What is your vision for your life and career? I ask
you this because, as Joy the bus driver says in The Energy
Bus, "Every journey begins with a desire and vision to go
somewhere and do something and if you have the desire and
vision then you also have the power to make it happen."
A vision is a picture of a desire and it helps us see the
road ahead. After all, how can we drive somewhere if we don't
know where we are going? As drivers through life it is
essential to think about the desires implanted in our heart,
reflect on these desires, and ask ourselves these questions:
"What is my vision for my life and career?"
"Where do I
want to go?"
When thinking about a vision and goals, many of us assume
that we have to have a 10 year plan with specific goals
written down and a specific vision of exactly what we want.
While this is great if you know exactly what you want, and a
practice I recommend for businesses, for those of us who don't
have a clear vision, unfortunately it stops us from going
through the process of formulating a vision. Don't let the
details get in the way.
A vision doesn't have to be specific and it doesn't have to
be tied to any timeframe. In many cases it's more powerful to
first create a big picture vision and write it down. You might
say, "I know I want to make a difference and empower others,"
or "I know I want to serve others in the medical field but I'm
not sure how yet," or "I see myself having bigger impact on
the company I work for but not sure how it will happen, but
trust it will." A big picture vision generates hope and
optimism without trying to figure out every step of the way.
It helps you clarify and moves your bus in the right
direction. Most importantly a big vision gives you something
to drive towards and inspires you to overcome the adversities
you will face along the way. So write it down and read it
every day.
On our journey through life we will all hit roadblocks, pot
holes and experience flat tires. Without a big picture vision,
these challenges may cause us to stop, turn around, and give
up. Yet, with our eyes focused on the prize and the road
ahead, and a big picture vision in our heart we will find
someway to move past these road blocks, take a detour and
navigate a new path to make our vision a reality.
And if you think you are too stagnant or old to have a
vision, think again. You are never too old to have faith and
hope in the future. This past weekend we celebrated my
Grandfather Eddy's 90th birthday. Two years ago he had a
vision for his 90th birthday celebration and it included a
memorial kind of service where friends and family would
reflect on his life, while he was still alive and could be
here to enjoy it. Grandpa Eddy is also an accomplished
artist and poem writer, see some of his work online at www.EdwardGoldman.com.
Or consider 93 year old Johnny Holiday who packed his bags
at the age of 90 to move to California to become an actor.
Johnny told me his dream and vision gives him energy and his
faith in this vision keeps him going. Johnny Holiday appeared
in the recent Miller Lite commercials with Burt Reynolds.
Life happens. Detour signs may appear and travel plans
often change. And while we may not have as long of a journey
as Eddy or Johnny Holiday, with faith, hope, action and a big
picture vision for our life and career we will surely
experience a meaningful, energizing and successful ride.
Action Step
Write down your big picture vision and read it every day!
Sending Positive Energy your Way,
-Jon
