Write the Vision
In recent weeks, I have observed an increase in discussions centered on the need for people to activate their visions, and the importance of beginning to establish goals for 2021. While engaging in different forums focused on these topics, my thoughts were instantly shifted to reflect more so on what God has to say about my specific future goals. As a result of my reflections, I decided to do a little bit of research related to the idea of goals and its discussion within the bible.
Upon my initial research, I observed that within the bible ‘goals’ are labeled as ‘vision/visions’. According to the dictionary, "Vision is the act or power of imagination. A mode of seeing or conceiving" (Merriam Webster). Additionally, the word vision is used in more than 70 bible verses, and this frequent use of the word ‘vision’ speaks directly to God wanting us to understand the importance of establishing visions or goals while we still have the capacity to do so. One of the most popular bible chapters that articulates the importance of vision is Habakkuk chapter 2. Verses two and three in this chapter state, “And the Lord answered me: 'Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay'” (Habakkuk 2:2-3). God calls us to be people of vision. Our ability to visualize all the fruitful things we desire in our lives, could translate to the manifestation of these things. But as the above-mentioned bible verse communicates, we must stand in expectation and be firm in our faith by taking the action step of writing our visions.
Writing your visions and hopes for your future is not a complicated task, especially when it is under the direction of God. There are two initial steps you would need to take if you are ready to establish a clear focus for 2021.
Pray- I understand that some readers might not know their purpose here on earth or might really struggle to determine next steps regarding career, wellness or lifestyle goals. On the other side, there are some people who have ideas related to visions for the future, but at the same time exhibit certain levels of insecurity, unsureness or even fear while trying to activate their vision. If you are someone who wants to have direction for the next phase of your life but do not know where to begin, I would offer the recommendation of taking it to God in prayer. The bible says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). Your struggle with knowing what to do with your life is something that you should bring before God, because you were indeed created for a specific purpose. A bible verse that supports this idea is Jeremiah 1:5 where it reads, “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb” (Jeremiah 1:5). I am sure that during your quiet and intentional prayer moments, ideas will be laid on your heart and you will gain some form of response related to your direction for 2020.
Believe and Write- Pick up your pen and write down your vision for 2021. Reflect on the different areas of your life you hope to improve and the positive experiences you hope to encounter in this upcoming year. Writing your vision is so important, because it provides you with something to reference when you might experience moments of frustration or even when you lose site of the vision. Also, on the other side writing your vision and referencing it periodically positions you to celebrate when things start to happen.
In previous years, I created a vision board at the start of the year. However, the last few years in addition to the vision board, I desired to do something different and a little more meaningful. As a result of numerous changes that had taken place in my life, I acknowledged that I needed to be more intentional in my approach of activating my vision for the year. In a Facebook group I frequented, I observed someone’s post about their success with an intentional goal planner, called Powersheets. After reading reviews and other testimonials related to Powersheets I opted to make the investment and use Powersheets as a resource to help me act on my goals. I must say that Powersheets was one of the best investments I have made in my adult life. Powersheets are created by Cultivate What Matters, which is a Christian based business dedicated to helping women achieve their goals. As a result of the Powersheets, I have met and engaged in biweekly skype calls with a small group of women from around the world who, like me, are dedicated to living out their true purposes in life. Additionally, Powersheets have helped me identify personal barriers keeping me from accomplishing goals, eliminated the belief that my vision for 2021 was too big, and activated action steps to accomplish my vision.
This year I have experienced different personal challenges, however, I continued to pray and remain grounded in my vision. Although there are a few things I am still standing in faith will come to pass before the end of the year, I have accomplished most of the things that I have envisioned for myself. But even with the things I am still praying about, I can say the ball has started rolling in the direction of progress and growth. I am thankful.
I share all of this with the goal of inspiring you to believe that 2021 could be the year where your dreams come to reality. But you must take the necessary first step of writing your vision.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).