A great idea remains just that until it is turned into an inspiring vision that results in action. Realizing your vision depends on how well you understand the factors that will ensure its successful accomplishment.
Visions that Work – Realizable Visions
One of the characteristics of a inspirational vision is that it falls within the realm of achievable reality. For most people the ‘realm of possibility’ refers to that which is known, and what has already been achieved. We are conditioned throughout our lives, by parents, teachers, and our superiors, to stay within that boundary. When we set goals, we simply aim to emulate other people. Our goals simply become what others have already achieved.
“Vision is the art of seeing what’s invisible to others.”- Jonathan Swift
This is pertinent to us, because it is the way we condition our minds that limits our visions. Rather than moving beyond the existing norms and methods, we stay within the ‘realms of possibility’, and those things that others have already done. But history has shown time and again that it is possible for humans to break down and go beyond the barriers of existing norms and methods. It is quite possible for us to do the same.
Hence, we should the re-examine our view of what is ‘realizable’. Just because someone else hasn’t achieved something yet, it doesn’t mean that we won’t be able to. We have to bear that in mind when are establishing our visions in life. When we set our minds to it, what previously seem impossible, may well become ‘realizable’.
Building a Vision
In building your vision, you need to be aware of your inner calling, that voice inside you that tells you what you want in life. The more responsive you are to it, the better you will be able to clarify your vision.
You need inspiration to begin with. This inspiration can come from anywhere. You might read or see something that turns into an idea for a solution. You need to be receptive to such ideas, to see the possibilities. Think them over and consider what may be achievable. All progress starts with an idea.
“It is appalling to see how most people with sight don’t have a vision.” – Helen Keller
Innovation led to the outrageous idea of putting humans on the moon. Global giants such as Microsoft, Google and Amazon started with an idea few had at the time. No one could predict their success. They took bold steps, followed through, and paid no heed to their detractors. Your vision should be innovative and outrageous.
Developing and executing a vision requires leadership. To make your vision your own, you need to a pioneer and a leader, not a follower. After all it is your vision. Like an artist putting their vision on a piece of canvas and showing it to the world, you build your vision it in your mind and then realize it by presenting it others and inspiring them to help you achieve it.
Passionate Thinking vs Rational Thinking
We need to understand the difference between passionate thinking and rational thinking. When we think passionately, we focus on our our innermost desires. We don’t ponder the obstacles or limitations. When we passionately desire something, nothing can stop us from achieving it.
Rational thinking, on the other hand, confines us to what is has already been achieved, and therefore seem practical. It may appear to be the proper way to think about this world, but it results in us merely following in the footsteps of others. All of us at some time have ideas and build visions in our minds, but end up stifling them due to some perceived impediment, such as a lack of funds.
We overcome impediments. by realizing that they exist only in our minds. If we pursue our visions vigorously, we discover that nothing is impossible. Our persistence and passion have us overcome the obstacles, even in the face of others’ skepticism and disbelief. If you want to become a visionary, you need to be led by your emotions.
Taking Your First Strides toward Reaching Your Goals
Your vision of the future will not take shape if you do not action it. Your thoughts now turn to action. If not, they will go to waste. Since you are pushing the boundaries, your vision may seem insurmountable to others. But they should not seem that way to you, because you are now taking action to realize them.
Your first step, is to make an assessment of what you’ll need to bring your plan to fruition. At first, some things may seem unattainable. Most people fail at this initial step. However, you should not restrict your list of requirements, however ambitious they may seem to you.
The next step is assess what you already have or can easily obtain. This will show you how far you from realizing your vision, and get you thinking about those things which you don’t have. This is another step, bringing you closer to achieving your goal.
You have to do your research. This includes reading as much as you can, not only about your subject of interest, but also in general what other people have done in similar circumstances. You will find inspiration in the lives of famous or successful people.
Then the time comes to formulate your strategy and an action plan to accomplish your goal. Set milestones for yourself and determine how you will reach each milestone. Soon you’ll have a blueprint for the successful realization of your vision.
Getting People to Envision with You
Following a vision can be a lonely journey. But it does not need to be. You should seek to build a support group of morale-boosting supporters and partners. In fact, if you have any success, you will soon find yourself with a group of people sharing your vision.
Your vision may be so extraordinary, that you have difficulty convincing people to join you. However, you will need people with you, if not to strategize, then to implement your ideas. Start with discussing your ideas in general with select people, whose opinions you value. Take in what they say and assimilate good ideas into your plans.
To find people that are potentially interested in your plans, you could invite friends or acquaintances to related seminars or workshops. Or you could attend meetings or join clubs in your field. On social networking sites, you can find people with interest in almost any niche your care to think about. These are the places where you will find enthusiastic people.
Like a Guru to Your People
In developing and realizing your vision, you will need to understand how it will benefit the people around you and the world. When you’re working toward the betterment of people and society, and not only to fulfill your own desires, your vision takes on a new meaning. You become the guru, inspiring your people to accomplish the vision.
You become a visionary, by creating something for the greater benefit of society. By working on some product or service, all of us are doing this in a small way. But your vision foresees something on a larger scale. Even in the planning stages, you need consider and articulate how your idea, one fulfilled, will improve society.
The Roadblocks and the Cynics
On your road to achieving your goals, you will encounter obstacles. The more ambitious your vision is, the more complex these obstacles are likely to be. They may come in the form of funding shortages, opposition from vested interests, negative reaction of your detractors, and even permissions you need to obtain from authorities. You will need to overcome these issues if you want to make headway in reaching your goals.
You will need to shun or avoid those trying to deter you from your chosen path. Most likely these will be people who have not achieved anything themselves. Listening and reacting to negative opinions will slow down your progress. The great visionaries of the past often had to overcome opposition to their ideas.
When you experience practical difficulties, you should remember that this is not a onetime plan, but a vision that will take time. Try making the most of what you have. If you’re unable to make the big leap you’re hoping for, bridge the gap by taking smaller steps. Thomas Edison had more than 1,500 patents to his name – most of these were stopgap products he made and sold as a source of funds. Do small things if that is what it takes to achieve your bigger goal.
From a Visionary to a Leader
You cannot realize your vision without being a leader. Having a vision in itself implies that you are a pioneer. You are venturing into untrodden terrain. The difference between a visionary and a thinker is that a visionary brings that particular thing to fruition.
Throughout the process of creating and accomplishing your vision, your leadership qualities will be evident. In your innovative thinking, and talking to people initially, in the planning process, and in finding people to help you achieve your goal, you are taking a leadership role. As you progress in your efforts, your leadership talents will become crucial. You will need to motivate and inspire those around you to achieve success. And after you achieve success, and attract a following, you will continue to exercise your leadership skills.
Reaching Your Goals – Does Your Vision End There?
If you accomplish your goal and realize your vision, you should not let it end there. You should understand that you have underestimated your own ability, and miscalculated your capacity to achieve. Once you achieve your goal, set yourself a bigger one. Or keep improving what you have achieved. Like athletes who keep breaking their own records, visionaries constantly strive to fulfill a bigger goal or apply their achievements in other areas. If society at large benefited from your accomplishment, then they will look to you to achieve more.
