Success Principles (Part 2)

PRINCIPLE #1: THE POWER OF VISION

“Everybody ends up somewhere in life. A few people end up somewhere on purpose. Those are the ones with vision.” (Andy Stanley)

“The only thing worse than being blind is having sight without vision.” (Helen Keller)

“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.” (Rosabeth Moss Kanter)

“Vision is the art of seeing the invisible.” (Jonathan Swift)

"Where there is no vision, the people perish." – (Holy Bible - Proverbs 29:18)

Vision is a mental picture of the desired future. It means “foresight” – something you have seen ahead of time. It is what you have seen before acting. As one once said, “It is like a telescope that launches you into tomorrow and also brings nearer your tomorrow today.” Vision is a principle that has transformed ordinary lives into stories of extraordinary achievements.

It takes Vision to have a mission. In essence, without a clear vision - a clear and compelling image of what you hope to achieve - your mission lacks direction and purpose. The vision provides a target, and the mission lays out the plan to hit that target. A strong vision inspires and provides a reason for a mission, ensuring every action is aligned with a larger, meaningful goal.

Having a clear vision backed up with the courage to carry it out significantly increases your chances of success. Vision gives life a sense of meaning and purpose. It enhances positive energy to keep going even amidst challenges, crossing diverse hurdles of life. Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others. It’s your ability to envisage future possibilities that are not immediately obvious or attainable.

What you see about yourself determines so much about you. It could drive you towards succeeding or not succeeding in life. Permit me to ask you - What do you see?

Vision starts in the mind’s eye. It begins as a seed - small, maybe even insignificant to an onlooker, but potent with potential. Think of the Wright brothers, who first envisioned a flying machine when the rest of the world was tied to the ground. They saw not just the reality of the present but the possibilities of the future. Your vision is a picture of your future that you create in your mind and move towards through your actions.

A clear vision acts as a roadmap. It gives you direction and helps you set priorities. When you have a vision, every effort and every sacrifice has a purpose. It’s like setting a GPS destination in your car; the path you need to take becomes clear, and deviations are just opportunities to reroute. Vision isn’t just about seeing the end; it’s about inspiring the action needed to get there.

One of the greatest benefits of having a clear vision is perseverance. There will be obstacles - there will be times when the field seems too vast, the obstacles too daunting. But vision acts as an anchor, keeping you steady in stormy seas. Remember, vision does not make the path easy; it makes it worthwhile. Nelson Mandela's vision of a racially inclusive South Africa is a powerful example. His clear vision helped him endure nearly three decades of imprisonment because he wasn’t just looking at the bars that held him but focused on the freedom beyond them.

Vision is a powerful catalyst for change. It can transform not just individuals but entire communities and even the world. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of a racially equal America changed the fabric of society. His dream was vivid, and his articulate speeches painted his vision so clearly that people couldn’t help but see it, too.

The power of vision transcends mere aspiration. It is an essential success principle because it forges a path through the unknown, fuels your commitment, and brings the invisible into view.

There will be challenges along the way, but you don't relent in your effort; you don’t give up. Keep your eyes on your vision. Aim for it passionately until you cross the hurdles on your way. Be resolute! Be determined! The course through life might be tough and challenging, but you need to give it every toughness it demands. "Tough times never last, but tough people do!". Eventually, you will see the light at the end of the tunnel.

You will succeed!