A Guide to Understanding Vision Manifestos

Vision Manifestos are powerful tools for pitching your idea or mission. But before you start writing one, let’s demystify them and understand their personal or business implications.

In this article, you’ll get to know what a vision manifesto is. We’ll also explain the types of manifestos and how you can make a meaningful and inspiring one.

What is a Vision Manifesto?

A vision manifesto is a document in which an organization expresses its vision for attaining a particular objective. It also states how it plans to achieve this objective and the underlying values upon which the organization operates.

These can serve as a point of reference for the organization. It can also motivate the organization to improve its mission and vision over time. Vision manifestos are a type of long-term strategic plan.

Another definition of a manifesto is a public declaration of an individual’s core ideals and beliefs. Or, in more formal terms, an intellectual or philosophical position that sets forth an individual’s ideas. This can include how they want the world to be and what they will do to achieve that goal. It can also be used as a manual for living one’s life.

Types of Vision Manifestos

Goal

A goal can be considered a manifesto if it is shared publicly. It becomes a declaration about what we intend to do and what we want to happen. 

A classic goal manifesto is a New Year’s Resolution. Many New Year’s resolutions are made to celebrate the joy of the new year and are usually forgotten after. They are generally heavy on declarations and light on the necessary actions.

List

A bucket list is a very simple form of a manifesto and represents a great and easy way to write your personal plans. It generally lists what you intend to do within a particular time.

To-do lists and shopping lists can also somehow be considered manifestos. This is because they are written with an intent for action.

World

The purpose of world manifestos is to create a new world. It is not about following simple rules. Instead, it presents a vision of what the future will look like.

Martin Luther King’s speech entitled I Have a Dream was one of the most famous moments in the 1960s American civil rights campaign. It’s a manifesto that outlines how King wants the world to be. He didn’t present a list of things he needed to do in his speech. And he didn’t state a set of rules to follow either. Instead, he presented a picture of how things could be in the future.

How to Create a Vision Manifesto

Here are some things to consider when creating your vision manifesto.

Know your Why’s

Before anything else, it’s best to brainstorm your ideas and intentions for yourself or your company.

What you want from your vision is a significant first step. The Why is an essential part of your manifesto. It will set your goals and define your vision’s purpose.

Start by listing every reason you want to start this business or company. “Inspired” is the perfect word when brainstorming different ways to pursue your vision.

Try this technique yourself to make sure all of your ideas make sense. After that, it’s time to compile all of your ideas into a list.

What does your vision look like? Vision manifestos significantly impact your company, no matter what niche you want to pursue. So take the time to think about it.

Establish your Goals

Your vision should describe your goals and explain what you hope to achieve in the future. An effective vision is a clear picture of where your organization wants to be in the near future. This is important because it will also provide a vision for employees, who can then use that vision as a target to work towards. 

Every meaningful goal is established with a mental framework of what you want to accomplish. This also includes why and how long it will take you to achieve it. When you know why you are doing things, you can work towards your goal with a little more purpose.

Dream Big

Don’t be afraid to set seemingly unattainable goals. The bigger the vision and the included ideas, the more dynamic the message and the greater chance of achieving those goals. Make sure you are fully dedicated to the cause, passionate about the message and vision, and understand your goals.

Keep it Simple

Vision manifestos should be easy to understand. They are both an easy guide and an effective reminder to keep your goals in mind at all times. Instead of making a long, in-depth plan, write a 2 -3 sentence vision as a daily reminder of your dreams for the future. Use it for any goals, big or small.

To Wrap Up

Once you have established your vision manifesto, you have a clear and concise way to shape your plans and goals. You can use a vision manifesto to tell a story about what you intend to achieve and how it will impact those around you.

It is a piece of art that will live through several years. Don’t think twice about investing time and effort into making it.