You’ve got a choice. Either strive to follow your vision or simply make do with whatever comes your way. It’s up to you.
photo by Wellstone
Most of us probably start out with the former. Vision is not the same as having a passion. Visions and goals are more easily found. They give reason to what you’re doing. Your vision has likely shaped the story behind why you’re studying Astrophysics, Performing Arts, Geography, English, Law… Whatever you’re doing, it’s unlikely that you’re at university because you chose a course and institution at random.
While you head toward your visions, you make plans and come up with ideas that you hope will turn those visions into realities.
But what if things don’t go according to plan? What if your big ideas weren’t so perfect after all? I’ll tell you what…it doesn’t matter.
Your vision needn’t suffer when your plans have to change. Similarly, your goals can stand firm even if you need new ideas to reach those goals. But vision often gets muddled with plans, even though they are two different things. Sadly, the muddle can lead to ignoring your vision, just because a plan didn’t work out.
Vision is (as I see it, at least!):
- Overall aims and objectives;
- Perception of the future…a destination;
- Movement toward a solid strategy;
- A reason to make plans.
Plans are:
- Ways of getting closer to where you want to be;
- Outlining a way to get from A to B…the route (plans) may change, but the destination (vision) doesn’t;
- Building blocks, but not the overall structure;
- A reason to carry on;
Light up your vision. Work toward your goals. By doing that, review your plans and ideas as you go along. There are always changes along the way, but it’s up to you to embrace the change, rather than let it get in the way of the bigger picture.
That’s why you’re at university. Grab the opportunities while it’s easy to use such a selection of resources. Embrace the world of now so you can love the world of the future.
I’m not saying visions never change. You may get a flash of inspiration, a switch will flick in your head and you’ll see the world in a different way. That’s all the more reason to embrace the visions that come to you and work your plans around them, not the other way around.
With that attitude, passions can become more apparent and you can find more certainty in what you do. Greater clarity brings a vision closer. Consequently, you will be able to plan better.
What do you think? Are you working toward a particular vision? Has a plan backfired, stopping your entire vision in its tracks? Has a minor idea turned into a spectacular vision? I’d love to hear your stories.
photo by woodleywonderworks
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