Do You Have a Vision?

A couple months ago I was sharing my plans for 2012 with one of my closest girlfriends. I told her that my intention was to figure out how to create and price my products and services in such a way that I could work as little as possible and make the most money possible. I was thrilled with my vision and excited about the possibilities. She laughed out loud at me. “What’s so funny?” I asked. She said, “It’s not that you don’t want to work. You just don’t want to work hard.” I had to agree. I’m not ashamed to admit it. And I’m not ashamed to have a different vision for my life than what is traditionally dictated (and rewarded) by society at large. The exciting thing is that I do have a vision for my life, and I’m going to suggest you get one for yours. What is your vision for your life? When I ask about your vision I’m not asking you to spout off some fantastical desires that you don’t actually believe could ever come true for you. I don’t want you to humor me or patronize me. I want you to challenge yourself, challenge your limited thinking, challenge your negativity and foregone conclusions as to what you or others have espoused is possible, and dare to admit what you truly want for your life. I want you to dream.

Your life is a blank slate. It is a canvas upon which you can paint anything your mind can conceive. The barrier I see is that many of you have lost your ability – and the guts – to dream bigger and desire more. You’ve looked around and read the headlines, and you’ve chosen to attach yourself to the status quo and live your life according to a small and safe vision. You sometimes talk about more, but there is no conviction or action behind your words. Yet you believe if you keep talking about more no one will notice that you’ve actually settled. There is a constant battle between your head, that out of fear shuns any implication that you could do, be, and have more, and your heart, that very much still yearns to do, be, and have more. How frustrating is that? Aren’t you exhausted from constantly reminding yourself that amazing things cannot happen in your life, and how impossible it would be to achieve your dreams? Isn’t it disheartening continually throwing up roadblocks in front of your desires while trying to force yourself into a life that is less than what you truly desire? If you’re answer is yes, then stop! Shut down the inner naysayer and start envisioning the masterpiece that is going to be your amazing life.

You can get started by creating a vision board; pour through magazines and cut out pictures, phrases or anything that moves you, and that exemplifies your vision for your life. What kind of career do you want? What type of relationship do you want? Where would you love to live and vacation? What kind of car, house, clothes, and body do you desire to have? Don’t judge it – just cut it out and glue it on! For some of you it has been so long since you even dared to dream that it might be slow going at first. But that’s okay. Allow yourself to dream. Have some fun. Now, there is no need to start worrying about how you are going to make it all happen. We’re not even there, yet. And if you’re used to throwing up roadblocks before you even get started, asking that question too soon can become an exercise in excuse-making. This is just about creating a vision. Once your board is complete, put it somewhere you can see it every day. Resist the urge to discount it, excuse it away, rationalize it, or ridicule it. This vision board is your life picture; a reflection of your true desires, and hence a reflection of your true self.

Without a clear and inspiring vision, your life is just a series of day-to-day tasks and routines with no clear purpose. Without a clear vision your life just flounders the way of the wind, and it is vulnerable to other’s approval, opinions, and small thinking. Without a clear vision there is no true inspiration or focus. Your vision should be the foundation for everything you do, it should open your eyes to the possibilities of life, and it should provide the fuel and excitement you need to stay focused and motivated. Your life vision is your North Star, and it should guide you even in challenging times. No one ever became a success without vision. Don’t spend another day settling, start creating your vision today.