Happy new year!
It’s the perfect time to plan an amazing start! What goals have you put on hold? What visions do you have swirling in your head? What exactly would you do if money were no object?
Typically, the answers to these questions will lead you to your passion. From there, your passion will lead you to your purpose and once you’re walking in your purpose, you’ll begin to experience the life you’ve always dreamed of.
So, how do you get started? The first step is to hone in on your vision. We all have them. Visions may be dreams, goals or ideas that God gave you (and consistently reminds you of) that defines your ‘why’. Your ‘why’ answers the question as to your core existence. In fact, it explains your purpose (spoiler alert!) and is what ultimately will bring more than money to your life. More valuable than money, visions bring peace, happiness, love and joy.
Most people have visions of what they were born to do or at least hope to do. And, don’t worry if your visions seem far-fetched. Visions are often quite unique. Your vision may be so unique that you’ve never seen any one do it, be it or have it, but that doesn’t mean it’s not possible for you.
So, why don’t more people work toward their visions? Unfortunately, it’s the inability to focus on our own assignments that we often aren’t able to give sight to our vision. It’s truly a terrible thing to have vision and no sight. It’s like having 20/20 vision but the inability to actually see anything. In 2016, we have to take our blinders off.
The Book of Habakkuk is one of the Old Testament. Habakkuk 2:2-3 tells us we have to write the vision (focus) and make it plain (give sight to it).
Write the vision, and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie: though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come; it will not tarry: Habakkuk 2:2-3
Now that you know you can see, you have to be willing than do more than just talk about what you see. You must do what it takes to bring light to what you see.
First, pray and ask God for direction on your vision. Initially, this may not be as easy as it sounds. Set aside some time each day, even if it’s just 10 minutes and be still. Grab and journal and pen and then pray and ask God to give you clarity of his vision for your life. Tell him you want to be who he created you to be. Tell him that he can trust you with your assignment. Focus on these statements and intermittently just be quiet and listen. Begin to write down what comes to your mind. Do this daily as often as you can for as long as you can. The more frequently you do it, the clearer His voice becomes to you. You’ll experience people bringing you words of confirmation about your vision now that you’ve opened up your heart to receive direction from God regarding it. It may be awkward, but like a first date, the second time you do it the easier and more comfortable you’ll be.
Secondly, begin to work toward what you see. If your vision is of you speaking to thousands, identify a speaker that speaks to thousands. Go to their website and sign up for their email list. Go and watch their YouTube videos. Follow them on social media. Focus on how they do what they do. Take notes and even attend a live event. Take in everything you can and learn by example. Be sure to buy their products as a way of supporting them. This will also help you visualize yourself successfully living out your vision. Take it one step further and offer your time as a volunteer to their person’s business or organization. Don’t worry about time or money. God owns both. As you begin to make small steps of progress, you’ll see more doors opening and opportunities present themselves that will lead you to achieving your dreams.
Lastly, make an investment. Cease consumerism for the sake of it (buying designer clothes, purses and shoes, etc.) and invest those resources in training opportunities, conferences or a coach. Most professional basketball players are hired because of their skills. However, each team still provides them with a coach to perfect their skills. That coach provides them with strategies to assist them in focusing on the big picture which is winning.
As you begin this first week of the New Year, what will you do to shift your focus? What will you reassign your time to? What is it that you know you were born to do that ultimately will provide you and your family with the resources to live amazing lives that are filled with peace, happiness, love, and joy? Now, get to it!
