The Mindset Of A Visionary
For over twenty five years I have had the mindset that ideas are important and that there is much to be learned by taking risk. I have also come to realize through working with other vision-focused individuals that being a visionary is a mindset first followed closely back action motivated by change, growth or impact and that it’s not about the title but more around the purpose that defines a visionary.
These visionaries are counsellors, artists, authors, surgeons, musicians, health care professionals and educators among many others. They are the entrepreneur’s, the leader’s of organizations and the student with a great idea. The journey of each person is rarely the same but what makes us all like-minded is that we want to make a difference. The storyline of how that happens is as unique and special as each individual bold enough to take action.
We took the time to analyze specific characteristics our visionaries share in the hopes that it will inspire our blog readers to chart their own courses to success.
Here are six common traits visionaries share:
Trait One – They work hard
You may have been expecting something more philosophical and less practical, but a reality of these trendsetters is that they are dedicated professionals who push themselves each and every day to take steps that move them closer to success.
They have all started businesses that work; then they have intensified their efforts and taken their companies to higher levels of achievement.
They build great teams, and they stand beside them, sleeves rolled up, shoulders squared, and their resolve visible in each step.
They find balance in their lives, but they still find minutes even on an off day to check their emails and make sure no client is left in the lurch.
They treat success like a wave, and as soon as one breaks over them, they are jumping on their boards to prepare for the next one.
Trait Two: They want to make more than money
All of our super-achievers understand that for their business to be sustainable it needs to make a profit and that requires vision and actionable steps toward defined goals.
But as soon as you start to talk to them, it is evident that they want more out of their work than just to make money.
They want to make a difference. They want to fulfill their vision. They want to add value to the lives of their clients. They want to make the world just a little bit better.
This dedication to their ideals fuels their energy and passion and pushes them to their success.
Trait Three: They do not persist without analysis
Our visionaries are intelligent. They are willing to blaze a trail and be change makers and are okay if they are the first to do it. If they try something and fail, they don’t just push on blindly hoping that if they do more of that same thing, they will succeed the next time.
They stop, analyze, and recalculate their course. They are like human global positioning systems (GPS) that hone in on their target and when they go off course, tell themselves whether they need to take a new exit or make a U-turn or abandon the route completely.
We marveled at the roads they have taken to get to where they are. Rarely were these straight-out-of-high-school or university destinations on a linear highway.
Their lives are lived encompassing the detours, the construction projects, and the wrong turns until they find their super-highways to success.
Trait Four: They build great teams and connections
Not one of our visionaries goes through life as an island.
They have team members, trusted advisors, loved ones, friends, and mentors. They appreciate the input of others and respectfully consider it.
They listen as much as they talk, to their clients, to their suppliers, and to their sales force.
Many give a great deal back to their communities through volunteer projects. As busy as they are, they are willing to reach out a helping hand to bring others along with them.
Trait Five: They have no excuses
The dreamers and doers in our midst whether it be those we coach or publish rarely had storybook childhoods or lucky breaks.
In fact, many had serious illnesses or endured the death of loved ones or betrayal of people they thought they could trust.
None of that shook their own sense of self-worth. None of those things became excuses.
They accepted life for what it is and adapted to new circumstances when they needed to.
At the same time, their understanding of the darker side of life often left them with a heightened sense of empathy that allows their clients to connect closely to them.
Number Six: They are open to change
Through their stories and through the times we worked together, we were consistently impressed at their ability to respond positively to change.
While others might reject new methods or philosophies, they listened with interest and considered whether new ideas would work within their lives and their businesses.
They were well-read in their fields and curious about other fields. They respected different points of view and considered them.
Paula Morand is a leadership building, revenue boosting, strategy expanding keynote speaker, author and visionary. This dreaming big and being bold leadership expert and brand strategist brings her vibrant energy, humor and wisdom to ignite individuals, organizations and communities to lead change, growth and impact in a more bold fashion. 24 years, 27,000 clients, 34 countries, 15 books, former radio personality, 11x award winning entrepreneur and humorous emcee.Check out Paula’s best selling books: “Bold Courage: How Owning Your Awesome Changes Everything”, “Dreaming BIG and Being BOLD: Inspiring stories from Trailblazers, Visionaries and Change Makers” book series; and due to be released soon “Bold Vision: A Leader’s Playbook for Managing Growth” go to Amazon http://ow.ly/i8yW307ix67
Speaking inquiries email bookings@paulamorand.com or call toll-free 1-888-502-6317.