Do you know the most important piece to a puzzle? The picture on the front of the box!
To build what you want requires a vision, or picture of your outcome what you want to see happen. It is a blueprint leading to the complete picture you envisioned. So, to get where you want to go you need to create a vision for your future and implement some tools to sustain that vision. Take a look at some of these ways to manifest your vision.
Galileo Galilee noted, "All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them." Draw your picture. Yes, elementary as it may sound, very few people have recorded the picture they want to create whether it be for your personal life, your career or your family. Have you scripted your vision? Probably not! So now is your best hour. Ask yourself this question to help you create your picture:
"What do I want to see happen in my life?" Or, "What is my ultimate goal?" Capture it on paper.
Discover what you don't like. But avoid focusing on what you don't like! There is a difference. Create the contrast. It helps to create a comparison or juxtaposition of what you like and what you don't like. This tool helps to narrow your focus. There is an unlimited amount of things you can focus on, but what is the most important thing you need to intend to? Philosopher Rene Descartes remarked, "It is not enough to have a good mind. The main thing is to use it well." Be aware of your surroundings while focusing on what matters most to you!
Engage in a lengthy siesta to help you create your vision. Get out. Take a vacation. The ability to get away from the hustle and bustle of life in order to reflect on what is most important in your life can be revealing. The constant barrage of television or the expectations of others have of you can cloud the mind.
The norms of society and cultural outlook on what you should do can blind you. If a vacation is too cumbersome then take an hour, a half-day or a day or two to get in touch with what is most important to you. Life's responsibilities can easily tell you that you don't have time to get away for such contemplation. Ignore that message since it is your limited self that is trying to scare you into a comfortable life of mediocrities flanked by self-imposed external pressures. The point is to step back to clear your mind.
Define, in writing, your code of conduct. What would it take to achieve your vision? What values and actions require your focus? Is it life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? How about freedom, family, financial independence? What about adventure, wisdom or endless enthusiasm? How about mental and physical heath or spiritual strength?
Benjamin Franklin is a great example of this. He followed a code of conduct that he named The Thirteen Virtues that read:
1. Temperance. Eat not to dullness. Drink not to elevation.
2. Silence. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself. Avoid trifling conversations.
3. Order. Let all things have their places. Let each part of your business have its time.
4. Resolution. Resolve to perform what you ought. Perform without fail what you resolve.
5. Frugality. Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself. Waste nothing.
6. Industry. Lose no time. Be always employed in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary actions.
7. Sincerity. Use no harmful deceit. Think innocently and justly; and, if you speak, speak accordingly.
8. Justice. Wrong none, by doing injuries or omitting the benefits that are your duty.
9. Moderation. Avoid extremes. Forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
10. Cleanliness. Tolerate no uncleanness in the body, clothes, or habitation.
11. Tranquility. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.
12. Chastity. Rarely use venery but for health or offspring. Never to dullness, weakness, or the Injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.
13. Humility. Imitate Jesus and Socrates. Create environmental anchors to sustain your vision. An environmental anchor is something you place in your environment to remind you of your commitments. You can create a vision board to help sustain you. Or make a poster of your credo and hang it in your office or in a room in your house. This is a wonderful motivator and energy booster. The practice of pinning up photos of you at your best, or posting your written vision on a corkboard, pasting it in a scrapbook or displaying it on a computer monitor, can make a tremendous difference.
Nourish your mental picture by developing your vision team. Persons who can achieve a vision by themselves have chosen a vision that is not big enough. Who can help you manifest your vision? Plenty of people are willing to help you if you only open your eyes. The key is to find the right kind of people who can help. The best ones are those that share your vision. Make a list and recruit the best.
Each of us has the capacity to have a vision for our future. No one can do this for you. Use this God-given talent to create a life you know you are capable of living. Have the courage to see it happen before it happens.
Best of success to you!
Jeffrey Benjamin is the author of Real Life Habits for Success and the founder of Breakthrough Training. He hosts Breakthrough Radio every Saturday at 9:30 am on KBZZ AM 1270. Contact him through www.breakthroughtraining.com.
