vision statement is only the first step. Include the statement in company documents. Add the statement to company newsletters or put it on posters. Using these methods, employees will constantly be reminded of what their goals should be.

How to Write a Personal Vision Statement

A personal vision statement can be about your personal life, career or both. The length isn’t as important as making sure it fulfills its purpose: that is, to guide you. Here are a few suggestions.

Your life consists of different aspects: spiritual, work, family, relationships, leisure activities and financial security. Add or reduce this list as necessary. When preparing a vision statement, set down a goal for each one.

Pointers on Crafting the Statement

As you craft a personal vision statement, ask yourself what things you’ll regret not having done and what your shortcomings are. What are your strengths and accomplishments? Always write in the first person. Write about your future goals and dreams, and do it as though you’re taking steps to make them real.

Above all, inspire yourself. Don’t worry about the length. Your statement can be in 50 words or it can run up to several pages. Length doesn’t matter; what does matter is making sure your goals and dreams are set down clearly.

What you’re setting down in words are the guidelines for your life. Don’t worry about your vision statement being too short or long.

Preparing a vision statement is all about setting down in words the objectives of a person or company. By writing down goals that are realistic and inspiring, those words on paper can become the flames that illuminate the darkness.

Most organizations will have a Mission Statement on display; this is a formal declaration of their purpose. Organizations that value long term goals and plans for the future will also include a vision statement at their conception. This is an account of what your organization wants to become.  Vision statements originally described the methods an organization would employ to reach their long term goals. They have now changed and become motivational tools that express what it is the organization wants to aspire to. It should make the members of an organization feel involved, proud and included in something bigger than themselves. Personal vision statements are also becoming more popular as individuals set goals for their personal lives.

Vision statements can represent inner our outer aspects of the creator (organization or individual).  An outer vision statement refers to the physical, what you will see or do, while inner vision statements address feelings and emotions.  For an organization, an outer vision statement would therefore be how customers, clients etc. should see the organization.  An inner vision statement describes how you would want employees, owners and partners to view the company.

Similarly, outer personal vision statements should embody how you want to present yourself to others in what you do, while inner personal vision statements should the goals you have for yourself that will help the way you are perceived by others.

Things to consider when writing a vision statement for an organization:

1. What is the purpose of the organization?
2. What are the core values the organization was founded on?
3. What are the known strengths of the organization and its members?
4. Where do you see the organization in 5 – 20 years?

Once these questions have been answered, the responses will help you to create a powerful vision statement for an organization.

It is recommended that an organizational vision statement adhere to the following guidelines:

• Be between 30 and 50 words
• Describe goals between 5 and 20 years in the future
• Be written in the present tense, as though the goals have already been actualized
• Include sensory details that will build powerful mental images
• Be emotional to evoke a response with readers
• Describe the best possible outcome for the organization

With these in mind, it is easy to craft a Vision Statement that will inspire and motivate employees to work toward.

Personal Vision Statements

Personal vision statements serve as a permanent reminder of the direction you would like your life to take, and as a guide to work toward.

Things to consider when writing a personal vision statement:

• The top ten things you enjoy doing
• The five thing you must do each day to feel accomplished in your work
• Five most important values
• How would you spend your time if you never had to work another day in your life
• The ten things you want to achieve, see or experience before you die

Creating a personal visions statement will add commitment to the accomplishment of your personal goals. Write you vision statement as though it is already happening and remember to chance your personal vision statement as your goals and expectations change.