My partner Ben Gandy and I are fortunate to work with some of the brightest, hard-working business owners and leaders in the country, but we’ve learned through experience that intellect and work ethic alone will not guarantee success. The greatest asset in achieving success, individually or in business, is the ability to envision or imagine your future success and be disciplined to pursue it each day. Have you ever sat down and imagined your best future—your ultimate picture of success?

What will your life look like in five years? Where will you be in terms of relationships? Financials? What will your business look like? The best way to predict your future is to create it. Stephen Covey, author of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” instructs us to “begin with the end in mind.” He says all things are created twice. The first is imagined, the second is physical.

The power of a clear and compelling vision is immeasurable. It becomes our compass. It allows us to accomplish great things and overcome tough setbacks. It’s the catalyst for attracting the best talent and inspiring loyalty in your team. Vision becomes the guiding light and the determining factor in all future business and life decisions. Leaders who can articulate a shared vision of success are more likely to build successful organizations.

Have you taken the time to visualize and write down your future picture of success? If not, let me challenge you to do so.

Don’t waste another day just being smart and working hard!