Importance of a Personal Vision (Life Coaching)

 Importance of a Personal Vision (Life Coaching)

By Jake Kohl

     A personal vision is a clear picture of something we want to have to exist in the future; a target we intend to reach that inspires, excites, and encourages people to capture their imagination to anticipate dreams that are possible to achieve.  (Collins, 2009, p. 171)  Having a personal vision is important because it allows a person to see ahead towards their goals.  Realistic visions can help by inspiring enthusiasm, and an attitude of determination.  Personal visions help the person move within the coaching formula – which is taking a person from where they are currently to the place God wants them to be. 

     Coaches can help their clients discover their visions through prayer and by examining their gifts, passions and values.  Coaches can gather information about their client’s world and what change they see for the future as well as encouraging them to read books from other good visionaries.  (Collins, 2009, pgs. 175-176)  As a Christian Life coach, we need to engage our clients by coming along side of them, asking open-ended and thought provoking questions that will engage them to look deeply within themselves to not only find their vision but to keep moving towards the vision they may already have.

 

     Sometimes, the clients vision can fade after their enthusiasm and spark wear off.  This can be due to several reasons.  For instance, the vision they may have or one they have newly discovered may not be a vision that came from God and willfully received with a commitment for the client to see it come to pass.  (Collins, 2009, p. 179)  The Bible states that, “where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained…  ” (Proverbs 29:18 NAS) Vision is the bridge between the present and the future.  Without vision, that is God-led, we perish or go “unrestrained” or restricted.  Other ways a client’s vision can fade to name a few, would be that their vision might be too complex, hard to understand or remember and there may not be any encouragement from the coaches themselves.  (Collins, 2009, pgs. 179-180)

     To reinvigorate their vision, the coach must remain positive and just as focused, encouraging the client to keep pressing forward.  Encouragement can be our best friend in coaching and allows a positive flow to move forward with a hope instilled in them from someone who is rooting for them and from someone they have already developed a relationship of trust.  As coaches, we need to watch for obstacles and influences that can suck out their enthusiasm and kill their vision – consistently being personal cheerleaders for the client and their vision.  (Collins, 2009, p. 181)  We must fight, praying for them – violently if needed, without ceasing.  Giving them a hope to continue their journey towards their vision God has ordained for their life!

Reference

Collins, G. R. (2009).  Christian coaching: Helping others turn potential into reality.  Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.