“The most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight, but has no vision” Helen Keller
Several years ago, my life and way of thinking was changed by the power of realizing your personal and family vision.
My Story
I was sitting at my desk while at work wandering what was the deal with my life. I began to ask God, “Why were things going the way they were going”. ”Why was my life on a continuous roller coaster.” To be honest, I was having a good old fashion pity party because I thought no one had it as bad as me.
After several minutes of asking more why questions, I heard God speak to my heart in a still small voice. He simply said, “You need a vision for every area of your life.” I was shocked. I thought I was fine in this area because I had experienced some vision success in business, finances and family, but little did I know that there was a bigger vision God desired for me.
Over the next several weeks, I spent quality time praying and reflecting on the vision God desired for my life. I read and studied my Bible, read books on personal vision and listened to others story about how they realized and achieved their vision. This intense search energized me to become more intent on realizing and living my unique vision.
I sat down with pen and paper and began to write a clear vision for my life, marriage and family that focused on these major life areas (spiritual, relational, physical, mental, social, financial & professional).
During my vision discovery process, God revealed to me five elements of a powerful vision. Therefore, for the remainder of this message, I want to share with you those five elements.
1. Know your purpose – Purpose is your unique life assignment designed by God. It provides the direction for your daily living. Many people do not have a clear definition of who they are and they live life in a maze of confusion never living to their full potential. Your response to God’s purpose is the single most transforming event in your life and all else flows from it.
2. Define your values – Values are deeply held beliefs that define what is right and fundamentally important to you. They provide guidelines for your daily choices and actions. Your core values are central in defining who you are, what you do and where you are going. It is these core values that determine what is really important to you as an individual.
3. See your future – Your future is a clear picture of where you believe God is directing your life. It focuses on where you are going and not where you have been and on the end results and not the process for getting there. You cannot view your future through the lens of others opinion, your limited thinking or your current situation. God will give you a picture of the future that you can only see, believe and achieve through the eyes of vision.
4. Set your goals – A goal is an aim, a purpose or a sense of direction toward which you move all your energies, desires and efforts. They are the targets toward which you point your life. Goals should be straight forward and emphasize what you need and desire to happen. Specifics help you to focus your efforts and clearly define what you are going to do.
5. Work your plan – Once you know your purpose, define your core values, see your future and set your goals the next step is to take immediate action. It is great to have a well written plan to direct your life, but it is not worth the paper it is written on if you do not implement it. To work your plan you must take personal responsibility, realize your vision expectations, develop a focused discipline and continually to improve daily to make your vision a reality.
If you implement these five elements, you will create a powerful vision for your life and family that will impact generations.
Question: How can implementing these five elements help you develop a powerful vision that will impact your family for generations? Leave a comment below.
Anonymous says
Bernard – great post here. Very important points to a life well lived.
Love your logo and the resources you have available here.
Bernard Haynes says
Thanks, Dan for checking out the site. It has been a long labor of love. Now it is time to promote it. I have been greatly empowered to move towards my passion from reading your books, blog posts and listening to the pod cast.
Claudia Good says
love this Bernard!!! I hear ya loud and clear! 🙂
Bernard Haynes says
Thanks, Claudia. I read several of your blogs on Friday and I really enjoyed them. I love what you and your husband are doing. I was really encouraged and inspired to keep slaying the dragons and keep moving forward. I will be in contact.
Barry Hill says
Bernard,
Great stuff! I love that this post begins with God and ends with hustle!
Bernard Haynes says
Thanks, Barry. That is the only way I know to start and end.
Stanley C. Apugo says
Whenever I read any of your posts I get inspired and motivated to achieve God’s plan for my life. Discovering, pursuing and fulfilling God’s plan for one’s life is obviously the path to follow to live a glorious life on earth. This is what you have portrayed in all your posts. God bless you as you continue to inspire and motivate your readers.
Bernard Haynes says
Stanley, thanks for your encouraging comment. I am glad that these posts are blessing your life.