About Vision Statements

With so many areas of life to contend with everyday, identifying and implementing individual life goals can be a confusing process. Taking the time to put together a vision statement for a particular goal, project, or even your life purpose can add focus and direction for the process at hand.

Function

The primary purpose of a vision statement is to define your project's purpose.
To do it, draw from the beliefs, values and passions.
A vision statement is created to inspire a project by drawing from the passions and drives that first evoked the project idea. It serves to focus the original energy of a concept into a statement of finalized purpose.
Writing a vision statement should be the first step taken towards the realization of a goal. Defining your project's core purpose will help you manifest it.

Features

Crafting a vision of your project means beginning with the end in mind. The impact of the completed project is the heart and soul of the vision statement, and should incorporate your underlying values. The effect your project will have on your company, or the community, or whoever the intended recipient is should be a main component of your statement.
A visionary take on the finished product will describe the ideal outcome, as opposed to a possible outcome, as the main purpose of your vision statement is to inspire, and ignite a sense of drive. This approach allows for a full, and complete expression of your beliefs and values within the framework of your project's plan. How long your vision statement should be depends on how detailed your vision is.

Benefits

Drafting a vision statement as part of project planning is not something that absolutely has to be done, but the benefits in doing so make it a worthwhile task. Sometimes the hardest part of completing a project is maintaining the drive you had at the start. Your vision statement can provide the inspiration needed to see the project through to the end. This is especially true when a group effort is needed.
It's not uncommon for motivations and interests to wane during the course of completing a project. A well-crafted vision statement can connect with the group's sense of purpose. When difficult dilemmas arise, your vision statement can serve as a reference point in terms of which solutions best align with the project's purpose.

Significance

One of the most famous examples of a vision statement is the US Declaration of Independence. It describes a country's forefathers described their hopes and dreams for a better life in a new land.
The content of the Declaration of Independence laid out an ideal life for a society as envisioned by Thomas Jefferson. In fact, his words were so powerful that the original beliefs, values and passions depicted in this document are still honored and respected as principles to live by, over 200 years later.

Misconceptions

A common misconception incorporates the use of a mission statement in the place of a vision statement when the two actually serve completely different purposes. While a vision statement sets out to inspire project drive and creativity, mission statements depict the means by which the vision will be carried out.

Resources

• Project Management Library
• Project Training and Resources