Did you know the entire lunar landing endeavor resulted from a  focus on the completion of one vision statement?  “PERFOM A MANNED LUNAR LANDING AND RETURN”    That’s it. Those 7 words kept an entire country focused, landed  humans on the moon and brought them back to Earth.  The vision was clear and we did it.  I remember the day. I was sitting in my pj’s eating a Goober PB&J Fluffanutter sandwich brushing Barbie’s hair  upset that I was missing Romper Room.  I just knew Miss "what's her name" was going to call my name as she looked through her looking glass.   Some of you will get that…some of you young'uns will not.

Below was an email I sent to my friends and family a couple weeks ago.  I had such a warm response that I thought I would share it in this forum.  Although personal in nature and a tad bit exposing, if it can help anyone create awesome results in 2008, then I am willing to be Exposed.

Dear family and friends,
The Ding...Ding...Ding of the Salvation Army bell produced by the volunteer outside our local Walgreens seemed out of place in the sunny 80 degree weather of Tucson, Arizona this November morning. The sound served as a reminder that it is time for me to review last year's vision statement and delve into the creation of next year's.  Those of you who know me even a little bit are aware that I believe our thoughts create our reality.  

Every year I fashion and articulate my personal vision statement. Last year's served me and others very well and created great success by helping me build and nurture powerful relationships across the country.  This year's will bring us all some big changes. I notice that my statements, although they impacted many people, never openly mention my family and friends. Hope you like 2008’s.

I have a feeling I will have a lot more friends in my address book next year ; )  For those of you who are sick of hearing me say "I am of service" here you go!!

2007's statement was "I am of service in all that I say and do."  

2008's statement is "I create outrageous prosperity and financial wealth for myself, my family and friends in all that I say and do."

Think about your thoughts and goals as we go into 2008 and write your own vision statement. Please share your statements if you feel comfortable doing so. I would love to support you experiencing your vision. You can have more than one statement related to different areas of your life but I find if you remain clear on a couple and articulate them openly and often you will see much more success.

Staying on task with one powerful vision can impact so many parts of your life. After a year of consistent, conscious application of your vision it becomes a way of being that will remain part of your life forever. For instance, my being of service in 2007 helped me be of service to myself and I achieved my weight loss and health goals. Being of service is always part of my thoughts and planning no matter the situation.  

BTW. my secondary vision statement is "I Am A Journal Writing Addict." That one is for my dear friend Kim Ades.  My tertiary vision statement is "I Am A Curly Haired Brunette With No Desire To Own A Blow Dryer or Hair Straightening Iron." That one is for all of you who made comments about my stupid Glamour Shots straight hair picture.  I still can’t believe I listened to that 18 yr old pimply faced kid who told me that I would look more professional with straight hair…dumb.   Oh yeah, I guess I should add a fourth statement "I love having my picture taken all the time" so I have no excuses for not getting another pic taken.

Links to a great mission/vision statement building site  http://www.missionexpert.com/cgi-bin/index1.cgi
Best wishes to all for a fabulous 2008!!  

Vision and Mission statements are important to have on a personal level but imperative to have on a business level.  There are so many people involved in a business that a clear vision and mission keeps everyone moving in the right direction.  Although I create my personal statements annually, I feel that every 2 -3 years is great for a business.  However, you should always review at the end of every year to see if you were on target. See below for great links etc.  Please post your personal and business vision and mission statements so we can all be inspired.  

Why Create Mission Statements?

"Successful organizations know that it takes more than a good plan to succeed in business. It takes an empowered organization, focused on realistic goals, with impassioned leadership. It takes vision. It takes consensus. It takes a sense of purpose!"The very essence of leadership is that you have to have vision. You can't blow an uncertain trumpet."

Theodore Hesburgh, President,
University of Notre Dame

"Good business leaders create a vision, articulate the vision, passionately own the vision, and relentlessly drive it to completion."

Jack Welch, Chairman, General Electric

"Leadership is lifting a person's vision to higher sights, the raising of a person's performance to a higher standard, the building of a personality beyond its normal limitations."

Peter F. Drucker, Consultant,Author 

Awesome site!!!
http://www.missionexpert.com/cgi-bin/index1.cgi