"Until one is committed there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too.

All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issue from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no many could have dreamt would come his way." W.H. Murray

Introduction

When self-employed, you quickly learn that your actions shape your life. Whether you thrive is up to you, and your lifestyle is the result of the money you generate.

You have the right, the power, and the resources to create what you want. Begin by being clear and releasing fear, self-limiting attitudes and patterns. Allow yourself to visualize your dream, uncensored by the restrictions and conditioning from your past. Clarify your purpose, function, and vision, strategize the right plan, offer your service to those who are ready to buy, and you will succeed. Now you will begin with your Life Purpose Vision. If needed, ask your friend to help draw out your vision by asking additional probing questions based on your responses.

Complete this activity any time you want to:

- Focus your goals over a long period of time

- Clarify your purpose, function, or vision

- Review your long-term goals.

1. Purpose. What do you think is the fundamental purpose of your life? If you are not sure, what is your best guess? Your purpose should reflect why you believe you are alive for your own development, rather than for others.

2. Function. Based on your purpose, what do you think is your function in society?

3. Peak of Success Vision. In the same reflective mood, consider the point in your life at which you could be at the peak of your success. How old will you be? If you don't know, be playful and guess.

Now, consider the quality of life you want for yourself at that time. Answer in complete sentences. Visualize how you want to be living and experience how you want to feel. Describe:

- Where you live

- Your home environment and the people with whom you live

- Service, career and business

- Financial matters

- Professional support network

- Family, friendships and other relationships

- Your spare time and private time

- Your personal needs, health and well-being

- Spirituality

- Your modes of creative self-expression

- How you are empowered

- Above everything else, what do you want from your life?

When you have finished your vision, using a planning chart, write the titles of each category above in the spaces provided. Identify key elements of your vision, then write them in abbreviated terms in the appropriate category.

4. Support. How do you believe you are supported to fulfill your purpose, function, and vision? When you want support, from where do you seek it? When you don't feel supported, what do you do? Determine the effectiveness of this strategy. How do you want to feel supported? What will you do to experience the support you want?

5. Limitations. List and describe the self-limiting beliefs, fears, and patterns, by which you currently feel inhibited. (Example: I fear rejection, so I don't reach out. and stay stuck.) How does this affect your ability to succeed? Identify what you are ready to change and explain how you will accomplish it. With what will you replace these limitations?

6. Shadow. What need, desire or aspect of personality, do you most suppress or fear? For example, do you fear your anger? Or do you suppress positive attributes, such as sensitivity or love. (If you are not sure, ask someone close to you for help.) Why do you suppress or fear this? Explain how suppressing this affects you. Determine how you will stop suppressing it, and how to allow greater freedom of expression, and describe how you will feel. Describe how your life purpose, function, and vision will be enhanced.

7. Resources. List your internal strengths and resources and explain how they empower you. Review this list. Determine if anything is missing, and how you will acquire it. List your external resources and, next to each, explain how it is supportive. Review your list and determine needed resources, and explain how you will utilize them. Include costs and dates when appropriate.

8. Conclusion. How do you feel now? Why? Describe what you have gained from this visioning. Write a commitment statement to yourself and to your purpose, function, and vision. Read it daily. Share it with your mentors and the people closest to you, so that they are better able to support you.