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| Click here to view the Bible Reading Plan for Declaring the Vision |
Rosabeth Moss Kanter said, "A vision is not just a picture of what could be; it is an appeal to our better selves, a call to become something more."
Have you ever had a vision for something? Maybe it is a vision for your career, your personal life, or your community. A vision is like a mental picture of what you want to achieve. It is a dream that you hold in your mind's eye, a destination that you're striving to reach. But according to Rosabeth Moss Kanter, a vision is much more than just a picture. In fact, a vision calls us to become something more, and we are headed towards it.
What does that mean exactly? Let's unpack this quote and
explore why having a vision is so important.
The Power of a Vision
When we have a vision for something, it gives us direction
and purpose. It is like having a compass that points us towards our goals.
Without a vision, we can easily become lost or directionless. But with a
vision, we know where we are headed and why we are headed there. This sense of
purpose can be incredibly motivating and inspiring.
The Difference Between a Vision and a Goal
It is important to distinguish between a vision and a goal.
A vision is a big picture idea, a long-term aspiration. A goal is a specific,
measurable, short-term target that helps us achieve our vision. Goals are
important, but they are not the same as a vision. A vision is the overarching
purpose that gives meaning to our goals.
The Appeal to Our Better Selves
So why is a vision an appeal to our better selves? Because a
vision is not just about achieving something external. It is about becoming
something internal. When we have a vision, we are striving to be our best
selves. We are reaching for our highest potential. We are not settling for
mediocrity or complacency. We are pushing ourselves to be more than we
currently are.
The Call to Become Something More
This is the heart of Kanter's quote. A vision is not just a
destination; it is a journey of self-improvement. When we have a vision, we are
not content with the status quo. It does not satisfy us with our current level of
success or achievement. We are constantly pushing ourselves to grow and
develop. We are striving to become something more than we currently are.
How to Develop a Vision
So how do we develop a vision? There is no one-size-fits-all
answer to this question, but here are a few tips:
Reflect on Your Values
Think about what is most important to you. What are your
core values? What do you believe in? Your vision should align with your values
and reflect who you are at your core.
Imagine the Future
Visualize what you want to achieve in the future. Don't be
afraid to dream big. Your vision should be ambitious and inspiring.
Identify Your Purpose
What is your reason for wanting to achieve your vision? What
impact do you want to have on the world? Your purpose should be clear and
meaningful.
Write it Down
Once you have a sense of your vision, write it down. Make it
tangible and concrete. This will help you stay focused and motivated.
The Importance of Flexibility
While having a clear vision is important, it is also
important to be flexible. Life is unpredictable, and sometimes our plans need
to change. When we hold onto our vision too tightly, we can become rigid and
resistant to change. We need to be open to new opportunities and willing to adapt
as circumstances change.
The Benefits of Having a Vision
So why is having a vision so important? Here are a few of
the benefits:
Motivation and Inspiration
Having a vision can be incredibly motivating and inspiring.
It gives us a sense of purpose and direction, and helps us stay focused on our
goals.
Clarity and Focus
A vision provides clarity and focus. It helps us prioritize
our time and energy, and avoid distractions that don't align with our goals.
Resilience and Persistence
When we have a vision, we are more likely to persist in the
face of challenges and setbacks. We have a clear goal in mind, and we are
willing to do what it takes to achieve it.
Creativity and Innovation
A vision can also spark creativity and innovation. When we
are striving for something new and different, we are more likely to come up
with creative solutions and ideas.
A vision is not just a picture of what could be. It is an
appeal to our better selves, a call to become something more. When we have a
vision, we are striving for something greater than ourselves. We are pushing
ourselves to be our best selves and achieve our highest potential. While having
a vision can be challenging, it is also incredibly rewarding. It provides us with
direction, purpose, and motivation. So if you don't have a vision yet, take
some time to reflect on what is most important to you and imagine what you want
to achieve in the future. Your vision may just be the key to unlocking your
full potential.
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