Have you ever had one of those days where you just feel like – “Why am I doing this?” or “This is just pointless.” These thoughts are usually accompanied by a terrible sinking feeling, at least for me, that I am totally missing out on doing something really meaningful.

Having and living out a strong mission and vision is such a vital part of life, don’t you think? And it doesn’t matter what your profession or position in that profession – we all need to have a sense of purpose. Or at least I think we do.

I totally agree with Hyatt’s post about Why Vision Matters as I am in the process of working through to reconnect with my own sense of vision and mission. 2009 was a challenging year, wasn’t it? I remember starting out, almost 365 days ago, with a great sense of excitement and uncertainty around what would happen during the year – namely: what would happen with our Economy.

Was I connected with my company mission and vision then? For sure. I was eager to go after it and build it up. But now? Almost a year later, I can honestly say that I feel like I’ve been bumped off track. My focus is not on my company’s mission and vision. It’s on paying the bills. Keeping cash flow – flowing. All of my attention has been sucked into this area of my company’s life, and I just know that it’s creating a hollowness inside me that really sucks.

This quote sort of sums it up:

“They don’t know why their efforts matter. They cannot connect their actions to a larger story. Their work becomes a matter of just going through the motions, living from weekend to weekend, paycheck to paycheck.

This is where great leadership makes all the difference. Leadership is more than influence. It is about reminding people of what it is we are trying to build—and why it matters.” (Why Vision Matters by Michelle Hyatt)

What a great insight about vision. And a great thing to think about for leaders (and everyone, for that matter.) We (leaders, managers, teachers, janitors, ALL OF US) from time to time, need to remind ourselves to connect with what makes our lives matter. The big picture – something beyond our normal every day activity. Or be prepared to get lost in scribbles.

What are you doing to connect with your sense of vision and mission?