Vision is the discovery of the purpose for which you were created. It’s not just about having a dream or a mental image, but having a dream and then moving forward to actualize your dream. Dreams don’t move toward us, we have to move toward them. There has to be specific, measurable steps to achieve it and the commitment to act on it. It’s a tragedy to lack the knowledge of why you are here on earth, as well as not knowing the steps to take to achieve your purpose. Most often, we are afraid to make a move because we lack resources to pursue our dreams. We have to realize that vision doesn’t follow resources, it happens the other way around. First of all, you have a dream or an idea, then make a move forward. Then and only then do people and resources follow.
If your vision doesn’t seem bigger than your ability, then it’s merely a wish. In case you are afraid to make the first move in pursuit of your vision out of fear or uncertainty, “Take a cue from the snail that started climbing up the apple tree one cold day in February. As he inched his way upward, a worm stuck his head out from a crevice in the tree and said, ‘you are wasting your energy. There isn’t a single apple up there.’ The snail kept on climbing, and replied, ‘No, but there will be by the time I get up there.” According to a wise saying, “Effort only releases its reward after a person refuses to quit.”
Having a vision gives you: passion for life; motivation, direction and purposeful living.
You may not have the full picture of the outcome of your vision, but take a step of faith just like our father Abraham whom God told to live his town to an unknown destination. He obeyed and became the father of many nations.
An ambition is what you seek to do, but vision is what you were created to do. Live the life you were created for. When you locate your vision, life becomes a beautiful sensation, and the sky can only be your stepping stone.
Things to note about vision:
- Accomplishing your vision is in phases. It may take years to unfold. As the day goes by you are gradually moving from one phase to another. Don’t negotiate away your dreams for the purpose of instant gratification. Go through the various stages, and then your result will announce you to the world.
- Almost every great idea looks impossible initially, but with careful planning and positive attitude you can turn the impossibilities into possibilities.
- Planning is very important. The quality of your planning determines the outcome of your result. A poorly planned goals leads to a disastrous vision.
- The sky may not always be blue. There are times you may be uncertain of the next thing to do. At such moments hold on to your dreams and rely on God for direction. ‘Pursuing a God-given dream is a bumpy ride, and only those who think right succeed.’
- Take up one idea and give it your all- think of it, live on that idea and let your body be full of that idea and take a risk. ‘Only those who risk going too far can find out how far one can go’-T.S Elliot
- Be responsible in the pursuit of your vision. It’s going to take your time, energy and lots of discipline. You must accept the responsibility that comes with realizing a dream and give it your best. According to Winston Churchill “Responsibility is the price for greatness.”
- Every vision is designed to grow. But until you apply diligent pursuit to it, it may end up in the garbage. You have to faithfully pursue your dream with all diligence and determination in order to realize the beauty of it. If not, it will end as mere wishes.
- It takes humility to be divinely guided by God. It takes meekness to walk in divine plan and purpose of God for your life.
- The vision is for an appointed time. When the right time comes, everything falls in pleasant places for you to accomplish it.
- Be focused and don’t stray from your vision.
- Renew you strength constantly from the giver of the vision-God.
Vision is never carved in granite, but molded in clay. As you pursue your dream or idea it becomes clearer and obtainable. Be focused and impact the world positively with your vision.
Excerpts:
Bob Gass- The Word For Today, Feb-April, 2012.
David Oyedepo- In Pursuit of Vision.
Robert H. Schuller- Tough Times Never Last, But Tough People Do!