Vision vs. Sight

Just because a person has the ability of sight does not mean that they are able to see. That is the difference between someone who has vision compared to someone who only has sight. Those of us who have visions are sometimes referred to as dreamers. Our eyes are focused on where we want to go. As we are looking in that direction, we are formulating ideas and strategies to use the resources that what we have now to get there. We do not operate based on right now nor are we heavily affected by our current situation because we know that there is better in our future. People who have sight can only see the things around them and will make decisions based off of that alone. They are more focused on instant satisfaction instead of delayed gratification. Having a vision means that we may not see the results we want for some time. But it also means that we are willing to put in the work right now not knowing exactly what those results might be. Having a vision also means that we have the ability to make a plan. That plan may not be perfect in the beginning and it may need to be changed along the way, but the important thing is that we have a plan and are following it. Success is also viewed differently. Visionaries tend to use success to launch into something even greater. Those with sight want to recreate the same level of success over and over again. That may not necessarily be a bad thing, but you have subconsciously put a ceiling on how much you can grow. Everyone does not start off having a vision for themselves and their family. Some, such as myself, may have had visions but had no idea of how to make them a reality. Thankfully, I was able to learn a few things from others who were successful in executing their visions.

If you have a vision, you need to make it plain and keep it in front of you daily. One thing that I learned is that people with visions have vision boards. That’s just a plain white board where you write down your dreams and things that you would like to accomplish. Some of those things may take days to accomplish while others may take years. But the important thing is that you wrote down your vision. Now, there is a level of accountability to yourself that was not there before. I was a little hesitant about starting a vision board at first. I talked to people who were just like me starting off. They told me that over time they accomplished everything they wrote down and had to create another one. That was enough to get me moving. Remember, your vision board is YOUR vision board. Whatever your dreams are, no matter how big or how crazy they may seem, write them down. Whatever words of encouragement or affirmation you need, write them down on it as well. This is for YOU! The best part is when you are actually able to a check off one of the goals you have written down. That within itself is a huge success. 

What is a vision without a plan on how to get there? The next thing I learned to do is to create a plan and to go for it. It amazes me still the strategies that came to mind after creating the board. You may need to go back to school, read books on certain topics, connect with certain groups or individuals in your field. Some goals may require hiring a coach or seeking professional development. Whatever it takes, do not be afraid to do it. Most of these things will not happen overnight. But if you begin to put your energy towards them, a shift will occur and things will begin to happen. Make the necessary adjustments and you will be on the path on creating a better life.

If you are a person with a vision, do not ruin or delay it by talking about it too much. Just like the story of Joseph, everyone cannot handle your vision. You have to remember that people will not be able to see what you see. And that is ok because it is YOUR vision. All that matters is that you believe in you. Do not be swayed by the opinion of those who can only see what’s going on around them. Surround yourself with over like-minded individuals who are also in pursuit of their goals as well. Even if they are not in the same field, just seeing and talking to someone going to through and overcoming similar struggles is very encouraging. Yes, the motivation and drive to make your vision a reality comes from within. But sometimes an empowering word from someone else may give you the boost you need to keep going. No matter where you are in life or what you are going through, create a vision for yourself and work towards getting to a better place. If there is breath in your body, you have hope. And as long as you have hope, you can get to a better place. Do not waste another day. Make today day one and you will already be one step closer than you were yesterday. You got this! Now let’s get it!