Where Vision Meets Values

People of vision understand the big picture. But to make tangible impact in life, however, you need to discover your role in the big picture. This is what we call purpose.

 

A reader’s question that made me think

I was recently asked by a reader what I thought the connection was between our values and our vision. Here’s the question:

Joseph – you’re doing a great job with the vision series. Where do values come into the mix with vision? Or is it that values help guide your vision?

 

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I loved the question. It made me pause and think deeper about my message. How would you have answered the question? Take a moment and think too.

My response

Of course, there’s a clear relationship between your life’s vision (or purpose) and your core values. You cannot have one and not the other, eventually. Here’s what I said in response:

I like to think of the connection (between values and vision) this way: What you’re willing to live for (vision) will determine what you stand for (values). So I believe your vision helps you identify your core values but those values then guide how you live.

How your vision and values compliment each other

A person of vision develops core values that must positively support his/her vision. But if you don’t have a foundation (vision), on what do you develop core values? You can’t build on vacuum.

I’m passionate about helping others live purposefully and not waste their lives. That’s one aspect of my vision. Over time, I’m learning to be true to my story, keep my integrity and maintain a life that’s committed to what I believe. Those are some of my core values. See what I mean?

That’s how my vision is helping shape my core values in life. But I also agree with my reader – over time, my values have come to direct how I live out my vision through the choices and decisions I make daily.

I don’t think it’s about choosing one above the other but allowing them bring out the best in us, together.

Over to you, would you choose vision over values or vice versa? Do you see a complimentary role for both in your life? Let me know what you think.