Many think that vision and goals are interchangeable words, while others choose one over the other. However, both are necessary as you work to achieve the desired level of success. Success is a funny thing; it looks different for different people. Some define success as having financial security while others view it as doing what you love, and I am sure others have a different definition of what success looks like in their lives.
When we set goals, we should not do so to please others.
We should never look to set goals based upon how others define success. Nor should we set goals base upon what other people think we should be doing. Living your life based upon what other people think you should be or do, will lead to a miserable journey.
Goals have an expiration date.
Regardless if you establish short term goals or long terms goals, they still all have a deadline. Goals also have a process or steps required to make them a reality. Goals require persistence and a daily desire to win. For some people, it is easy to grab a pen and pad or to utilize the note section on their phones to write out their goals. While for others, this task seems minuscule in comparison to developing a vision.
A vision has no expiration date.
A vision is what you see when you look into the future. For some, your vision may be too grand, and that is okay. You must understand that to some, your vision is an unattainable ideal. However, there are many examples of people who had a vision that seems unattainable. An example would be Martin Luther King Jr. he made his vision known when he said those now-famous words: "I have a dream." The dream seemed to be too big for some and even unattainable, but his convictions would not be moved. He marched, met with people, was jailed, ridiculed, and ultimately died with this vision in mind.
There is a relationship that exists between our vision and the goals we set. The goals should be the daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly things we do to get closer to the vision. Those goals will all have a start date and an end date, but the vision is what we continue to aim at. Of course, during the path to realizing our vision, there are many challenges, difficulties, and discouragement; rather from within or without. For this reason, we must define our why; this will serve as our north star in the journey towards our vision.
Define The Why.
In the moments when doubt tries to creep in, look at your why. In the moments' people around you tell you “it can be done”, look at your why. In the moments you get tired and feel as though you are fighting an uphill battle, LOOK AT YOUR WHY.
Your why is the reason behind your vision. Your vision may be to lose weight, why? And what are the goals you have to put in place to reach that vision of a healthier you? Your vision may be to have financial freedom, why? And what are the goals you have to put in place to obtain that freedom? After you have set the vision, the why has to be well defined, not for anyone else but you! Remember, we do not set goals for anyone else, but ourselves. Others may benefit from it, but if you set a goal that your parents want you to accomplish, or your friends, or your significant other, you will not meet that goal. But even if you do meet that goal, you will not find joy in it, only resentment towards them for not allowing you to be you.
Find A Balance.
Some find it easy to develop goals, while others find it easier to develop a vision. The ideal would be to find a balance between the two. If you find difficulty in doing one or the other, find someone that you see who has strength in the area you do not, and sit at the learning tree; Teachers should never stop being students.
As a leader, we need to have a clear vision, a well defined why, and goals in place to make it a reality. Again, be self-aware, and if you realize you lack in one area, team up with someone who can help. If you think: “there is no one I know that can help” - here is my WhatsApp number (585)454-9859 - I would be happy to help!
Faith.
When we look at the scripture, John the Baptist was someone who had a clear understanding of his vision, goals, and why. John the Baptist was the cousin of Jesus and the man who would prepare the way for the ministry of Jesus. As John the Baptist spoke, people began to follow him and his teachings, in other words, he had disciples. Although he had gained a following and notoriety, this was not his vision - true servitude does the work without looking for recognition.
It was John the Baptist's vision was that everyone would come to repentance and accept Jesus as he was drawing near. John the Baptist's goal was to announce that message, and that those who would repent from their sins, that they may also be baptized. His why was firm as his goals. John the Baptist believed that Jesus was the lamb of God, who takes away all of our sins; in our confession and repentance, we find remission of sins. His vision propelled him to speak out when he saw injustices, and it also cost him his life.
There is a relationship between goals, vision, and why. Understanding this will help you obtain your desired level of success and maintain momentum.
