There is at least one person you know, right now in your life, whom you admire for having vision and for following through with that vision. He or she is probably an individual for whom things turn out right most of the time. This is the person to whom others listen, not just because of his or her success, but because he or she always seems to have the best, most energizing experiences to share.
This person has magnetic draw and is viewed as interesting, exciting, often fun and charismatic. Their active vision is plain to see.
The active vision used to succeed is not just being open to others’ ideas for development, or having a great momentary AHA!; it is first, perception with imagination, and then, taking Whatever-It-Takes action to make that vision a reality. Clearly, there is risk in following a dream. Chances are this person encountered and solved more problems than most.
Most people find resistance uncomfortable, so don’t persevere. They shy away from resistance and end up justifying the fear and laziness. Conformity and mediocrity are their rewards. Whether plucking a violin string to make music or doing reps in the gym, the only way to grow and create our life as our own personal music, is to push against resistance. So, along the way of fulfilling the vision(s), those whom you admire for their vision experienced personal growth. They weren’t necessarily more inspired than others at the onset of an idea, they simply held on to their vision to use the inspiration as motivation to do the perspiration and get the job done. They chose to see problems as challenges, stepping stones, part of the process, even interesting. Simply, they solved more problems.
The good news is that a number of successful characteristics can be recognized and duplicated, and active vision can be developed with practice.
Here are 6 ideas on how to use your imagination and power of belief to develop your active vision.
Realize that there are no “impossible” or “ridiculous” ideas. Allow your imagination to create any kind of vision and think only later about the practicality of the vision. Relax, allowing the creative part of your brain to engage. Let the thought process flow remembering there are no wrong thoughts. Also, go to sleep at night with the expectation of great visions in your dream states and pay attention to the experience of ideas continuing to flow in the morning.
Ask a lot of positive, “what if” questions. What if I had a unlimited dollars to make my plan work? What if I had all the help I needed? What if I could not fail and nothing were to stand in my way? These types of questions jump start the imagination and help us realize the possibilities. Curiosity stimulates answers outside the box.
Never worry about criticism. Most of the great thinkers, inventors and entrepreneurs throughout history suffered the slings and arrows of the envious few. Many people experience their vision as “too grand” or never follow up the vision with action. They succumb to the fear of criticism or ridicule, so stay focused and don’t let those without vision get in your way. Select your inner circle of confidants carefully.
Take a risk. Be attentive to ‘paralysis by analysis.’ Being a cautious and careful planner is a good thing until perfectionism stops all progress. It’s easiest to deal with immediate facts as they are now, and then trust you’ll solve new situations as they arise and become the new now. If a thing is worth doing, it is worth starting poorly. Some of the best decisions and characteristics are born in spontaneous pressure situations. You may have heard, “Tea bags and people have a lot in common. You just don’t know how strong you are ’till you’re in hot water.” Is the risk worth the dream?
Use the Hindsight Test. When you wonder if your idea is worth approaching with a WhatEver-It-Takes, problem solver, say-Yes! energy; remember: Hindsight is great but you don’t have to have it!Ask yourself now,If I were on my deathbed and I’d never have gone for this one, would it matter? If I went for it, gave it my best and it didn’t pan out, would I be grateful I’d lived the experience? How might I or my life be different if I went for it? What if it works? What if I work?
Enjoy the Process. The moments of success and the people you enjoy are easy to relish. Consider relishing your challenges and being entertained and learning from those who lay the roadblocks. It makes a life worth living.
