When starting with a business coach, it’s tempting to jump straight into problem-solving mode. After all, you’re working with a coach because something in your business needs to change, and the desire to fix it immediately is strong. However, this “jumping in” mindset is often what leads to problems in the first place. Effective coaching encourages a different approach—one that starts with intention and clarity. Before we leap into action, we need to understand what we’re aiming for.
Why Start with Personal Vision?
The first step in business coaching is defining what we are building. There are countless decisions you can make to “fix” your business, but not all of them will lead to long-term success or fulfillment. Some may even solve short-term issues but make your life or your team’s life harder in the process. That’s why understanding the ripple effect of each choice is essential.
This can seem overwhelming and complex, but I like to start with something simple: defining what success looks like to you. Ultimately, your business should serve your life, not the other way around. That’s why we begin by playing a little bit of pretend and imagining the life you truly want to live.
The Personal Vision Framework
Here’s how we break this down:
- Personal Vision Download
This is where you let your imagination run wild. Answer a few key questions that come to mind about the life you want to live. No right or wrong answers here—just your initial thoughts about what a fulfilling life looks like for you. - Life Inventory
Take a moment to rank different aspects of your life on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being completely unsatisfied and 10 being fully satisfied. Then, reflect on what would need to change to make each area a perfect 10. This gives you a clear, tangible understanding of where you are today and what improvements could make your life better. - Personal Values
Your values are your personal truths—what resonates with you deeply and defines what’s important. Write down your top 4-8 personal values (no more than 10) and explain why they matter to you. This process helps guide decision-making as you move forward with leadership and business visioning. - Retirement Speech
This exercise is powerful because it shifts your focus to the big picture. Imagine you’re at your retirement party, reflecting on the life you’ve lived and the work you’ve accomplished. What do you want to say in that moment? This helps align your business goals with your broader life goals. - Dreaming Big
Now, start to map out some personal goals. Fill in a table with your goals for the next 12 months, 3 years, 5 years, and 10 years. These are your first drafts, but they help build a bridge between where you are now and where you want to be.
From Vision to Action
Each step in this process builds on the next, helping us understand where you are today, where you want to go, and how to close that gap. The point of starting with personal vision is to minimize option overload. Instead of feeling like you’re drowning in a sea of possibilities, you’ll have a clear roadmap for building a business that not only meets your professional goals but aligns with your personal aspirations.
By narrowing down the options, you set yourself up to create a business that you’re proud of—and, more importantly, to live a life that you love.
Black Creek Business Coaching 