The first question my clients frequently ask is, "Why do I need to define a vision for what I write? Why can't we just create a strategy?" There are two critical reasons for you to do the vision process.

First, let me make this next reality perfectly clear: 10% of the success of a written piece is the actual writing; 90% is a result of your strategy for getting it to your audience, the marketplace. You have to start thinking about the total strategy if you want to have a successful book, series of articles, an e-book—whatever the final product is. That's why the dream, the vision, and the strategy are all extremely important.

The other critical reason is called the Law of Attraction, a universal law described in books such as Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hill, and more recently, the movie, The Secret. When you are very clear about what you want and how you see yourself manifesting it, the universe will respond with the tools, people, and ideas to make that happen. The energy you put out to the universe will attract what you need. I've seen it happen time and again. Once you have a clear, compelling vision, things start moving in the direction you want to go.

It's like being on a freeway. The people who have a clear destination are those in the left lane. The people who aren't sure of where they are going, spend a lot of time getting off the highway at each exit to check what's possible for them. They might get to a destination that suits them, or they might spend a lifetime looking for it. Meanwhile, those in the fast lane are getting there and enjoying the result.

A clear vision keeps you on course; it keeps you on purpose. It forecasts the total journey you are about to take and gives you something to strive toward. It's your writing's higher purpose... that goal to which you and your writing aspire. Your vision needs to be so clear and focused that you will be proud to repeat it at will to every person you meet. Your vision charts your course and keeps you true to what you want to achieve.

For example, the vision for the Guide to Getting It Life and Business Coaching book series that my company publishes is: To help people integrate the values of wisdom, leadership, spirituality, mastery, creativity, and vitality to encourage transformation and healing through writing.

The Four Components of Vision

Vision is comprised of four essential components, which I will describe in the next article:

1. Your Values

2. Your Dream

3. Your Purpose

4. Your Mission Objectives