“If You Are Working On Something That You Really Care About, You Don’t Have To Be Pushed. The Vision Pulls You.”- Steve Jobs
Vision. Have you ever thought about just how critical vision is to your life? Not only in the literal sense of being able to see what’s in front of you but also the invisible vision of seeing the beauty and wonder of life around you. Your eyes are not the only vision enabled organ. In fact you are able to “see” with your mind, heart and touch. You are able to visualize a memory, a thought and a feeling. We are visual creatures and therefore we dream in pictures. We see our purpose or calling in visions of what our life will enable and the impact it will make.
It is therefore all that more important to know what your purpose and goals are in order for you to draw a vision of what it would look like as well as how to achieve it. It is like putting all the Lego pieces together in order to build something. It all starts with what we imagine the outcome to be. We start by knowing what we want to end up with. We start with a picture of the final product. We then break it down in to each individual piece that is required. We then put the pieces together. The pieces might not and usually does not all come together at the first attempt. In fact it might take more attempts than we would like to admit but the end result, if we do not give up will be an achievement that you will be proud of. It is all because you dreamt it and persevered to build it.
Start with the vision. How do we go about having a vision?
I would like to suggest that it starts with asking and answering these questions:
- What drives me?
- What am I passionate about?
- What am I good at? What am I not good at?
- What would you regret not doing?
- What keeps you up at night?
- What change or impact moves you strongest?
Putting the pieces together.
Just like Lego or Ikea products, it all starts with the plan or vision. Then the pieces that you would need to put together. What are the pieces? Pieces would consist of:
- Resources: What do you need to achieve the vision?
- Time: How would you allocate time and energy? How to prioritise time?
- People: Who do you need to help achieve the vision? Identify people who are able to help in each stage.
- Focus: Prioritise and focus. Without focus, you will not be able to start or complete.
Expect mistakes and failed attempts.
It is important that we have the right perspective of how things are going to pan out. You might be the small minority that gets it right the first time. However, more often than not, it will take many attempts and learning from mistakes before getting to the point that you are seeing all the pieces put together in a manner that it resembles what you had envisioned. All too often, we fall into the trap that success will come automatically just because that’s the expectation. Having the right expectation is important as part of building the plans that will not only anticipate but also overcome challenges as it comes along. No journey is without speed bumps and potholes. Don’t let set back stops you from persevering and finishing the vision.
Let your vision grow.
Once you have accomplish one vision, allow the vision to grow and mature. Vision is a starting point and then it will grow and expand as our experience grows. It grows and mature as we grow and mature. Vision is a living “organism”. It is not stagnant and unchanging. In fact it is a guide for you to achieve at this point in time but not necessarily forever.
Don’t live a life without going after at least one thing that is important to you.
You are unique and therefore your contribution to this world can only be achieved by you alone.
