If you've ever tried to "create" a vision, you may have been disappointed by the results. The truth is, your vision is already in place and is guiding the decisions you make in both your personal and professional life. The real goal is to capture, acknowledge, and fully articulate your vision so that your choices are made consciously. Following are seven ways you can begin to capture your vision.

1. See it in pictures! Make a collage. Gather that stack of magazines you want to read and never have the time. Get scissors (try the kind that make nifty edges) and make some homemade paste. Treat yourself to a wild-colored poster board. Now, cut out words and pictures that attract you. No censoring! Build your collage, re-arrange and then paste it all down. What values are expressed? Family, home, travel, sports cultures...
2. Get it in writing! Keep a daily journal. All the images in your mind make it difficult to see anything clearly much less a vision. A journal makes a great dumping ground for concerns, hopes, dreams and fears. It's the place where you can really tell the truth -- after all, that's what your vision is about. After several months, re-read what you've written and look for patterns in the longings. Your vision is reflected in themes that repeat themselves.
3. Remember it! Reflect on your childhood. Who did you want to be when you grew up? What kinds of things did you want to do? What kind of life did you want to lead?
4. Build it! Create your own web site. What information would you like to provide to others? What links would you provide? Your visions come gift-wrapped in the things that you want to focus on.
5. Forget about it! Do something other than try to figure out your vision. Inspiration comes when you are busy driving a car, taking a shower or ironing clothes. Notice what pops into your mind and consider the relevance.
6. Dream it! Pay attention to your nightly dreams. What are you busy doing? Who are you with? What problems are you trying to solve? Dreams are filled with messages concerning our needs, hopes and values. The best interpretation comes from you.
7. Begin with the end! Write your epitaph. Better yet, write your whole eulogy. How are you remembered now that you're gone? What values did you express? How did you change lives? All great journeys begin with a desired destination.