There is so much talk about vision in business today. But how many of us are applying it to real world situations? Clear visions can and should be applied, before work, at work and after work. Some describe this as setting goals. But it goes much deeper. Consider for a brief moment what happens when goals are not clear or unified. Consider the following. How did you feel the last time someone expected something but didn’t communicate it in a way that you understood? For those whom already have experience with vision, how are you assisting others? Especially those younger in their growth? As you can see (yes, see) young and old, we all have opportunity to connect with a vision. Those who aren’t as experienced, how many have paused to think for a moment what clear vision actually is? What’s its purpose? How can we utilize it? How does one create a vision? What advantages will it have if I invest time in it? In essence, will the ROI be worth the work? What can it do for us today and or the long term outlook? These are great questions. I can assure you, time invested in this area will improve your life and those of whom you share time with. Let’s invest a brief moment together to explore some of the answers to the questions above..
I am reminded of a quote by Rosabeth Moss Kanter, “A vision is not just a picture of what could be; it is an appeal to our better selves, a call to become something more.” Expressed in other words, in creating a clear vision one must, first see what you want to be; then be who you want to be.
Very often each of us, each day, use the words “I am”. This became salient to me when I was traveling and in my study of other languages. If you doubt it, look at the first two words of the last paragraph. Did you take note until I called attention to them? Vision you see, works in the same way. The brain when focusing, (often under our conscious thought processes) works on exclusion as well as the obvious inclusion. Think addition as well as subtraction, as you do, you begin to realize this goes all the way back to our youth. This area in particular, is where I suggest we focus our attention. Attention to the proper persons, places and things for our lives.
I am, is one of the most powerful statements one can use. These three essential letters help us to communicate in self talk and in speaking to others. These words help us describe to others who we are; as well as describe where we are headed. The better a person does with this, the better for all involved. Vision therefore, is essential for mutual communication. If anyone currently reading is experiencing a gap in who you believe to be, compared to how others appear to see you, I suggest time contemplating, reflecting or a possible revision in this area.
Visions are not difficult to create. When first beginning, invest an hour with it. Set ten or fifteen minutes aside for yourself. Make an appointment with yourself or a trusted friend or colleague if needed. Contact me if desired. The point is, don’t let anything stand in your way of doing this. Without a perspicacious and compelling vision people are easily distracted. Without vision one can be easily swayed. Without vision how does one get from place A to place B? Can it be done? Sure, people do it all the time. Is it efficient? Is it necessary or wise? You decide. I’ll be candid and vulnerable with you. I lost thirty plus years without clear direction. I literally and metaphorically woke up one day from a haze and began to wonder how I got to where I was. I urge you, don’t let this happen to you. Time is a commodity and life is fragile. Take advantage of time and make it work for you. Focus on things that are meaningful. Don’t waste time living other people’s lives. Create your own vision.
The following are a couple tips for creating a perspicacious vision. Try to create a vision you can see and feel. Make it so strong you can almost touch it physically. Create a vision you can hear clearly and one of which you can taste and enjoy the aromas. Do yourself a favor and make it palpable. Be able to see it, feel it and touch it in your mind’s eye. After beginning you will realize you can make your vision bigger and more vibrant. Old visions you can make smaller, less useful or delete completely. All this can be completed within minutes and within your mind’s eye. Utilize all your senses.
Once established, do something with it. Preferably do something with it each and every day. These are simple words but many find it challenging. Don’t be deterred. Implement it in your daily routine. I’ll write and article on rituals soon. The point is, why have a vision if it only hangs as a painting? This is all too common in business and with people in life. Realize, the advantage is, once one has a frame of reference from which to work, one can begin to grow in that direction. It won’t happen if you don’t build the foundation. Be reminded, gems are mined and discovered. They definitely can’t shine without light. There is power in the light you draw in as well as what you radiate. The desire is for you to be brilliant.
Regardless if you are considering vision for a corporation or as an individual, visions are not meant to be static. Not much is static. Life is meant to be in flow. Life is ever changing and fluid, in turn so too are visions. Visions are peoples thoughts. They are people’s dreams. They are thoughts which are meant to grow and evolve. This isn’t about past visions, memories or snapshots of space-time events. These are different subjects. In contrast and as analogy, we’re looking to shoot and arrow with accuracy and hit the moving target with precision. Understanding and achieving this, will put you a cut above the average with a high degree of clarity.
Visions, as opposed to short term goals, are meant to be moving targets. They are meant to be iterated, incubated and to be expanded. Incubate the idea, make it as perspicacious as possible and grow and lean into it. If you don’t have a lot of time, (as I’ve heard said) “set it and forget it”. The thing is, don’t dwell on it. Too many people get distracted by thinking a vision has to be perfect. It doesn’t. If your vision is based on a deep passion and purpose, (as it should be) you will not forget it, ever. There will be plenty of time for improvement.
To begin, apply everything you currently know. Later, at regular intervals and with a touch of courage, grow and iterate it. This is done through practice and application. Eventually you may be led to take a leap of faith or maybe a breakthrough. But for that to happen, you must first get started. Don’t fret about that now. Handle that when the time comes. You don’t have to be brilliant to get started but you do have to get started to be brilliant.
Don’t get distracted or be deterred by speed bumps. Be flexible and fluid. – This is all about flow. Even a bridge has what’s called tensegrity (tensional integrity). A stadium has live load calculations for when it gets stressed and stomped on. A diamond has inclusions better known as flaws. Mistakes in life are inevitable. Failure is something to calculate and simply something to overcome. Be strong, be flexible and keep your head in the game.
One note of warning. Don’t be fooled by shysters. Once you have a vision and you begin to broadcast it, people will present you with ideas for instant fixes and quick gratifications. This is commercialization in a nut shell. It’s just business. Don’t be fooled. Trust your gut and conscience. If your intuition is telling you something doesn’t add up, your feeling is probably correct. If that happens, move along and continue connecting with authentic people. Deliberate practice over time is key.
Connect with others who lift you up. Look for others who believe in you. Find people who support your undertaking and the cause you serve. More importantly believe in yourself. Be vulnerable and reach out to someone who is on the road ahead of you – Don’t fear rejection. if you get rejected so what? That speaks volumes about them not you. After which, simply move on and try again until you find someone willing to serve you and your interests. Not for themselves but because they genuinely want to see you grow. The right candidates are out there. Look for people who desire to serve. It’s up to you to find them.
Lastly, never quit! Find your purpose, follow your passions and never ever quit. If it so happens you get (or got) sidetracked, things got put on hold or you had momentarily forgotten your dream, that’s okay. Many people get side tracked. For me, blogging was something I wanted to do. I put it off for a long time. I’m here now and I’m deeply present in the moment. You’re here now too. I’m with you in support. What’s stopping you? Simply put, get back on the horse. Get back on the road and keep making progress with your journey.
If you don’t have a vision. I recommend you start one today. Start small if you have to. You’ll get there. Whether you’re just beginning or you have a clear vision to change the world, I encourage you to make it happen. Send me an email, a like or post a comment. I’d love to hear what deeply moves you and what your working toward on the road to becoming brilliant!!! Most of all, make it happen! Good luck!
B. A. Milford