[Blog] What's your vision statement?

In the second episode (<<< check it out!) of The Riley Rant, I gave you some of the best career advice I've ever received. Though advice telling you to "follow your passion" can lead to problematic outcomes (some of which are described in the episode), I don't see any reason why we can't, instead, create a vision that will guide, center, and direct our lives. Unlike "passion" (which is narrow in focus), "vision" allows more room for creative ways of thinking about and achieving our personal and professional goals.

My passion for government and politics, for example, may cause me to operate under the assumption that becoming an elected official is the only way I can live out this passion. If i don't end up becoming an elected official, then I will have failed, been unsuccessful, etc. As you can see, the passion approach significantly raises the stakes (and stress!) and is so narrow and inflexible that it could easily allow me to ignore and overlook other amazing opportunities. A vision statement, on the other hand, affords more flexibility.

Mine reads as follows:

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"To develop a comprehensive understanding of the most pressing issues and how they impact the oft-forgotten and oft-ignored in society, which will then allow me to ruthlessly defend and advocate on their behalf at the highest levels of government and business."

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Yes, this vision can be accomplished as a politician. BUT, it can also be achieved in a number of other ways.

Here's just a small list:

• Lawyer

• Legislative Assistant/Director

• Government Relations Associate

• Public Affairs Specialist

• Public Policy Fellow

• Coordinator at a Non-Profit

• Political Science Professor (publishing research)

• Journalist

• News Anchor

• Sociologist

• Public Relations Professional

• Sales Representative (building rapport, telling a story, and getting buy-in)

• Marketing Manager (branding a topic/product/issue)

• Communications Director (positioning a topic/issue)

• HR Director (advocating for employees and enhancing their experience)

The point is that when we move from "passion" to "vision" we take away some of the pressure of finding the "right" job and the "right" work, and we open up the doors to new opportunities and experiences. Most importantly, these diverse professions and experiences—which are all aligned to our vision statement in some way, shape, or form—allow us to collect more and more data-points about ourselves and provide more clarity around what we like and dislike.

For example, my vision statement can be achieved as a "Political Science Professor," but, if a data-point (like a reading or writing-intensive project) reveals that I actually don't enjoy this type of work, then I should probably reconsider devoting 5 years of my life to a PhD program, where intensive reading and writing is the norm. On the flip side, my potential success as a "Sales Representative" may reveal that I enjoy being on the front lines and that I can withstand constant rejection when I believe in the product I'm selling or the cause I'm supporting.

Both experiences can teach me a lot about myself, and even when I find out that I am ultimately not a fit for something, I don't have to view it as a defeat, loss, or a waste of time; instead, I can view it as a lesson learned, something I won't repeat, and a helpful guide to determine what my next step or direction will be.

It is for these reasons that I hope you will create a vision statement of your own and a list of ways in which that statement can come to life. Be careful...you might actually learn something new about yourself!

CALL TO ACTION: If you have a vision statement crafted already and you are a brave soul, please share in the comments below or shoot me an email by clicking on the mail icon at the top of this page.

Lastly, be sure to tune in to The Riley Rant this Sunday!