Vision

Vision: Where are you going?

By Mike Thompson

“Show me a leader without vision, and I’ll show you someone who isn’t going anywhere. At best, he is traveling in circles.” – John C. Maxwell

Would you ever take a road trip or family vacation without having a destination? Of course you wouldn’t, it doesn’t make sense. What would be the point of driving somewhere if you didn’t know where you were going? After all, the point of a road trip or family vacation is to get to the desired location, right?

Unfortunately, this is how most of us go through life. We start driving without having a destination. Sure we have goals and dreams that we would like to accomplish before we die, but we never pick a specific destination. As a result, we drive aimlessly and eventually find ourselves settled in a spot that we never wanted or never saw several years prior. This result comes from lack of vision.

Vision is our destination. It is the place we want to be at the end of our journey. It answers the question, “where are we going?” Without it, there can be no direction. 

Have you ever asked someone for directions to a place you weren’t headed? Of course not, in order to get directions we have to have a destination. Once we have a destination or vision, we can map the roads necessary to get there. Without it, we can never get there.

How do I get a vision?

A vision can come from things like your dreams, values, passions, faith, upbringing, or personal mission. The most effective visions will answer the questions, “what am I born to do” or “what am I born to be?” In his book Leadership 101, John C. Maxwell in regards to vision says, “If what you’re pursuing doesn’t come from a desire within—from the very depths of who you are and what you believe—you will not be able to accomplish it.”

In discovering your vision, brainstorming is a good idea. Write down what you want to accomplish in life, your goals, your dreams, what makes you tic, and what you want to be remembered for. After you brainstorm look over your ideas and see what stands out or sparks a fire in you. Keep in mind even if you’re not completely sure where you want to go, that’s OK but you still need a destination.

Many experiences and transitions in life may change your heart, values, or priorities, but it’s better to pick a destination and pursue it than to wander aimlessly. The key is keeping your vision flexible but always have one to give you direction.