Do you have a clear personal vision that gives your life direction? Does your vision cover every area of your life (spiritual, relational, physical, social, mental, financial and professional)? If you answered no to these questions, you have some work to do.
Today’s World
In today’s stressful and chaotic world many of us are busy moving at fast-break speeds hourly, daily, weekly, monthly and yearly, but still have no real vision beyond our current situation.
We can spend countless hours talking and texting on mobile devices, watching our favorite reality shows or emailing, tweeting and checking our Facebook pages, but many of us have failed to spend the same quality time developing and implementing a vision that gives our life direction.
Your vision is not a one-size-fits-all, but it is uniquely fashioned to fit you. No matter who you are, what country or continent you live on or what side of the tracks you are from, God created you with a specific vision that no one in this world can live but you.
My Realization
I realized several years ago that a clear vision was the missing ingredient for me to live a more fulfilling life. I experienced a lot of unnecessary struggle and frustration due to the lack of vision for my life. I also found out from talking to others that I was not the only one struggling with this issue.
Conversation after conversation revealed that a lack of a clear vision in every area of life was the underlying problem causing others frustration, fatigue and failure.
It did not matter whether a person had a doctorate degree or a GED, a business owner or a janitor or if they were financially secure or not, the lack of a clear vision was the common denominator.
If you never realize your true vision, you will limp through life. You will miss living your best life. You came into this world equipped with a vision God designed specifically for you. It is up to you whether you realize your vision or not.
After spending time in prayer, reading and talking to others, I developed a working definition of vision.
“Vision is a clear mental picture of a preferable future that God communicates to an individual. The individual becomes so committed to the vision he or she will pursue it despite any obstacles or challenges. It is the ingredient that launches an individual out of stagnation and into forward action.
What Vision Provides
Unfortunately, many people don’t live from vision. They live life like a builder who tries to construct a building without the proper blueprints. Because he does not have a clear vision for the building, he works from assumptions and guess work.
Many people today, operate in the same manner; they stumble through life allowing circumstances, events and other people determine their destiny. They often opt for mediocrity or the status quo, instead of living their best life forward.
I want to suggest to you that true success begins with a vision for every area of life. You must know where you are headed to live life at maximum capacity. Vision is a powerful motivator to move you into consistent action.
Vision provides you with:
1. Focus – Vision enables us to keep our eyes on a fixed objective. It keeps us from being distracted from other things that may also be good but are not the best for us. Without a focused vision you will live carelessly and without a sense of purpose.
2. Energy – Vision energizes a person. He receives strength from the picture of where he is going and it gives him strength for the task. He constantly keeps the vision in the fore front of his mind. He dreams about it at night and during the day. He talks about it and he acts upon it. Vision is the spark that transforms stagnancy into action.
3. Endurance – Your vision not only gives energy for the task but it gives endurance. Endurance is the ability to keep on going even when things get tough. A clear vision will fortify you to push forward when you want to quit and gives you the ‘staying power’ when you want to throw in the towel and quit.
People of vision make things happen. They accept responsibility. They aren’t necessarily the most intelligent, privileged or talented. However, they are clear about what they want and determined to rise above any challenges, obstacles and difficulties to make their vision a reality.
“The most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight, but has no vision.” Helen Keller
Question: Why is important for you to have a clear personal vision? Leave a comment below.
Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/davelawler/7582209870/
floyd says
I’m not sure any of us ever get to the point where there isn’t room for improvement. I think if that’s arrived our time is done. I like the definition and the power demonstrated through vision. I relate to the “picture” in our minds that our vision represents and how it keeps us focused and moving forward despite all of life’s setbacks. I see it! Thanks for helping dial it in a little tighter! Well done.
Bernard Haynes says
Floyd, we need to check ourselves if we think we have arrived. There is always room for improvement in some area of life. Vision gives us a direction to focus our attention. Without a vision the people perish.
Ngina Otiende says
I like that how you’ve pointed out we need vision for every area of life.
To be honest I’ve put more focus on some areas, more than others. Definitely needed this reminder today.
Bernard Haynes says
I believe when you establish a vision for each area of life that you may focus on some areas more than others at times. You must know where you are with each area to determine where your focus needs to be at times. A written vision plan helps keep your priorities in order.
Ngina Otiende says
True Bernard, seasons keep changing..but with the bigger picture in mind (and infront of you), you know where you are going 🙂
Caleb says
Yes! Vision is very important to me. Life has a way of muddying the waters and making it difficult to see clearly at times. I find it helpful to get away once or twice a year and revisit the vision God has given me for my life.
Bernard Haynes says
I try to get away a couple times of year to re-evaluate my vision. You are right life has a way of muddying the waters.
Dan Black says
Essential topic for anyone who wants to have a better future. Clear vision allows us to move through the seasons of life toward our dreams. Great post!
Bernard Haynes says
Dan, I will have to use that line. ‘Clear vision allows you to move through the seasons of life toward your dreams.’ You hit the nail on the head with a sledge hammer.
Dan Black says
Thanks man. Feel free to use it as your own.
Bernard Haynes says
Thanks, Dave.
TCAvey says
It’s so easy to get distracted, discouraged, and so on. A vision keeps you going. Even if you get off track, if you have a vision, you won’t be off track forever.
Bernard Haynes says
You are correct. A vision keeps you going when it seems everything and everyone is against you.
Loren Pinilis says
I think the greatest benefit is that it helps you prioritize. That’s really just another way of stating what you’ve stated here – but it helps you get up at 5AM to work on your dream. It helps you keep going when things seem tough.
Bernard Haynes says
Loren, you hit the nail on the head. A clear vision does help you prioritize. Getting up at 5 am never worked for me. I like to work on my vision between 10 pm – 12:30 am.