Your vision is unique to you and will vary from individual to individual. It propels you forward naturally, rather than relying on motivation alone, which doesn't usually last. A vision helps to keep you on track and focused on where you're heading. What I want for you is a vision which grabs you so strongly that it stretches you way beyond your current position. I've found that with a strong vision there isn't need to strive so hard and energy required doesn't drain you so much. It allows you to focus on your achievements in present because a vision doesn't have an end which you reach, like a goal. The energy generated by a vision is much healthier and requires less of a struggle. A vision draws on your natural energy which comes from within you because this is where your vision sits. When aligned with your values, a vision and a mission statement feel truly yours and right for you. In short, a perfect fit.

If you have a vision for your organisation, I encourage you to consider this. If 3 of your top employees were asked to share your vision, would they be able to? If not, what would it take to communicate this throughout organisation? What benefits do you see for your employees in clearly understanding your vision?

Many times, people say "I wish", but unfortunately wishing alone rarely makes things happen. However, a strong vision can really accomplish a great deal, and often more than you'd dared to dream of.

What I want is for you to define a strong vision and a mission statement. Are you ready to do this?

I coach fellow professional organizers who are starting their businesses or wanting to move their business to next level. Many have been in a panic about downturn in economy, because clients have less discretionary income to spend. As I have worked with these clients, I have asked myself, "What would Mr. Stone say about this downturn and how it positively affects our industry?" There's no doubt in my mind that he would see plenty of opportunity.

Are you wondering how one takes an economic downturn and creates opportunity for a professional organizer from that? Consider costs of disorganization ( http://www.orgcoach.net/whatitcosts.html ). Then imagine benefits working with someone who can facilitate an increase in productivity. In other words, these challenging economic times actually accentuate need for such services as leaner staff search for ways to work smarter rather than harder.

It all comes down to perspective. I could say to myself, "This is terrible! With downturn in economy, nobody will have a budget for my services." OR... "This is great! With tightening of budgets and loss of support staff, there's an even greater need for executives, professionals, and entrepreneurs to be more productive and effective, which is precisely what I'm here to help them do!"

As important as positive mental attitude is, Stone says that "there is something more important than believing: Action! The world is full of dreamers, there aren't enough who will move ahead and begin to take concrete steps to actualize their vision."

Seizing Opportunity "People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in world are people who get up and look for circumstances they want, and if they can't find them, make them." --George Bernard Shaw

Timing certainly plays a factor in our successes and failures, but action is ultimately required. Most of us are exposed to many opportunities, yet few recognize opportunities when they come along. Even fewer actually act on them. One good idea implemented is worth 1000 that are just talked about.

Have you ever had a great idea, and several years later you saw that idea show up in marketplace? Was that person "lucky" to be in right place at right time? Or did they create "luck" for themselves by translating their idea into a plan of action?

Are you ready to seize your own opportunities? Ask yourself: 1. Do I have a clear vision? Am I clear about what my product or service looks like and who my target market is? 2. Do I have passion for working to get this idea to take flight? Does my idea encompass a mission that matters to me? 3. Do I have an action plan that will move me toward making this vision become a reality? What's next step I choose to take?