Did you know that Walt Disney was fired from a newspaper because he, “lacked imagination and had no good ideas?”
Oprah Winfrey was fired from her job as a television reporter at age 22, because she was, “unfit for TV.”
Steven Spielberg was rejected from film school, not once… not twice… but three times.
Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team.
And Thomas Edison failed about 10,000 times before he successfully invented the light bulb.
So what led these successful and talented people to continue despite failure and rejection?
I want you to consider that it was their VISION.
Carl Jung, the founder of analytical psychology said, “Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.”
But what is Vision?
Vision is a mental picture of the future. It’s an idea of what the future can hold.
It’s the guiding desire inside us that helps us grow and improve. It gives us a sense of purpose, motivates us, and gives us a look at what’s possible.
Vision can be found where architects like Jason Linde imagine new buildings. Or where a Financial Planner like Andrew Kahner dreams of growing their clients’ wealth. It’s an expression of what an organization wants to become, and be known for.
You know I relate to all of you as Leaders. And Vision is crucial when it comes to Leadership.
Here a few things to keep in mind regarding Vision as you move forward in your business and other endeavors…
Vision shows us where we are headed.
As a leader you have to look forward and see where you and the company are going. It helps not only to aid in what you want to accomplish, but also to avoid missteps before they happen.
Vision provides motivation and inspiration to keep going.
It will keep you on course during uncertain times. Or when you hit a setback. And it can maintain our forward momentum and help us to move through obstacles.
When a leader has a strong vision, it’s like a protective armor. Set backs and obstacles are more likely to bounce off or steal less energy from the current course of action. This allows for learning and growth but ultimately perseverance. Not failure.
Vision provides focus.
With all of life’s distractions, and so many people and other elements vying for our attention, it can be hard to feel a sense of accomplishment. Acting on your vision will provide sustenance to accomplish your goals — to focus on the main thing and not get caught up in the mundane.
And Vision provides us meaning and purpose.
As leaders, it will help us see the end result of our efforts. It will give us our, “why?” and the reason that we are doing what we do.
As the famous fashion designer Ralph Lauren said, “A leader has the vision and conviction that a dream can be achieved. He inspires the power and energy to get it done.”
Create and hold tight to your Vision.
The arrival may shift and change. But it’s certainty will rise.
