The Value of Vision

Stephen Covey says that there is a “large and painful gap between having a vision and fulfilling that vision”. Anybody who embarks on the journey from vision to fulfillment with passion and fervor will soon realize that this is the most important journey that they have, and most likely will ever, undertake.nnVision is constantly misrepresented in the media. It is often depicted as that ground-breaking strategy, that bolt of lightening that strikes in the middle of the night and catapults ordinary people into the realms of the super rich and famous.nnBut that is not what vision is at all, it is not exclusive and doesn’t come upon us but rather from within us. Everything we do in life, every behaviour and every action we take flows from a conscious decision. Our decisions are motivated by our desired outcomes and herein lies our vision. nnEvery single one of us has a vision for our lives. Vision is our intention for ourselves and the container in which we catch our dreams. Our vision for ourselves doesn’t have to have details, it doesn’t need to be a picture, it doesn’t even need to have a project plan or time lines attached. It is a simple, intensely personal ideal that we set for our own lives. The vision is not the map with directions, it is the destination. Good business practice is to start with the end in mind and the only way to build a feasible business plan for your life is to start with your vision. nnBefore Michelangelo painted the ceiling of the Sistine chapel he had an outline or draft of what he wanted to depict, before he had a draft, he had a vision and that vision was the intention behind what he would eventually create.nnWe are not limited by our abilities, but by our vision. AnonnnWhat is your vision for your own life? If you hesitate or aren’t sure, try this simple exercise.nnImagine you have just received an all expenses paid holiday to anywhere in the world. You are allowed to do absolutely anything that your heart desires with no strings attached. What do you chose to do? Lie on the beach listening to the waves lap the shore, hike across the desert or cycle through a forest? Whatever your choice is, notice how you didn’t need much detail to build this picture. I never mentioned where the holiday was, how you got there, what season it was or how long you would stay but your mind was able to draw upon your own personal desires and wishes. This is exactly the process used in finding your vision for your life. nnFind a quiet place and let your mind simply wonder to explore the various tributaries of your future and find that sweet spot where you think “ah, that’s it, that feels right.” What do you see, feel, hear and experience? This is the destination TOWARDS which all your efforts in life should flow if they are channeled directly. Trust yourself. You already have the answers that you seek inside of you, you may just be looking for the key to unlock them or the words to describe them. nnThis is an excerpt from the Passion Book: a “notbook” (a note book plus book) which is the companion to my workshop on Finding Passion and Purpose in your Life as well as support material in the work that I do as a change coach. nnThe Passion Book serves as a companion, a travelogue, on this most important journey of finding passion and purpose in life. For a copy visit www.tremaineOnline.com