“Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.” –Gail Devers

Remember when you started your business or your new job, and you were excited? Hopeful? 

What were you excited and hopeful about?

Did you think about all the money you would make? Did you think about this job would help you fulfill your dreams? That you would use your talents to help the business succeed and to coach or inspire your team?

Did you think about the difference you would make in the world and for your customers?

Did you imagine loving your work, enjoying your colleagues, and feeling good about your life?

(You might want to take a few minutes and actually write down what you imagined.)

Those were your hopes and your dreams. That was your vision. That is what you wanted to accomplish for your life, at least for that moment in time.

How does this business or job stack up to your vision? Some parts of your vision might be pretty close, or even have exceeded expectations.

• Are your products making a difference in the world and for your customers?
• Are your products high quality and easy on the environment?
• Are your customers delighted with your product and services?
• Do you love your team? Do you love going to work every day?
• Are you making the kind of money you hoped you would so that your life is one of at least SOME freedom?
• Do you feel understood and appreciated?

Take some time, and be honest. Is there a difference between your vision and your reality?

Naturally, there will be day to day issues and annoyances. People will make demands that are unrealistic. But overall, is there a general match?

If so, YAY!!!!!!!!!!!

If not, why not?

Take some time to think about where you have a larger difference between vision and reality than you are comfortable with.

What are some steps you can take to get you, your family, your business, and your revenue closer to what you wanted when you started out?

Doing so may require some difficult things. You may need to alter your business model. You may need to let some people go. You may need to rethink your product or how it is delivered. It may require some coaching or other kind of assistance to get you out of your worry and stress so you can see where you need to go.

While scary, making some changes will be well worth it if those changes get you closer to your vision.