Business leaders always dream big dreams about their company. Far too often, however, they struggle with their personal vision. I believe the No. 1 reason for this is because they want to help others before they help themselves.

Think of the last time you caught a plane. The flight attendant demonstrates how to use the oxygen mask in case of an emergency, and he or she always says to put on your mask first before helping those around you. If you don’t follow the instructions, you won’t really be able to help others. You won’t have enough oxygen.

I am a visionary and whenever I was challenged about personal goals and dreams, I would always say, “I’m okay. I have them in my mind.” That sounded good but it wasn’t until I went through a personal vision process that I really started to dream about where I was going, the plans for my family, my business dreams, and how I wanted to leave an imprint on this world. I found that as I went through this process, I could see much more clearly the course of my life and the practical steps I needed to take to see those dreams come to pass. Once I did, my personal and professional lives became more vibrant, healthy, and balanced.

Take an inventory of your personal and professional dreams. If you knew that you could not possibly fail, what would you do? What actions would you take? Where would you go?

Put on some quiet music and write down your actions, outcomes, and results. Make it like a Christmas list. There is no time limit. Let your mind run free. Deal with all aspects of your life: emotional, physical, spiritual, career, family, financial.

Now share these things with at least one person you trust and see what happens.

By Robb Holman