Vision is a popular topic in startup communities. But what is vision? How do you know if you have it? In my opinion, your vision is where you plan to go. I think of it as defining your future destination. You know you have a vision when you can describe it and others easily “get it” and can imagine the destination. They get excited about it and all the possibilities that come with it.

Trying to do something great is hard. You’ll get told no. You’ll hear that your idea is stupid. You may even be laughed at. At times you’ll face a seemingly never-ending barrage of hurdles, and some days nothing will go right. These are the days when vision matters the most. Without a vision, you may give into the pain and pick an easier path to a destination that looks like success. But if you know where you want to be and have conviction, your vision will help you navigate tough times. That clear vision helps you choose not the easy path but the path that aligns with where you want to be. That vision is what motivates your team to travel that difficult path with you. That vision is your compass and your confidence when the chips are stacked against you. When times are good, you may get away with not having a vision. But when times are hard, not having a vision can be the kiss of death.

If you’re trying to do something great, consider taking the time to develop your vision. It can be the difference between success and failure!