One question that has long haunted me is, “Where do you see yourself in X years from now?” It is a question that appears time and time again—in interviews, questionnaires, and casual conversations—yet its true significance often goes unrecognized. For years, I offered different answers to suit different contexts, never realizing that the question was more than a mere formality. It was, in fact, a reflective tool, urging me to chart a deliberate course toward understanding who I am and who I want to become.
At first glance, the question seems simple, almost trivial. But as I pondered it more deeply, I began to see it as a key piece of a much larger puzzle—my own life’s puzzle. It was a call to action, challenging me to step back, think on the fragments of my experiences, values, and dreams, and arrange them into a clear vision and mission for my future.
The process wasn’t simple and quick. I had to confront the discomfort of uncertainty and the fear of committing to a singular path. But as I sat quietly with my thoughts, I realized that by mapping out where I wanted to be, I was not only defining a destination—I was also uncovering the essential parts of my identity. This journey of self-reflection helped me understand that vision and mission aren’t just big goals, they are blueprint for the life I aspire to build.
Life is a puzzle, but the good thing is that you hold every piece to the puzzle. You just have to sit back in a reflective mode and match each of the puzzle piece– It is like having a map to guide you through a journey.
This realization would become a guiding principle in your life: to continuously seek alignment between who you are today and who you want to be tomorrow. In doing so, each step forward is not just a move toward a future destination, but a testament to the ongoing, transformative journey of self-discovery.
In the words of Martin Luther King, “I Have A Dream”, Do you? If yes, that’s great. If no, you certainly have one but haven’t figured it out yet.
What is Vision?
We know not where our dreams will take us to, but we can see clearly where we would go without them”.. Marilyn Grey.
Vision is a compelling mental picture that inspires and describes your desired future. It brings your envisioned future into daily focus. Having a vision influences your decision, focus, enthusiasm and sense of time. It helps chart your course over a particular timeline…
I ……………… over the next five years, would become a Diplomat…
What is Mission?
A mission is a personal declaration of what drives you, what impact you want to make, and how you want to live your life. It connects you with your vision. For example:
“ To deliberate and influence policies, selling the interests of Nigeria using my strong communication skills to ensure negotiations in the international sector…”
A personal mission statement focuses on and highlight ones strengths, interests and drive. It alsoq tells you the qualities and talents you want to develop over time and keeps you abreast on your target.
In matching the puzzle piece, few questions are needed to be answered. Note that; it is okay if you do not get clarity on answers all at once. Just like the puzzle games, it needs moments of intentional reflection, finding, fixing, unfixing and re-fixing to get the answer right and complete the puzzle.
Tips: Sit in a noise free area, think of yourself in say 5 years from now, and jot down all the things you see yourself doing or would have done. Think for 30 seconds because it keeps you true to yourself.
Pick a date, say fifteen years from now, write it down._____
With that time in mind, write all you want to achieve, remember to dream big with your imagination and focus on key areas like physical, career, academics, spiritual, business, intellectual, financial and family/friends. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Summarize into a sentence.______________________________________________________________
Think of specific skills, talents, actions, beliefs, character, and qualifications that would have a great impact on actualizing your vision._______________________________________________________________
Take a moment to keep them summarized, clear and prompting.
Pause and Reflect
Belva Davis said; “ Do not be afraid of the space between your dreams and reality, if you can dream it, then you can make it. Remember leaders, it is in your hands …..
Congratulations on a continuous journey of self discovery!! I would see you all in the next column with your vision and mission clearly crafted out…
Thank you for reading, bye for now!
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