Crafting a vision is the foundation for achievement in leadership, life, and business. Yet many neglect this critical first step, jumping straight into execution mode without a clear sense of direction. The costs are steep: misguided efforts, missed opportunities, the pains of trial and error, and wasted resources. That’s why the wise advice to “finish before starting” rings so true.

 

When to Start? As Soon as It's Finished

So, what does it mean to finish first in the context of vision? It’s about mentally completing a vivid, detailed picture of the desired future state before laying a single brick. Imagine an architect visualising an entire building down to the finishes, fixtures and furniture before drafting the plans. This level of clarity upfront invites smarter decisions from the very start (and it won’t end up like this… - although the view is great!).Unfinished House, no walls


The same principle applies when launching a new venture, career path, project, or phase of life. Humans possess a remarkable and unique ability to visualise things that don't yet exist and then bring them into reality. Your house, your career, even your business – they all started as visions in someone's mind. The key takeaway here is that a vision is not just a dream:

“A vision is the ability to see things that don’t yet exist.”

To be successful, you need to look into the future and create a clear vision; in other words, see the end in mind and then begin. Envision precisely where you want to go, who you want to become, and what success looks like on the other side. Paint that picture in vivid colours, channelling your imagination and aspirational hopes. Get clear on the meaning behind your goals, not just the metrics.

 

The Power of Questions

To cultivate a clear vision, ask yourself pivotal questions, such as:

1. Who do I want to be in 12 months' time? … and see yourself there.

        Visualise yourself achieving your professional and personal goals.

2. What would I like to accomplish over the next five years? … and see yourself there.

        Envision your success and milestones over that extended timeframe.

3. Where would I like to go? … and see yourself there.

       Paint a vivid picture of your destination.

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The more vividly and emotionally you connect to the end results, the more your behaviour and decisions will align. You’ll spot the stepping stones and potential pitfalls that were previously hidden from view. It’s the difference between wandering aimlessly down unmarked trails versus following a detailed map that leads decisively from point A to point B.

 

Acting as if You Already Have It

Jim Rohn's wisdom resonates: 

"We don't start till it's finished, but it's possible for human beings to finish something before they start."

 

It encapsulates the essence of having a vision – completing the mental blueprint before embarking on the journey.

Of course, realising a vision requires bringing it to life - translating the mental blueprint into tangible action. This is where drive, perseverance, resilience, and many other strengths come into play. But make no mistake, vision is the genesis of achievement, not the finale. It comes before the heavy lifting, and before the setbacks and course corrections.

Vision lights the spark that ignites the engine of effort, paints a picture of future accomplishment, and fuels motivation to bridge the gap from here to there. With clarity comes conviction, direction, and the grit to make it happen. Without vision, we operate in survival mode, reactive not creative, aimless rather than aligned.

Spend time envisioning without judgment or edits. Let your imagination run wild initially, capturing a range of possibilities. Then recognise the patterns and priorities that speak to you deeply. Align your vision across the spectrum – personally and professionally. See how each sphere enhances the others when united by common purpose.

Most importantly, revisit your vision frequently to keep it top of mind. Our brains delete files that seem irrelevant. So, continually reinforce what you want to achieve and why it matters, keeping your vision alive. It's about finishing in your mind before you start in reality, giving you the advantage needed in the ever-evolving landscape of business and leadership. Let your vision guide and inspire you forward as challenges arise. The time invested in envisioning first, pays exponential dividends in achievement.

 Finish, then start.


Leadership. Success. Unpacked.

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