Vision and Your Life Map

Have you ever attempted to cross a busy street blindfolded? Would you ever try to drive through rush hour traffic blindfolded? Would you board an airplane in London headed for New York if you knew the pilots had accepted a dare to fly with their eyes shut?

If you are a sane person, the answers to all these questions are probably, "No." No person in their right mind would ever drive during rush hour without the proper sight to see where they were going. If you are going to jump in an airplane from Tokyo to Los Angeles, you want to be assured that the pilots can see where they're going. Vision is a very important attribute to have, if we are going to make it safely through life.

Unfortunately, many of us endeavor to make our way in this life with our eyes shut tight. Because we do so, we bing-bong along like a pinball bounced around by the whim of the moment, never feeling fulfilled.

Of course, driving a car or flying an airplane takes more than keeping your eyes open. You also need to know where you are going. Vision includes seeing not only the road, but the right road (or combination of roads).

You can experience your best life today and tomorrow if you keep your eyes open and map out the route to your desired destination. The author of Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey, 2004, calls this seeing the end from the beginning.

Are you accomplishing your hopes and dreams? Are you the husband or wife you want to be? The parent you want to be? Are you on the right path to a life of no regrets? If not, take some time to reorient yourself. Get out your life map and check to see if you are headed in the right direction. Oh...you don't have a life map? Isn't it about time you made one?

In order to make a life map, begin by envisioning what you want others to say about you after you die. What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? When thinking about your legacy, include all your areas of responsibility: (a) your relationships with God, spouse, children, and friendships; (b) your occupation and financial matters; and (c) your volunteer life; etc.

When you take the time to define your vision, you will not only see where you are going, you will also find the best path to the best you fulfilled and satisfied.