No Vision? No Strategy! No Need.
Have you ever wondered why some businesses seem solid and going places, while others appear to be standing still, just getting by, or going nowhere?
Here’s why: Those who are going places know where they’re going. They have a vision of the business they want to build and the future they want to create. They also have a strategy that differentiates their business, unites their team, and drives them forward.
If you don’t have a clear and compelling vision of the business you want to build, you won’t know where you’re going – and you don’t need a strategy.
No vision means no challenge. No challenge means no strategy required. Just keep going – doing and getting more of the same.
But if you do have a compelling vision – something that’s a stretch, that inspires you and your team, that will take you places – you’ll soon see the obstacles in your way.
And that’s the point:
An inspiring vision creates more clarity and more visibility. It helps you see where you are and where you want to be – and highlights the gap you need to bridge.
Your vision becomes a filter that brings everything into focus. You see the barriers and the breakthroughs you’ll need. Your strategy is the bridge to take you further.
Why Vision Comes First (Most of the Time)
Every breakthrough starts with a meaningful goal or a future vision that excites you, challenges you, and may even scare you a little. That’s the sweet spot. Your work has meaning. That’s what creates the motivation and drive to step up and take action.
The moment you commit to that vision, the roadblocks appear. Some stall. Others switch on, step up, and rise to meet the challenge. That’s when the real creativity begins.
It’s only those who are serious, clear and committed to achieving an inspiring vision that succeed. They don’t rush. They take a step back, clarify what they want to see, who they need to be, and how they’ll move forward. They think through their options, weigh up the pros and cons, decide the direction they’ll take – and them develop a plan to push through. They’re not just going to work, they’re on a mission to make their dream come true.
When Strategy Comes First
If there’s no compelling goal or vision, there’s no need for a strategy – but that doesn’t mean the vision always comes first. Sometimes it happens in reverse. Strategy comes first, and the vision becomes clearer.
Meaningful change often starts with a challenge – a problem too big to ignore. You don’t have a crystal ball, and you may not start with a crystal-clear picture of the future. All you see is a problem that needs a solution. And that solution needs a strategy.
Coming up with that strategy isn’t always quick or obvious. It takes work. You clarify the problem, dig deeper for the root cause, brainstorm ideas, explore possibilities, and carefully and progressively rule out what won’t fly – until finally, one idea remains. That’s the one. That’s your strategy, ready for work.
Everything starts to line up – your solution, your strategy, your motivation. And then your vision begins to emerge. You gain clarity, focus, and a reason to commit. Now you’re moving forward with purpose, momentum, and your vision in sight.
A great strategy doesn’t just start strong – it stays strong, because it’s built on meaning, backed by insight, and brought to life by a carefully crafted, purpose-driven, action plan.
Example: Vision, Barrier, Strategy, Success
Let’s look at Elon Musk’s journey with SpaceX and his vision of humans living on Mars:
- Vision: Put humans on Mars and make space travel possible for many.
- Barrier: The cost (and delay) of replacing rockets after each launch.
- Strategy: Reusable rockets. If you can land and reuse a rocket booster, you can cut costs and open a new era in space travel.
- Plan: Design, build, and test rockets that survive re-entry and land safely for reuse.
- Action: Years of trial, error, risk, and dramatic landings – until it worked. Today it still does.
- Result: SpaceX is now the global leader in reusable rocket technology, with dozens of successful landings and billions saved. This innovation is paving the way for affordable space travel.
Vision → Barrier → Strategy → Plan → Action → Result.
Why This Matters for You
You don’t need to want to go to Mars. But you do need a meaningful reason to act – something bold enough to unite, engage, invigorate, and inspire your team.
Something real enough to reveal the obstacles in your way. Once the vision is forming and the barriers are visible, a smart strategy becomes the bridge that paves your way forward.
A well-chosen strategy shows what needs to happen to overcome those obstacles. It gives your work purpose and gives you direction. It sparks clarity, inspires action, and builds momentum.
While I’ve used Elon Musk’s reusable rockets strategy as an example, developing a strategy isn’t rocket science.
A smart strategy starts with a compelling reason, a well-considered solution, and a carefully crafted, well-resourced plan to action.
With a Vision, You Gain More Than Direction
With an inspiring vision, you feel more engaged, energised, and focused. Your work becomes your motivation – and it’s no longer just about the money. Now you’re thinking and acting strategically, pursuing something bigger, better, and more aligned with the future you want to create. That changes everything. In no time, the next level is calling. You are more than ready – you’re eager to go.
The Bridge Between Vision and Strategy
As Einstein said, “Imagination is more powerful than knowledge.”
Knowledge is rooted in the past – it defines what we know and can limit what we believe is possible. Imagination is future-facing. It unlocks possibility, sparks creativity, and a strategy that breathes more life into vision.
Vision makes the future visible. Strategy makes it achievable.
The clearer the picture of what could be, the easier it becomes to see, plan, act, and move forward. That’s why vision often comes first – and meaningful change starts when you imagine something better.
A vision imagined is now in sight. And insight changes everything.
Vision makes the future visible. Strategy makes it achievable.
The clearer the picture of what could be, the easier it becomes to see, plan, act, and move forward. That’s why vision often comes first – and meaningful change starts when you imagine something better.
A vision imagined is now in sight. And insight changes everything.
Ready to Give It a Go?
Make some time to ask yourself:
- What is your vision?
What does your dream business, team, or life look like? - What is in the way?
What is the biggest barrier or challenge to achieving that vision - What is your strategy?
How could you overcome, remove, or bypass that barrier - What is your plan?
Once you’ve chosen your strategy, how will you bring it to life? - How will you resource it?
Who and what will it take – time, money, people, tools, training, leadership?
Tip: The bigger the vision, the bigger the barrier – and the better the strategy needs to be. Once you see it and begin to put it in place, the magic happens.
Ready for Change?
Looking, listening and learning are wise – but action is best. No action. No change.
The Magic Is in the Process
Want help clarifying your vision, shaping a smart strategy, and developing a solid plan to make it happen? I’m here. I love working with progressive business owners on this stuff.
Let me be your guide through the process. You’ll be taking yourself to a different level.
A Final Thought
Things are turning. Better times are ahead. Now is the time to get ready.
Check out the three short term options I have created to help you navigate, accelerate or create your next level strategic blueprint to start realising more of your potential.
I call it the ‘Strategic Reset’. Go here.
Enjoy more clarity, time, focus – and get more go forward. Ready to go? Let’s talk.
Or keep a lookout for next week’s article, when I’ll shine a light on how your vision will determine which of the four paths you need to be on to see it come true: Bigger, better, different, more.
Cheers,
Geoff
