What's your vision?

Earlier this year I had a great encounter with someone in a seminar I delivered.  We had a nice, thoughtful conversation about vision and the proverbial “big picture”.  Man, I love these conversations. 

Anyhow, a few weeks later I received an email where the person stated, “…made me realize that I’ve gone through too much of life ‘just getting through’.  I’m naturally wired to do my job well and be a good dad, but not naturally wired to look into the future to plan/dream or take the time for ‘self-discovery’ for purpose.”

The picture of the railroad tracks in this blog was done by a great photographer, Michael Lawrence (http://www.flickr.com/photos/michael07).  I love how the tracks, so solid in the foreground of the picture run off into the mist where their continued direction is unknown.  This photo is my screensaver—constantly reminding and prodding me to focus and distill my vision.  This focus is vital to being aware of the actions needed to move this vision to reality.  Of course, we all need to first develop the vision. 

So, what’s your vision?  If you add 5 years to your age and imagine (Einstein loved this word) what your life is going to be like—personally and professionally—in the year 2016, what’s coming up for you?  A great exercise to make this real is to sit with a blank piece of paper, grab a favorite pen, and begin to write yourself a letter dated August 29, 2016.  In the letter, capture very descriptive detail to describe the areas of your life; health, soul, wealth, relationships, career, etc.   Then read this letter often and confirm that the projects you are moving toward completion with the actions you are taking will turn this vision into a reality in 2016.  Simple in theory, yes?

So, as the kids once again begin to jump on those big, yellow buses and we all get into “back to school” mode, take some time to be still and develop your vision.  Without it, we are more driven by  our everyday happenings, distractions, email overload and too many meetings.

A favorite quote of mine from the bible is, “Without vision, the people perish.”   I’m not sure we’ll actually perish without a strong vision, but many will likely live a life of unfilled dreams.  And that just may be a form of “perish”.

Create your vision.  Map your actions to the vision.  Be happy.  Be fulfilled.

Be well.

Danny