Clear Vision

Clear Vision , by Teresa Thomas-Carroll, facilitator

It’s the time of year for reflecting on what has been and what is to come. During a meeting with my colleague Beth, I was reflecting on how I need to bring more focus and clarity back into Purple Crayon Factory (PCF). When I first created this business, I had a pretty clear vision of what I wanted PCF to become. When PCF expanded, I started incorporating what others thought the vision ”should" include (and I made plenty of assumptions about what ‘they’ wanted).

On the surface, it seemed to make sense to add things that fit the mission even if I didn’t feel 100% passionate about them. But as I added more and more to my line of sight, there was so much to consider that my own focus became fuzzy. I was trying to wear my own glasses as well as the glasses of others. Instead of joy, I picked up feelings of anxiety and overwhelm. This was hardly fitting the way I want my own ideal life to feel.

Beth pointed out that it is commonplace for entrepreneurs to begin with a clear vision, add to it and outgrow or lose their focus. She stressed that it's extremely important to reclarify by returning to the heart of the original vision. According to her, I’m ‘”right on schedule” with this realization and the great thing is I've recognized the steps I need to take. I’m choosing to put back on my own glasses even if it means casting away some of the old ones. Stay tuned as PCF brings a clearer vision into 2006.

Use the mini-reflection exercise to help take care of yourself.

Mini-Reflection Exercise

In what ways has your personal vision for life or work gotten off track in this past year?

Is there anything that you’ve added because you thought it should fit your vision, but you don’t feel passionate about?

How might you get back into focus in the coming year? Is there anything you can cut or redirect from your line of vision?