A new year’s approaching. If you're like most business owners, you’ve probably already started thinking about what needs to change in 2026; more profit, more time back, less firefighting. But before you start making lists or setting targets, there’s one thing you need to get clear first:

👉 Why does your business exist, and where is it going?

That’s your vision. And without one, you’ll drift. With one, you’ll make sharper decisions, lead better, and rally your team around a common purpose.

This isn’t corporate fluff. It’s one of the most powerful tools you’ve got.

In today’s Advent Calendar video, Michael Carthy helps you get clear on what success really looks like, because you can’t build a roadmap without a destination.

Why Your Vision Statement Matters

At Carthy, we’ve worked with hundreds of business owners, and we can tell you: the most confident, resilient, and focused ones always have a clear vision.

It’s not about buzzwords or five-year plans. A strong vision does three things:

• Sets the tone and direction for your decisions
• Keeps your team aligned and motivated
• Acts as a filter for what you say yes or no to

Without it, every decision becomes reactive. You focus on the urgent, not the important. You chase short-term wins and wonder why it all still feels like hard work.

Start With You, Not Just the Business

Forget the typical “grow by 30%” or “increase market share” statements.

A meaningful vision starts with you:

• What are your values?
• What’s the impact you want to have?
• How do you want to feel when you walk into work?

This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about crafting a business that works for your life, not the other way around.

Your Vision Should Answer These Questions

Use these prompts to shape a 2–3 line statement that genuinely reflects where you're heading:

• Why did you start your business?
• What does success really look like? (Money? Time? Freedom?)
• What kind of business do you want in five years’ time?
• What do you need from the business in the next 12 months to move you closer?

Once you’ve written it, ask yourself: Does this excite me? Would my team understand it?

If the answer’s yes, you’re onto something.

Example

Here’s one that hits the nail on the head:

“To build a business that runs without me, supports my family, and gives back to the local community, while delivering work we’re proud of.”

No jargon. No waffle. Just honest clarity.

Get the Business You Want

This first step sets the course for everything else, from pricing decisions to hiring, from marketing to how much time you take off next summer.

If you haven’t already, grab the full Plan, Profit, Prosper planner and take the next step today.

Need help crafting or sense-checking your vision?
Get in touch. We’d love to talk it through.

Start today: Download the planner and take Step 1 now